How to Install a Stair Runner Fast!
How to Install a Stair Runner in a few Hours
Fitting a stair runner on your staircase creates a stylish look in your house and can provide many other benefits, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. It Helps With Slips and Falls as well.
You may be surprised to know that with the right knowledge and tools, it is entirely possible to install a Stair Runner yourself.
Here is a look at the benefits of a stair runner carpet and how to install one.
What is a stair runner, and what are the benefits?
A Stair Runner is a long strip of carpet that can be purchased Locally or Bought online in the Length and Width you desire.
A stair runner runs right down the middle of the stairs, leaving the exposed stair visible on either side.
Normal sized wood exposure is from 3 inches to 6 inches
Stair runners are typically Installed on hardwood stairs Over Pad and have many practical benefits, including protecting the stairs, minimizing noise, and reducing the risk of slipping.
They can add a touch of style and flair to a plain staircase.
Measuring and choosing your Stair Runner
You will need to measure your stairs to find out the exact length of stair runner carpet you will need.
How to Measure your Stairs For a Stair Runner
A typical Stair Runner Is 26 to 28 Inches Wide and a Typical staircase has around 12.5 stairs. Each stair Measures in length around 18 inches. Times 12.5 (the Number of Stairs) x 18 inches (the Length of each stair) = 225 inches divided x 12 = 18.75 ft in total length.
So If you Had 12.5 stairs at 18 inches each, you would need around 19 ft of carpet for your stair runner
When you make your choice of Carpet Runner, keep in mind that the material should be durable to withstand the heavy use stairs are subjected to.
Also, you should consider that with a linear or geometric patterned Stair runner,
It will take more time and care to line up during Installation. For complete novices, it may be best to stick to a plain Stair Runner, such as this Natural Artistry Raffia Basket Carpet Runner, which will be more forgiving for first-time DIYers.
Tools Needed for a Smooth Stair Runner Installation
After you have measured and obtained the correct length of Stair Runner, you'll need some additional tools to complete the installation, including a
1/ Roberts Electric Staple gun
6/ Hammer
And a few Honorable Mentions For Installing a Stair Runner is a tape measure a Sharp Pair Of Scissors a Pad Stapler
Get these ready beforehand and keep them handy throughout the process.
How to install Your Stair Runner?
First, you need to clean your wooden stairs to ensure the surface is ready For your Stair Runner 1st Cut the carpet padding to size and place on the stairs.
TIP: (you’ll want to cut the padding around 2 inches narrower than your Stair runner so you have room at each side to staple the Stair runner Down)
Example: If your Carpet Runner is 28 Inches Wide your Pad Needs to Be 26 Inches Wide.
Starting at the bottom of the stairs, use your tape measure to ensure the carpet runner is centered on the stair.
Carefully measure each side, making sure the measurements are equal and that the carpet pad is centered underneath.
Fold the edge of the Carpet Runner down to the bottom of the first stair, and using your staple gun, staple the edge along the carpet.
You will probably need 6 or 7 staples.
Tip: I Like to Staple Every 4 to 5 Inches!
You can then bring the carpet runner up, and you might find it helpful to pre-bend the carpet Runner so it curls nicely over the edge of the stair.
You will need to staple the underside of the edge to ensure it fits smoothly as it goes up.
Using the carpet kicker, maintain pressure on the carpet runner to keep it flat and straight and place a couple of staples at each edge onto the tread.
Then, using the carpet tucker in the corner where the tread meets the riser, create a groove by moving it back and forth to really make sure the carpet runner is fitting tightly and securely.
Then, staple along the groove to keep the carpet runner in place, just as you did at the start.
The first stair is done, and the process needs to be continued up the staircase.
Taking your time, slowly move up the staircase, using the kicker to apply pressure to the Stair Runner.
You don’t want to have any excess carpet; the carpet should be tight enough that it is not a trip hazard.
Staple carefully and ensure all staples are flat to avoid any sharp points sticking up.
As you move up the staircase, keep checking the measurements so you know that the Stair Runner is staying in the center of the stairs and the measurement is maintained on each side.
Staircases are often not straight, but it might be difficult to see by eye, so do keep checking the measurements.
If you need to join Stair runners, you can do this by cutting off any excess from where you staple along the back corner of the riser.
Take the new Carpet runner, fold the unfinished edge under, and then staple along the back so the runner seems to continue.
When you get to the top, simply cut off the excess and staple along the bottom edge of the lip of the top stair.
Once you've followed all these steps, your stairs will have a fabulous new look!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Size Staples Should You Use for a Stair Runner?
Answer: You Should Us 9/16 Crown Staples to Install your Stair Runner!
2. How to Measure for a Stair Runner?
Answer: How to Measure for a Stair Runner
3: How Wide Should a Stair Runner Be?
Answer: Most Popular Width for a Stair Runner is 26 Inch Wide, 28 Inch Wide & 30 Inch Wide
4: How Much Does a Stair Runner Cost?
Answer: A Stair Runner Can Cost From $100 to $2000 Depending on The Quality of the Stair Runner and if You are Doing it Yourself or Hireing a Contractor!
More on how to install a stair runner yourself click here
Leave a comment