How to Install a Stair Runner with Stair Rods
How to Install a Stair Runner with Stair Rods
How to put a runner on stairs quickly and easily with this stair runner method plus installing stair rods
If I can put a rug somewhere, I am going to, it’s just who I am.
I disdain carpet but I deeply love rugs, they can add so much character and texture to a space. Plus they are easier to clean than a room full of carpet.
When I initially designed this staircase/entryway makeover, I knew I wanted a stair runner to ground the entire project.
In fact I picked out the stair runner I wanted to use before I decided on anything else for the space.
This was my first time installing a stair runner though so I did a ton of research before starting. Today I figured I would share all my tips and tricks for installing a stair runner of your own.
It was so much easier than I thought it would be and I came up with some ways to really take the guesswork out of the entire process.
How to Determine the Rug Runner Size
1. Measure the Staircase Width: Use a measuring tape to determine the width of the staircase. Usually you want 4-8″ of wood visible on the sides of the staircase rug runner. This is just personal preference though.
2. Determine the Length of the Runner: Measure the length of one stairs riser and tread, add these numbers together. Multiply that number by how many stairs you have to determine the length rug runner you will need. If your staircase has a landing, include that in your measurement.
3. Decide on Material: This is again just preference but I suggest choosing a low pile rug for your staircase rug runner. It will be easier to install and less of a tripping hazard.
I rounded up some really amazing rug runners you can check out here!
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Stair Runner Install Supplies:
- Rug Runner
- Rug Gripper
- Measuring Tape
- Double Sided Carpet Tape
- Bolster Tool or Straight Edge
- Carpet Scissors
- Battery Powered Stapler
- Stair Rods (optional)
How to Install a Stair Runner
Installing the Rug Grippers
The first step in installing a stair runner is installing the rug grippers.
Each step needs a rug gripper to help keep it in place. I ordered this long rug gripper off of Amazon and cut it down to size.
I made a template out of paper for the width and length rug gripper each step needed. The rug gripper should be 2″ smaller than the rug runner’s width and about 2″ from the stair treads front.
To install the rug grippers I made a scrap wood spacer the width that the grippers needed to be inset from the edge of the stairs. Some people use painters tape to mark the location but using a spacer saved me from having to measure each step.
I placed the double sided carpet tape at the edge of the spacer, removed the paper backing, and installed the rug gripper.
How to Put a Runner on Stairs
After the rug grippers are all in place it’s time to move onto the rug runner. Start at the top of the staircase on the first stair riser.
I made another scrap wood spacer to set the placement for the rug runner. Again this was just easier than having to maneuver a measuring tape and the rug.
Staple the top of the runner directly underneath the top stairs bullnose, this is the part of the stair tread that hangs over a little. I used a combination of nails and staples to secure the rug runner.
After the rug runner is attached under the bullnose I used a square to push the runner into the corner of the stair. This is where a bolster tool would have come in handy but I was too impatient to wait for it to arrive…
Once the rug is pushed into the corner, secure it with staples and nails every few inches along the top and bottom of the riser.
Then I just continued this same process working my way down the staircase. Use the spacer to keep the rug running straight down the stairs and pull the rug runner snugly as you work your way down the staircase.
How to End a Staircase Runner
After I was finished with this install I learned about carpet scissors… If I could have one do over it would be to purchase some before this project.
Once you get to the final stair, pull the rug runner snug against the bottom of the stair and cut off the rug runner plus 3 extra inches. I added painters tape to the place where I needed to cut to help stop the rug runner from fraying.
I used regular scissors to cut this carpet and it took me 10 minutes to make it all the way through and my hand was very sore afterwards… Should have bought the carpet scissors!
Tuck the excess fabric underneath the rug runner and staple into place. I was worried about it looking too thick with the excess rug but it isn’t noticeable at all.
I have seen where other people burn the edges of the carpet to keep it from fraying, but it seems secure just tucked. I’ll update if the runner starts unraveling but I doubt it will…
How to Install Staircase Carpet Rods
Installing the stair runner was so simple and only took me three hours to complete.
I absolutely love the look of the new stair runner but I felt like it needed a little something extra… carpet rods!
Carpet rods are perfect for adding a little extra something to your staircase runner and they also hide all the staples and nails.
Staircase carpet rods come in all kinds of finishes and detailed ends.
Here are some of my favorite stair carpet rods:
Unfortunately the stair carpet rods I really wanted were just a bit (a lot) out of the budget for this project. I had to either splurge on the new chandelier or carpet rods. I chose the chandelier and I think I made the right call!
So in order to keep the stair carpet rod cost down I went with plain brass rods and eye bolts. Maybe I will update them in the future but for now I am very happy with the look and price of these stair carpet rods.
Staircase Carpet Rod Supplies:
- Brass Rods
- Eye Bolts
- Small Drill Bit
- Pliers
How to Install Stair Runner Carpet Rods
Start by determining how much you want the staircase runner carpet rod to overhang the runner itself. Our rods ended up being 30″ which gave us about 2″ of overhang on each side.
If you want to save even more money you could buy plain metal rods at your local hardware store and then add a little Rub n Buff to change the color.
Start by using a small drill bit to drill a pilot hole on each side of the rug runner. Drill the hole so it is right in the corner of the stair tread and riser.
Next screw in the eye bolt, start it by hand, then use pliers to make sure it is nice and tight.
Finally you can simply insert your stair runner carpet rod into the eye bolts.
How to Install a Stair Runner with Stair Rods Reveal
This stair runner install has been hands down the easiest part of this staircase/entryway makeover!
Installing the stair runner with the stair rods took me four hours total and completely elevated the look of this staircase.
I love the texture and color the runner adds to this space and the rods are really the cherry on top.
I also love that this rug runner makes these creaky old stairs quieter, it definitely makes sneaking out of our toddlers room easier. Consider this DIY project also a parenting hack!
We are almost finished with this staircase/entryway makeover and I am so excited to see it all come together.
Let me know what you think about this stair runner addition.
Catch Up on the Staircase/Entryway Makeover Here:
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