Full Answer
How wide should a carpet runner be for stairs?
Runner Width. When considering a staircase, a common question is how wide should the carpet runner be. The answer to this will depend on the width of your stairs. For stairs that are approximately 3' wide, we would suggest a 27" runner width.
Should I choose a geometric or non-geometric carpet runner for stairs?
Generally, when choosing a pattern for a carpet runner for stairs, we highly recommend that you opt for a non-geometric design unless your stairs do not have curving steps or are perfectly straight. Why?
Do carpet runners need a cushion or underpad?
Though a carpet runner is not as wide as a full carpet, it will still need a cushion or underpad. When looking for a cushion, you should go for a thinner one so that the height of the carpet runner is not considerably raised above your stairs, take note this may pose safety hazards.
How much does it cost to measure for outdoor carpet?
Measure indoor/outdoor carpet like you would any other area, taking the width times the length. For patios, make sure to add a couple extra inches to wrap around the edges. Indoor-outdoor carpets cost an average of $3.50 per square foot.
What is the average cost of a stair runner?
A basic 26" runner off a roll runner will average $21 - $45 per lineal foot. The average straight set of stairs usually need approximately 22 lineal feet so cost excluding installation would start at $462 and could go as high as $992.
Can I install carpet runner myself?
You can totally install a stair runner all by yourself, just a few supplies required. The pads of your feet will definitely thank you.
How much does it cost to have stairs carpeted?
If you're wondering what kind of budget you need for this home improvement project, it costs an average of $650 to install carpeting on stairs, with a typical range of $300 to $1,000. This is based on an average set of stairs that require 60 square feet of carpeting.
What is carpet runner on stairs called?
A stair rod, also commonly referred to as a carpet rod, is an ornamental decorative hardware item used to hold carpeting in place on steps. (Such long but narrow strips of carpeting are known as carpet runners or stair runners or stair carpet).
Do you need a pad under a runner?
Without carpet padding, stair runners are at risk of slipping out of place, which can not only look sloppy, but lead to dangerous slips and falls.
How are carpet runners attached to stairs?
1:134:24How to Install a Stair Runner - The Right Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe width of your stair runner. Whatever you're left with you divide that into two. So I had 4MoreThe width of your stair runner. Whatever you're left with you divide that into two. So I had 4 inches on either side of my stair runner that I marked off with my tape.
How much does it cost to carpet 13 stairs?
Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot to replace. New carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot and the labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot....Carpet installation cost.LocationAverage cost to install2,000 sq. ft. house*$2,100 – $9,000Flight of 13 stairs$150 – $60010 more rows•Aug 18, 2021
How much does it cost to carpet 12 stairs?
The average price to carpet your stairs is around $550, which is for a 12-step stairway and using Berber olefin carpet without spindles. The high end of the spectrum is a 12-step stairway with spindles with wool carpeting can cost up to $2,500. Both projects will require around 12 yards of carpeting.
How long of a runner do I need for 13 stairs?
Multiply the number of steps by the total inches per stair. Then divide by 12 to get the total linear feet necessary for your straight stairs. We recommend adding one extra foot of runner length to your total, just to be safe.
Is a stair runner cheaper than carpet?
Consider Cost and Effort Installing carpet across the entire width of the stairway is much more involved, requiring some skill to fold the carpet correctly along each edge and create a seamless finish. Runners also cost less than full carpeting thanks to their relatively narrow size.
Should I put a carpet runner on my stairs?
Installing carpet on stairs helps protect them from damage and wear. A stair runner can also help muffle the noise that people make as they go up or down the stairs.
How do you carpet stairs cheaply?
0:051:30Budget Staircase Runner- Cheap & fast! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI cut and secured carpet pads to keep my mats from slipping. Then starting from the bottom. I beginMoreI cut and secured carpet pads to keep my mats from slipping. Then starting from the bottom. I begin to secure my rugs.
How do you install a carpet runner in a hallway?
0:214:11How to install carpet in a hallway carpettoolz.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSteps. Stretch straight down get it nice and tight across from the bedroom. There lock it out of theMoreSteps. Stretch straight down get it nice and tight across from the bedroom. There lock it out of the tech. Strip. Down I'm going to fall the way back.
