Transform Your Stairs with this DIY Stair Runner Guide

I have been dreaming of adding a stair runner to our stairs for years! I knew it would be a costly project if installed professionally so in true Kasey fashion I figured I would try a DIY first. This guide will provide you with the things I used and walk you through my process. It was a fairly simple and cost effective way to add so much charm to our home.

Our home is 120+ years old so there was extra planning that went into this. I had to find a modern runner that would fit the width of our narrow stairs and that also came in multiple lengths since I had two stairs to do. Lucky for me I found one that checked all the boxes!

Materials and tools you will need:

Linked below are the materials I used:

• Stair runner: I purchased (3) different sized runners. (2) for the first set of stairs to cover 14' and (1) for the second set of stairs to cover 10' This runner is cloud pile making it thicker and soft to touch. The "vintage" look and busy pattern helped hide the transition of the two runners and the staples.

• Staple gun and staples: I have had this electric staple gun forever - christmas lights, upholstered furniture and now stairs hate to see me coming. I chose 1/2" staples to ensure it went in and held the runner.

• Measuring tape: Always!

• Scissors or utility knife: A knife to cut the runner and scissors for the carpet tape

• Double-sided carpet tape: Helps hold the runner in place during installation. I used on the treads only.

• Plastic putty tool: I used a plastic wallpaper smoother tool to help push the runner into the edges

• Stair Rods (optional): Jewelry for the stairs! I was so excited to come across this company because most rods I found were so $$$ but this was actually managable.

Prep your stairs and project:

1. Clean the stairs and touch up any paint if necessary

2. Measure each stair: including the tread (horizontal part) and riser (vertical part).

3. Decide runner width: Typically, leave 2 to 4 inches of exposed stair on each side for a balanced look. This was tricky for my old stairs. Keep in mind if you are doing stair rods the width of your runner and the stair rods match up. I did not check that but lucky for me it was a perfect match.

   
   

Let the fun begin:

Recruit a helper if you can!

1. Start at the top of your stairs and add carpet tape to each tread

2. Position the runner

Lay the runner over the first steps to make sure you are even on both sides

3. Secure the runner

Staple the runner to the back of the riser, push the carpet into the edge and pull back the carpet tape to place the runner over. Staple along the riser.

4. Work down the stairs

Pull the runner tightly over the nose of the tread and staple under the nose. Then pull the tape backing. Use your scraper tool to push the runner into the edge and then smooth the runner over the tread. Add staples to the riser and repeat until finished.

Where I placed staples - (5) under the nose of the tread and (3) along the riser. This is hidden by the stair rod. The pile of my runner also helps with hiding the staples.

5. Trim runner

Use a sharp utility knife and straight edge to cut the leftover runner. I add a final piece of carpet tape to the last riser to adhere the end of the runner to for extra support. Then staple.

6. Add the jewels

Add your stair rods for a fancy touch!

I love how it turned out! Not only did it make our old creeky stairs a bit quieter, it added warmth and character. The stair rods really gave it an elevated finish that is so period appropriate for our home.

Can you even tell where the two runners meet? About 5 steps up! I was lucky enough for the first runner to end right under the nose of a tread making it easy to secure and seamlessly start the next runner. Something I didnt plan for but it worked out perfectly.

Here you can see where the two runners meet right under the nose. I secured the second runner to the riser first and then placed the first runner over top to finish it off. I didnt want to cut the two runners to connect them for the sake of keeping the rugs integrity.

Overall this project was super simple, incredibly cost effective and provided a big impact!! If you have been dreaming about adding a stair runner to your stairs let this be the sign to go for it! If you do try it yourself, tag me on instagram @kaseygalikinteriors or reach out if you have any questions!