If you’re an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, you’ll enjoy installing your stair runners. However, if you don’t have much DIY experience you might be taking on more than you can handle, especially if you have a winding staircase. If this is the case, a professional installer would be worth the expense.

If you do choose to install your runners on a straight staircase, be prepared for a challenging project that requires patience and the proper tools and supplies.

In the format of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), following are some basic tips to help you plan your stair runner installation project. Nevertheless, we suggest that you do some further research before undertaking the task.

FAQs about Stair Runner Installation

Q. How wide should my stair runner be? 

A. The runner should be approximately 6 inches narrower than the staircase measured between a baluster and the skirt board.

Q. How long should my stair runner be? 

A. For most straight staircases, multiply the number of steps by 1 ft 9 in. You can arrive at a precise length as follows:

*For waterfall installations add the tread depth to the riser height, multiply by the number of treads on each straight run of stairs and add one foot.

*For winders, pie shaped or curved steps and staircases with landings included it is recommended that steps be professionally measured by an experienced carpet mechanic, in order to determine the correct amount of material needed.

Q. Do I need a pad under the runner?

A. Yes! The pad beneath the runner reduces wear on the treads and adds a luxurious feel when you are walking up or down the stairs. We recommend that you use a firm pad made of synthetic or natural fibers. The pad should be at least ¼ inch thick and weigh at least 32 ounces a yard. Payless Rugs, a leading seller of rugs, runners and accessories, recommends that the stair tread and nose of the step be padded with a quality pad like our Dura Grip Plus Stair Tread Pad, to avoid premature wear.

Q. Can I use stair rods to hold my runner in place?

A. No. Stair rods are for decorative purposes only and will not hold a stair runner in place.

Q. What tools and materials will I need to install a stair runner?

A. You will need the following, many of which you can rent from carpet stores or tool rental centers:

*Tape measure

*Carpet knife

*Rubber mallet

*Carpet tool

*Electric stapler with 9/16-inch narrow-crown staples.  Note: Traditional, spring-powered hand staplers lack the power to penetrate pile and backing.

*Knee kicker Framing square

Latex carpet glue

Tackless strip

Q. What is a tackless strip?

A.  The days of carpet tacks are almost gone; instead carpet installers use what is known as tackless strips. These thin pieces of plywood are fitted with angled rows of sharp pins protruding through the top side to hold the runner in place where the tread and riser meet.

For detailed instructions, you’ll find some excellent resources online. 

For a complete a complete selection of rug runners, area rugs, rug pads and home accents, visit PaylessRugs.com, or call 866-784-7123 to speak to a customer service representative.Visit to know more about us -http://www.paylessrugs.com/chandra.html