Stair Runner Installation: How To Put A Runner On Stairs In 6 Steps

What makes your home cozy? One of the correct answers is a comfortable runner for your stairs. This covering attribute has many essential functions:

• Protect wooden stairs from accidental damage;
• Become a safe barrier for kids and pets;
• Reveal sweet memories about childhood for adults adding some classic style.

You must know how to put a runner on stairs to reach all these goals. This process is simple if you strictly follow the presented instructions. In the end, you receive a desirable result.

With our portal, you may discover different methods for home maintenance. Everyone who loves to keep their houses by themselves could find valuable recommendations. The stair arrangement could become exciting. So, do not waste time and use this guide for your needs.

How to Put a Runner on Stairs?

The stair runner is a special carpet type that requires proper installation efforts. Before putting this covering on your stairs, check the preliminary measurement several times. Correct dimensions guarantee the expected results without omissions. As such, you may be calm. Nothing could spoil your stair decoration.

After fixing the inputs, you need to accomplish the algorithm of actions. To this end, the following points might be helpful:

• Prepare necessary tools for work;
• Choose preferable installation options;
• Install tackless strip;
• Fix runner with nails and staple pins;
• Perform the final arrangements.

The presented recommendations are general. You may modify them in line with your particular cases. But each piece of advice is practical and checked by professionals.

Before starting interior improvements, pay attention to one of the essential cautions. Stair runner installation is more suitable for classic straight wooden samples. Modern options with metal structures do not fit these arrangement manipulations.

Make Stairs Measures

Measurements are a basis for well-arranged carpets. Focus on several parameters related to ways of how to put a runner on stairs:

• Width from skirting board to a carpet edge;
• Width from a baluster to the other carpet edge;
• Height between stairs;
• The total length of the stair runner.

Estimate each indicator carefully. Also, verify your calculations before starting the actions. The final values depend on your preferences. But interior designers recommend leaving some space on each stair. If your staircase is made of ecological materials, do not hide them under the carpet. Combine timber with runner type.

Also, buy a runner slightly longer than your calculations are. In practice, the width limitations are 3 to 5 millimetres on both sides of every stair. As such, you avoid the risks of leaving some stairs without covering them.

Prepare Necessary Tools

Once you have summed up all inputs, it’s time to act. Collect everything you might need to add a runner to the stairs. You are free to gather the necessary tools. But specialists recommend concentrating on several essential supplies:

• Tape measures to define the correct dimensions for stair runner installation;
• Tackless strips to strengthen the carpet surface;
• Pneumatic stapler to fix the runner on stairs;
• Knee kicker, rubber mallet, and carpet tool for better assembling a rubber along the stairs;
• Carpet knife to remove the unnecessary runner parts or mild fibre defects;
• Optionally, trim nails and glue for durable fixation of the runner and the tackless strip.

Choose the Preferable Installation Option

The runner width on the stairs and the ready supplies are needed to complement the planning stage. It would be best if you also decided how to put a runner on the stairs.

Traditionally, specialists qualify two main methods to arrange a runner on stairs:

• Waterfall. One of the advantages is the significant savings of the used runner. According to the arrangement technique, the runner resembles waterfall waves. The clipped pad corner hides the inequalities of stairs. Visible holes or stains on the risers do not spoil the aesthetic interior vision;
• Hollywood. The smooth covering is a dream of any perfectionist. Despite longer runner dimensions, the fixation with protection highlights the stair design. For this option, you should not choose carpets with high piles.

Install Tackless Strip

Runners could receive severe damage if you forget about tackless strips. These applications become extra protection for runners. If your stairs are well-polished, you may avoid the risks of accidental traumas.

The tackless strip installation includes several steps:

• Put strips on each stair;
• Check their widths. Their dimensions should not prevail over stair parameters;
• Fix the tackless strips with nails. As such, you could ensure their stable positions.

Fix Runner with Nails and Staple Pins

Once you distinguish the ideal formula for runner placement, you need to move forward. It’s time to fix your covering. For the final stair runner installation, nails and staple pins are suitable tools.

When collecting the working attributes, you have easy instructions for the following actions:

• Start to fix runner edges from top to bottom;
• Use staple pins moving to the lower stairs. Place these pins at a short distance. They are safe for runners. Indeed, you may find the recommendations about their straightforward removal;
• Apply short nails for extra fixation. They strengthen runner positions in pads.

Perform the Final Arrangements

The final step is to add some decorations to a runner on the stairs. For instance, the classic design options foresee the following accessories:

• Stair rods. Golden attributes look gorgeous and luxurious. These elements strengthen the installed runner. Running or other active actions do not change the covering positions;
• Protection edges. The extra fixation items have several values. Apart from security features, you may receive exclusive decor.

Summary

Runner-arranged stairs are a fancy design option for the house. As such, your home receives many unique features. To keep your house cozy, follow our portal for extra recommendations. In particular, you may discover the secrets of dyeing and cleaning carpets. Everything aims to make your lovely place preferable for inhabitants and guests.

FAQ