Can you install a stair runner without staples?
For concrete steps and installation without staples, carpet installers use an industrial carpet adhesive called carpet seam epoxy. This adhesive contains synthetic latex resins that serve as an extremely sticky and durable tackless strip replacement.
How do you install a stair runner without damaging hardwood floors?
Unroll the runner over the stairway. Center it over the topmost riser, with its edge taut against the nosing or stair edge. Center the edges of the runner between the pencil marks you make on the treads. Insert staples through the ends and every 4 inches in between the secure the upper edge of the runner to the riser.
Does stair runner need carpet tape?
Stair treads must be attached to the stairs to be safe and effective. Don't simply place the treads on the steps without any form of adhesive or staple. You can use carpet tacks on hardwood or laminate stairs instead of carpet tape, but the tacks leave small holes in the floor.
How Narrow or Wide Should Be A Carpet?
But nevertheless, the option you will pick will depend on the width of your stairs .
What is the Best Type of Pattern?
When it comes to carpet runners, there are lots of patterns available out there. With this in mind, it is really tempting to think purely of which design looks most stunning to the eyes.
How to make sure carpet runner is fully protected?
To make sure that it is fully protected, give your carpet runner a tug. The moment you have secured the location, you can already pull the carpet runner towards the tread. Make sure that the runner is tucked evenly in the wedged part. Also, check that there is no any bulging.
Why do you need a stair runner?
Eliminate Noise. Another reason why you should consider a stair runner is that it eliminates noise. These runners pad the staircases to the extent that there’s no longer much noise or sound created when somebody is moving up or down the steps.
How thick should underpads be for stair runners?
When it comes to underpads, choose one that is thick, maybe around 1/4-inch since it can offer a decent amount of support while keeping the carpet from flaunting. For stair runners, the best options are rubber pads because of their density and firmness.
Where do you end a carpet runner on a stair?
Lastly, once you have finished stapling the carpet runner on every stair, end at the base in which the floor and top stair riser meets.
What are the advantages of stair runners?
In addition to the safety benefit, there is also a powerful aesthetic advantage to a stair runner. In fact, it draws attention to the attention whereas the bare surface beside it will act as an accent to the runner’s focal point. On the other hand, stair runners are one of the best ways to add texture to your staircase.
How wide should a stair runner be?
This width is available at most hardware stores, home improvement centers and carpet stores. Since most stairs have a 36- to 42-inch width , a 32-inch stair runner still provides 2 to 5 inches of visible wood floor space on either side of the runner.
Why do you need a carpet runner for stairs?
If you have wood stairs in your home, you can install a carpet runner to protect the stairs from scratches, weathering and discoloration from sun exposure. A stair runner also provides traction and prevents injuries due to falls.
How much space does a 32 inch stair runner have?
Since most stairs have a 36- to 42-inch width, a 32-inch stair runner still provides 2 to 5 inches of visible wood floor space on either side of the runner. Advertisement.
How wide should a runner be for a staircase?
The company also notes that it is common to install a runner that is at least 32 inches wide if the runner itself is 18 to 20 feet long. The added width helps balance the length and height of the staircase.
Who is Kristine Tucker?
As curriculum developer and educator , Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.
How much does it cost to install a carpet runner on a 16 step staircase?
To install a runner and padding on a 16-step straight staircase, a carpet installer will charge $711 . You can do the job for $375, which includes the cost of the material runner, padding, tackless strips plus a day’s rental of a knee kicker.
How to find stair runners?
You’ll find them online by typing stair runners in a search engine. The runner and padding are fastened to a staircase with tackless carpeting strips secured on the stair and riser using a knee kicker that tucks the material in place.
What is a stair runner?
A stair runner is carpeting designed and sized to fit on a stairway and adds warmth and comfort to your steps. They’re particularly attractive when they complement a decorating scheme. You’ll find them sold by the foot in widths of 26 and 31 inches at flooring and home centers in a variety of colors, designs, and styles.
How to measure carpet area?
