Quick and Easy Way to Cover Stairs

Stairs wear quickly if they aren't covered.

Covering stairs adds color and decor to a room, but it also works to protect the stairs. This is particularly important on surfaces that scratch easily, such as wood. Traditional stair covers, like full carpet or carpet runners, take time and money to install. However, you can quickly cover your stairs with individual rugs that fit the space. The benefit of these rugs is they can easily be swapped out when you change your decor.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Non-slip mats

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of each stair and determine how much of each stair you want covered. If you want all of the stair covered, you will need a rug that exactly fits each stair.

2. Purchase rugs that fit your stairs. Search online or at local stores for individual rugs and get enough to cover each step. Choose rugs that are all the same, or buy coordinating rugs.

3. Lay anti-slip rug mats under each rug and center both the rug and mat on each stair. Anti-slip rug mats are necessary so you or your guests don't slip while climbing the stairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut pieces of carpet to fit the stairs for a casual look. This works well if you are short on time or have a limited budget. Find a carpet store that sells ends of rolls for discount carpet for your stairs.

References

• A Place to Journey; Protect the Stairs with Individual Stair Rugs; Andre Fugazi; May 2011
• Stairs4u.com: Carpet Stair Treads