Stair runners are manufactured pieces that only cover part of the width of your stairs. People will usually install a stair runner over hardwood or tiled stairs for added traction and comfort. Carpet stair runners are available in various colors and patterns, as well as different lengths and widths.
In this stair carpet runners guide, we'll discuss reasons for stair runners, their different variations, the materials used and what dimensions to look for.
Reasons For Stair Runners
There are several reasons for adding a runner to a staircase. Safety is one of the most typical and apparent reasons to add stair runners. Wood or tiled stairs can be pretty slippery for children, pets, or people with mobility issues, making it quite dangerous. You can minimize the chance for slippage by adding carpet stair runners to your staircase.
Stair runners can reduce the potential danger by providing a safer walking surface. But they can also add comfort underfoot when stepping on wood or tile. Runners will also absorb noise, reducing or removing squeaks and creaks, allowing for quieter trips up and down the stairs.
Carpet runners can also add a bit of aesthetic flair to a staircase. They can create a beautiful focal point with the proper carpet selection. You'll have two options from which to choose: pre-made or custom. Pre-made styles tend to come with varying patterns while custom carpet runners are made from specialty material or broadloom.
Stair Runner Colors & Designs
Pre-made stair runners with patterns can be beautiful and provide plenty of choices in terms of decor. But before you make a purchase ensure that the pattern will view properlystairs.
Some choice patterns appear more effective on long, flat surfaces like a hallway. These don't typically work as well on a staircase, especially a curved or winding one.
Precise patterns can also become a concern unless you have a straight, non-curved staircase. The designs include diamonds, squares, or other geometric shapes that could be hard to match on a linear surface.
A pattern that is only slightly off can still stand out, spoiling the overall look of the presentation. For these situations where you must have a specific design, we advise seeking out a staircase specialist for the installation.
Abstract, floral, and other non-geometric designs are fantastic choices for stairs. The patterns can be less than perfectly matched on each step, allowing for a more alluring, finished appeal.
Custom runners are meant for those who aren't worried about patterns and prefer to add a more subtle design to the staircase. In this circumstance, there are runners made of broadloom that will work perfectly.
You can have the runner tailored to your exact specifications and likely save money overall. Broadloom runners don't require a large amount of carpet for staircase coverage. It's also possible to find remnant runners to use, dropping the price even further.
Stair Runner Materials
Carpet stair runners can be made from a wide range of different materials.
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Wool & Wool Blends
Sheep wool makes for excellent carpet runners. It's a highly resilient, durable product with a surprisingly long lifespan when well-maintained.
Wool carpet runners can outlast other runners made of synthetic fibers, sustaining their original color and naturally resisting stains. They are environmentally-friendly options that act as effective insulators to reduce heat loss in your stairwells in winter months.
Carpet runners made of wool blends tend to run less warmly than the real thing. Though if you want the look and feel of natural wool without breaking the bank, it's a reasonably good substitute.
Plastic
Plastic carpet runners protect a carpet's surface using pliable or malleable plastic. These work great when placed in high-traffic areas to keep high-quality carpets from being damaged. They also serve to keep carpets from accumulating debris and other elements cutting down on time spent vacuuming.
Like other carpet runners, the plastic type can come in various styles and colors, making it easy to match your home decor. Plastic carpet runners come in two variations: temporary and permanent. Temporary runners can be rolled up and moved around, whereas permanent types have textured bottoms that secure them in place.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene carpet runners provide a more organic look and feel with a soft underfoot similar to wool. They're easy to maintain, affordable, and can be quite stain and spill-resistant, given you wipe up any mess.
The main drawback is their lack of durability when compared to wool. Expect fraying over time, along with natural wear and tear. However, you get what you pay for in this instance. It may not last as long as wool, but it doesn't share the same high price tag either.
Nylon
Carrying the most extended lifespan of any other carpet runner material is nylon. Nylon runners have great area coverage for high foot traffic and feel incredibly soft underfoot.
These attributes alone make nylon carpet runners a tremendous investment. However, the cost can be pretty steep. You are paying for quality, after all.
Stair Carpet Runner Widths & Dimensions
So how wide should carpet runners be? The answer depends entirely on the width of your staircase.
There is a general rule of thumb to follow regarding runner width. You'll want to stick with 20-inch to 48-inch widths. Twenty-seven inches is the most observed width for carpet runners. This runner width is the best for stairs, with an approximate width of 3 feet. However, you'll want to take note of instances wherein the stairs will have inconsistent dimensions or measurements.
32-inch to 33-inch runners are better options for wider stairs of about 4 or 5 feet. This provides a decent amount of coverage while allowing a good display of open flooring on either side.
Uneven staircases that fall outside the provided dimensions may require custom-made runners tailored to the proper specifications and scale.
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