How to Install a Stair Rug & Runner

Stair runners, sometimes called stair rugs, add color and warmth to a home. If they're installed correctly, stair runners also can improve the safety of the stairs, by preventing slips on slick wood surfaces. You can find runners made of wool, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. Runners come in two basic widths---27 inches and 32 inches---and are sold by the linear foot. Installation requires basic carpentry skills and should take approximately 8 hours along a straight set of stairs.

Things You'll Need

• Stair runner
• Carpet pad
• Tackless strips
• Latex carpet glue
• 3/4-inch carpet tacks
• Knee kicker
• Electric stapler
• Carpet knife
• Carpet tool
• Rubber mallet
• Sheet-metal snips
• Framing square
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw

Instructions

1. Determine how wide the tackless strips should be for the each stair. These strips are placed to anchor the carpet and the padding. Each strip should be 2 inches narrower than the width of the runner. Cut each strip with the snips. Secure each piece on the steps, flush to the risers (the vertical part of the stair), with nails.

2. Measure and cut the carpet pad so that each piece is the same width as the tackless strips and 3 inches longer than each stair. Line the pad up to the edge of the tackless strip and staple every 3 inches. Pull the pad tightly around to the underside of the stair nose (the edge of the stair) and staple underneath. Repeat this for every stair.

3. Frame the edge of the runner with the framing square and trim so it is even (if necessary). Use carpet glue on the edges where you trimmed the carpet to prevent fraying. Wait for the glue to dry before proceeding.

4. Unroll the runner so it covers several stairs. Make sure it is centered properly and staple it at the riser bottom every 3 inches.

5. Use the knee kicker to attach the runner to the tackless strips. Place the knee kicker two inches from the riser and apply pressure down on it. Hit the kicker with your thigh to push the carpet forward and stick the rug to the tackless strip. Start in the center and work your way out every three inches on both sides. Repeat on every stair.

6. Line the carpet tool along the edge of the riser and pound with the mallet to insert the runner into the seam. Staple the runner in place 2 inches up on the riser and under the nose every 3 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find a bulge in the runner, don't try to smooth it out with the carpet tool. Pull up the carpet and start that section over.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Stair Runner