Janine & Michael's Floor Talk Blog | Floor Decor CT Blog

Installing Carpeted Stair Runners DIY or With Your Own Installer

Written by Janine & Michael | Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Did you know that you can order carpet for your stairs from Floor Decor Design Center in Connecticut, and have it delivered to you? From there, you can decide whether to install it DIY or work with a local installer you trust to finalize your stair runner project. 

Would you like to learn more?

Ordering Stair Runner Carpet for Delivery

You're not the only one interested in ordering carpet for your stairs from a flooring showroom for delivery rather than for installation through the showroom.

Perhaps you really like a specific carpet style that you can only obtain through that one store. (We encounter that a lot from customers who have fallen in love with specific Paradiso, Doma, Newton, and Proximity Mills carpet patterns.)

>> See The Best Paradiso and Doma Carpet Styles

Or maybe you trust only that store for the best selection and deal for your flooring. (Many of our customers are frequent repeat and/or word-of-mouth endorsers because they trust us completely.) 

>> See Customer Reviews

And, even though, you've moved out of the Connecticut area, you feel strongly about maintaining the relationship and working locally for installation.

Or, you may have your heart set on putting your mark on your house and doing a DIY stair runner project yourself...

Regardless of the reason, it's possible to work with Floor Decor Design Center for your carpeted stair runners.

>> See A Stair Runner Pricing Guide

Couristan Daring in Aegean Blue - 31" Custom Stair Runner Fabricated with Cotton Binding

First Step: Select Your Stair Runner Carpet

Step 1 is selecting the right carpet pattern for your staircase.

You have two options:

  • Pre-made Runners  
  • Custom Runners

Pre-made Carpet Stair Runners

Pre-made - as the name suggests - are specifically made to be hallway or carpet runners. They tend to be traditional and oriental patterns with borders along the sides and between 26" to 31" wide.

You'll find 15-20 different styles of these type of runners in a 27"-width at Floor Decor Design Center in Orange, Connecticut.

Custom Carpet Stair Runners

When it comes to custom runners you have as many choices are there are styles of carpet available in the showroom. These can be solid colored, or in any number of abstract, geometric, traditional, animal print, floral or other patterns selling. In other words, anything is possible!

The choice becomes one of what's best given your staircase and the design style in your home.

>> See What is the Best Carpet for Stairs?

For ideas, be sure to explore these articles which all include many images:

>> See 20+ Carpeted Stairs Examples to Inspire You

>> See Before & After Stair Runner Makeover

>> See Persian Design Stair Runners for a Gorgeous Connecticut Home

You can also check out the carpet catalog on the Floor Decor Design Center website. In most cases, you'll be able to get an idea of how that carpet will look on the stairs in your home with the Visualizer!

Note that smaller patterns tend to be more visually pleasing and easier to line up during installation.

Milliken Cavatorri in Carrara Cream - 27" Custom Stair Runner Fabricated with Cotton Binding

Step Two: Stair Runner Dimensions

 

Once you've chosen your carpet style, you'll need to detail the dimensions of your staircase. Those measurements are critical for determining how much carpet to order for your project. Here's what you need to measure:

  • How many steps does your staircase include?
  • What is the depth and height of each riser? (A rule of thumb is ~1'9" for both; however, it's important to check as not all staircases are the same.)
  • How wide across is each step? 
  • Is your staircase a simple straight one or do you have a landing?
  • What are the dimensions of the landing?
  • As it relates to your carpet pattern, what is the pattern repeat? You'll need enough to match the pattern during installation.

You'll also want to take into account the type of installation as that will affect the quantity of carpet needed.

>> See Waterfall vs. Hollywood Stair Runners

By the way, if your stairs have a landing, you may prefer to engage a professional installer rather than try this as a DIY project. Landings add complexity, especially if you are trying to match patterns and need to take curves into account. Straight stairs are more straightforward to install.

 

Step Three: Stair Runner Binding

Next, you'll want to decide on what kind of binding you'd like for your stair runners. There, too, you have options. Polyester binding is standard. However, other choices include serging, cotton binding, leather, and even wide binding. 

>> See Selecting the Right Binding Option For Your Custom Rug

 

Tapique Torch in Sandy Taupe Roll Runner - 26" Finished with Serging.
Although this specific style is discontinued, we have similar variations such as Anderson Tuftex Taza available.

Step Four: Stair Runner Carpet Delivery

In terms of timing, assume three weeks for the carpet to be delivered from the time you ordered it. During that time, the carpet is ordered, cut, bound, and shipped.

It will be sent via FedEx or UPS directly to your address.

Floor Decor will not deliver carpet rolls to an installer unless you, the client, have established a relationship with an installation company and they have the equipment to receive a roll of carpet.

 

The package will be between 27" and 36" in width (this would depend on the width of your runner), rolled up and packaged with thick plastic wrap to prevent any damage during transit.

Although carpet doesn't need to acclimate before installation, keep in mind the carpet is only warranted within a temperature range of 65 - 80 degrees F. Anything below or above would void the manufacturer's warranty.

 

Installing Carpeted Stair Runners Yourself:

What do you need?

If you intend to install carpeted stair runners yourself, you'll need the following tools:

  • Two-sided carpet tape
  • Scissors
  • Staple gun + staples
  • Painters tape
  • Measuring tape

Remember that a straight staircase installation is much easier to take on than one with a landing. 

You'll also want to spend some time preparing. For example, consider watching a Stair Runner Video on how to take on this project. 

 
 
 

Selecting the Right Carpeted Stair Runner Installer

If your stairs are more complex and include a landing, you'll want to have your stair runners professionally installed. Another reason for professional installation is if your carpet selection has a distinct pattern that needs to be matched.

Floor Decor Design Center has an extensive network in the floor covering industry and will be delighted to suggest certified installers if you aren't in the Connecticut area.

If the installer you're considering is not a certified carpet installer, you will want to request references before moving forward with the installation. 

 

Ready to Experience Carpeted Stair Runners as a DIY Project or With Your Own Installer?

What's your reaction to taking on a carpeted stair runner project? Is it something you'd want to tackle as a DIY project, or do you prefer professional installation? In either case, we are ready to help you.

If you'd like to visit Floor Decor Design Center in Orange, Connecticut, you can see the range of carpet styles available for stair runners. You can also work with us remotely.  

Let us know of any questions in the comments or contact us.

We look forward to helping you.

Thanks for reading,

Janine & Michael