Details: Written by: Jeff Dean

Carpet Stair Runner

Dover Floor Covering also offers custom carpet solutions! With over 45 years of experience in the flooring industry, we can custom deisgn carpet stair runners. Whether you have a straight simple staircase or a more technical circular staircase, Dover Floor Covering can install a carpet runner.

2 Differing Styles of Stair Runners

The two most common styles of carpet stair runners are:

1. Turn and tack style. This is the most common style of carpet stair runner and the least expensive. The carpet is cut to fit at the jobsite. Depending on which type of stairwell you have will determine if each step is installed individually or installed in sets. A thin, dense pad is ideal and installed on each step first. Then the carpet in installed turning each edge under and pinned down. This will keep the carpet level with the pad. The carpet is also pinned up under each stairnose and in the area where each step starts.

2. Bound style. The carpet is cut to fit at the jobsite. A preliminary fit can be performed then the carpet is sent off to the binder. The sides of the carpet can be bound or serged depending on which style is preferred. Binding is stronger whereas serging is a little more stylish. Once this step is completed the carpet is returned to the jobsite and installed on the stairs. No turning and tacking is necessary as each side is bound or serged. Thin padding is more important than ever on this style of carpet runner. Too thick of a pad can leave the carpet up off of the step and can be seen from the side. If you choose to pin down the sides, then too thick of a pad can also give a funny appearance as the carpet runner edges will "lean" down tight onto the steps and the middle of the steps will of course be higher