How to Install a Stair Runner (original) (raw)
How to Install a Stair Runner in 10 Easy Steps
Improve safety and dampen sound by installing a stair runner
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Install a stair runner as an attractive staircase improvement that quiets footfall and improves grip and safety. Though not complicated, the project is best approached with care to prevent the runner from loosening over time.
It takes about half a day to install a stair runner on a short staircase. At 10perlinearfootforthestairrunnercarpeting,theprojectcostsjustover10 per linear foot for the stair runner carpeting, the project costs just over 10perlinearfootforthestairrunnercarpeting,theprojectcostsjustover200.
Before You Begin
Stair runner carpeting for staircases is purchased by the linear foot. Stair runner carpeting looks like hallway carpeting but its long edges are finished and the ends are cut. With hallway carpeting, all four edges are finished. The cost of stair runner carpeting ranges from 5to5 to 5to20 per linear foot.
Materials
- Stair runner carpeting
- Carpet padding
- Double-sided carpet tape
Measure the Stairs
Measure the depth of one of the stair treads (the steps) and count the number of treads. Measure the height of one of the stair risers (the vertical part) and count the number of risers. Also, measure the width of one of the treads.
Tip
Most staircases will not have an equal number of treads and risers. There will be one fewer tread than number of risers since the top of the staircase is not a step.
2. ### Calculate the Length of Runner
Multiple the number of stair treads by the tread depth. Multiply the number of stair risers by the riser height. Add the two totals. Add another one to two feet of excess. Note that the tread length is also the length of the carpet padding to purchase (padding is not installed on risers).
| Example | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part | Number | Distance | Totals |
| Treads | 11 | 10 inches | 110 inches |
| Risers | 12 | 7 inches | 84 inches |
| Sub-Total | - | - | 194 inches |
| Excess | - | - | 24 inches |
| TOTAL | - | - | 218 inches |
| For a staircase with 12 steps | |||
| 3. ### Decide on the Runner Width | |||
| Stair runner width is more flexible. Leave at least 2 inches of width on each side. So, a staircase with 36-inch treads should have a runner that's around 32 inches wide or less. At the same time, avoid choosing a stair runner that's too narrow for better visual balance. | |||
| 4. ### Cut the Carpet Padding | |||
| With scissors, cut one piece of padding that is 2 inches narrower than the stair runner and 3 inches deeper than each tread. Snip off two corners on one of the long sides at 45-degree angles. Duplicate the remainder of the tread sections from this template. |
Tip
For a stair runner that is 32 inches wide on a staircase with treads that are each 10 inches deep, each carpet padding section should be 30 inches wide and 13 inches deep.
5. ### Install the Carpet Padding
Staple one of the carpet pad sections on a stair tread, with the angled edge facing the front. The back of the padding should not butt against the stair riser. Instead, leave a quarter-inch of space between the back of the pad and the riser.
Staple down the back of the pad with three or four staples. Curve the front of the pad down and under the stair nose (projection). Staple upward into the nose to hold the front of the pad in place. Complete the rest of the stair treads.
6. ### Lay the First Strip of Carpet Tape
On the bottom-most stair riser, run a strip of double-sided carpet tape along the base of the riser. The tape should be a couple of inches shorter than the width of the carpet runner.
7. ### Staple the Carpet to the First Riser's Nose
Press the end of the carpet runner against the double-sided tape. Add four staples to the riser. Curl the runner up over the first tread's nose and force it tight with the mason's chisel. Add staples every 3 or 4 inches under the stair nose and an equal number of staples on top of the nose.
Tip
Use a blunt tool like a mason's or bolster chisel rather than a putty knife to avoid cutting into the carpeting.
8. ### Staple the Back of the First Tread
Push the carpet into the back of the tread—the 90-degree angle where the tread meets riser. The quarter-inch of space afforded by the carpet padding allows you to force the carpet tightly into this space with the chisel. Staple every 3 to 4 inches directly into the corner.
9. ### Continue the Rest of the Stairs
Repeat this method for the rest of the stairs until the last stair riser.
10. ### Finish the Final Stair Riser
Curl the carpet toward you. Use the mason's chisel to force the carpet under the top landing nose. Work the chisel along with width of the runner and, as you go, cut the carpeting with the utility knife.
When to Call a Professional
Carpeting technicians can install a carpet runner on the staircase for you if there are any complicating factors such as landings, seaming from one running to another runner, hardwood stairs that are difficult to staple into, or an especially large number of stairs.