Are you considering carpeting for your stairs? If yes, you have an installation choice: waterfall vs. Hollywood for those stair runners.
If you aren't sure about carpeted stairs, read on so you understand the benefits and the options available to you.
Ready to learn more?
Carpeting your stairs is a good idea from multiple perspectives, not least of which is how beautiful a design statement it can make in a home. Here are other reasons.
When you're ready to install carpet on stairs, you have a choice between two installation styles: waterfall and Hollywood.
Just as the name 'waterfall' suggests, this installation method cascades the carpet down each step, creating a waterfall effect.
Essentially, the carpet is attached to the edge of the tread (the flat part of the step) and goes straight down the riser to the next step or tread, without being secured to the riser.
This style is more casual. It's also more commonly used than the Hollywood method. It's ideal for striped or patterned carpets as the pattern runs much more smoothly down the stairs.
The image below captures the waterfall method. Instead, though, of being a runner, this is a wall-to-wall installation we completed.
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The second stair runner installation style is known as Hollywood.
In the case of the Hollywood method, rather than cascading down the tread the carpet wraps tightly around the front edge of it and is then stapled under the stair nose.
The end result is tailored, professional-looking, and elegant. In fact, it's often used for the most visible stairways in a home. In the image below, for example, which comes from the same installation described above, you see a Hollywood stair runner on the steps leading from the front door area into the living area. It makes a strong design statement!
The Hollywood installation is also known as the French Cap method and the upholstered method.
This style takes longer to install than the waterfall method and also requires more carpet.
You have a multitude of style and design options when it comes to selecting carpet runners for your stairs. Just about any carpet available can be customized for you whether specifically designed as a runner or broadweave carpet - with a pattern or without.
If you'd like, you can even customize an area rug to complement or coordinate with your stair runner.
>> See Looking for the Perfect Sized Custom Rug for Your Home? We Have It!
You can also select from a range of carpet fibers - whether wool, nylon, olefin or a blend. Construction and pattern will help you find the right design and color to address the level of traffic you expect, as well as accommodate any pets or kids.
>> See Try Flatweave Wool Carpet for that Nubby, Natural Sweater Look
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Although we've focused primarily on stair installation methods for runners, when it comes to carpeting the entire stairs (as you saw above), you may have to take into consideration railings.
For an experienced carpet installer, railings aren't an issue although they add complexity since the carpet has to be cut around each post and then re-joined on the other side.
Some stairways have landings or curves as they go up. An experienced installer knows how to take these changes into account and will help you estimate quantity so as to trim excess carpet accordingly from step to step.
These installations come from our Instagram feed.
>> Also check out the Floor Decor Design Center Custom Area Rug Installation Guide.
If you're ready to carpet your stairs, we hope you'll consider Floor Decor Design Center.
When you visit one of our two showroom locations in Middletown or Orange, you'll find a rich selection of carpet runners to pick from.
And, if you'd prefer to work with a designer, we can help you with that, too, via our Shop at Home Design service.
Let us know of any questions in the comments or contact us.
We look forward to helping you.
Thanks for reading,