To measure for a carpet, measure each area individually following the steps listed below. Figuring carpet area means multiplying width times length for each area and adding them together. You’ll follow slightly different methods for rooms and stairs.
What is remnant carpet?
Carpet remnants. These common roll widths means you’ll purchase more carpet than you actually need, typically about 10% to 20% more. These extra pieces are called remnants. Use them in out-of-the-way spots like closets.
How to calculate square footage of a room?
Multiply the length times the width or enter those into the calculator above. This is your total square footage for that room.
What does it mean to choose the right carpet for your home?
Choosing the right type of carpet for your home does mean varying costs and design choices. As part of your flooring research, look into the various types in our carpet buying guide. Then calculate carpet costs by type.
How wide is a roll of carpet?
How Carpet is Sold. Retailers sell carpet in precut widths on a roll, most commonly 12 feet in width. 13.5- and 15-feet widths are also available. If you have a room 10 feet wide by 10 feet long, you’ll need to purchase a 12 foot by 10-foot section of the roll. A couple of notes to consider before purchasing:
How to find the number of feet on stairs?
Divide by 12 and round up to get the number of feet. Measure the width of the stairs and round up to the nearest foot . Multiply the width from step 4 by the length from step 3. Add in any landings you have. Multiply the width and length of the landing. Add that number.
How many inches is 7+7+2?
7+7+2 = 16 inches. 7 inches for each rise and run plus two inches for the nose and overage
How many inches per tread for a runner?
Runners are sold by the linear foot, this result is calculated/rounded up to a full foot. Footage calculation uses 19 inches per tread + riser total, a safe number for most straight stairs. SEE MORE INFO BELOW
What is runner material sold by?
Runner material is sold by the linear foot, in full foot increments.This calculator asks only for your tread count - riser count and your result/calculated footage will auto-fill.
What is riser in a run of steps?
Riser = The vertical component between each step/tread. You’ll have 1 more riser than tread in a run of steps - this field will auto-fill adding 1 to tread count.
Do you need email and name to submit a question?
Name and Email are required in order to submit a question.
Runner Width
- When considering a staircase, a common question is how wide should the carpet runner be. The answer to this will depend on the width of your stairs. For stairs that are approximately 3 feet wide, we would suggest a 27-inch runner width. This width allows for good coverage so that you …
Type of Pattern
- Patterned runners are beautiful, and come in a limitless choice of colors and designs. Be sure that the pattern will work on stairs. Some patterns are more effective on long, flat surfaces, such as a runner in a hallway, and don't work as well when they are bent and folded over the stairs. If you have a curved or winding staircase, this is even more of a concern. Unless you have a straight st…
Pattern Size
- For the scale of the pattern, it is best to go small on a stair runner. Large patterns will be lost and will look too uneven as the carpet bends over each stair. Smaller patterns will nicely showcase the design of each tread and riser. On narrow staircases, a small pattern can help the stairs to seem wider, as multiple pattern repeats trick the mind into seeing a bigger expanse.
Custom Runner
- Perhaps you would prefer a runner with no pattern, or with a more subtle design (such as one created by a cut and loop style). In these cases, having a runner made out of broadloom is your best bet. The runner can be cut to your exact specifications and finished on the sidesby binding or serging the edges. Having a runner custom made out of broadloom can often be less expensive …
Stair Treads
- One option for stair carpeting is to cover only the tread (the part of the stair that you step on) with a runner and leave the riser (the back) of the stair uncovered. This creates a different overall effect than covering the whole stair and can be a good choice in more minimalistic or modern decors.
Decorative Rods
- Rods are an optional accessory to stair runners. A metal rod is installed at the back of the stair, where the riser meets the tread—such as pictured above. The rod is not actually holding the runner in place. The runner is installed using staples, tackless, or whatever other means deemed appropriate by the installer. The rod is merely decorative and is completely optional. Rods usuall…
Underpad
- Despite the fact that the carpet runner is a small piece of carpet, it still requires a cushion or underpad. The best cushion for under a runner is very thin so that it doesn’t raise the height of the runner by much. It should also be dense, to adequately support the runner so that the carpet doesn’t flex too much when walked on. A pad of one-quarter-inch thickness is ideal for under a s…