Maya Ellison
Installing a plastic runner on your stairs can protect them from damage and wear, as well as muffle the noise of people going up and down. Before selecting your runner, you must measure your stairs to ensure that the rug will have sufficient length and width. You should then create a rug pad for each stair tread, aligning the top edge of the rug pad against the back of the tread. You can use fabric scissors to cut the rug pad to the required size and shape, and attach it to the stair using double-sided carpet tape. Once you have prepared the stairs, you can roll out the plastic runner and centre it, screwing the top end into the rise of the last stair or into the floor above the last stair. Finally, trim any excess plastic with a utility knife.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing Plastic Runner on Stairs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Measure the depth of one stair tread (top surface) and the height of the riser (vertical part). Multiply the height by the number of risers and depth by the number of treads. Add the figures and then add 6 inches for waste. |
| Rug Pad | Create a rug pad for each stair tread, narrower than the runner by at least one inch. Align the top edge of the pad with the back of the tread, ensuring it is straight. For flat installation, cut the pad 1/2 inch from the front of the tread. For wrap installation, cut 3 inches longer than the depth of the tread and snip the corners at a 45-degree angle. |
| Tape and Folding | Cut three strips of double-sided tape and place them on the pad. Fold and repeat for each tread. For wrap installation, smooth the rug over the tread and press underneath the nose (where the tread hangs over the riser). |
| Stapling | Staple the center of the rug to the bottom of the riser, then staple every 3 inches on either side. Repeat for each tread. |
| Anchoring | Screw the top end of the runner into the rise of the last stair or the floor above. Install a stair rod at each point where the stair run meets the rise. Screw the end of each rod into the corner of the stair. |
| Trimming | At the base of the final step, press a bolster chisel to tighten the rug and create a crease. Measure and cut the rug, then fold and staple it against the riser. Trim excess runner material with a utility knife. |
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What You'll Learn
Measure stairs and purchase enough plastic runner
Before installing a plastic runner on your stairs, it is important to take accurate measurements to ensure you purchase enough material for a neat finish. Start by measuring the depth of one stair tread—the top surface of the step. Then, measure the height of the riser, which is the vertical part of the step. Multiply the height of the riser by the number of risers and the depth of the tread by the number of treads. Add these two figures together, and then add 6 inches to account for waste. This will give you the total length of the plastic runner you need to cover your stairs.
When purchasing a plastic runner, it is recommended to add an extra 2 feet to the estimated length needed for each continuous length of stairs. This will allow for any variations in stair sizes and ensure you have enough material to work with. You can always trim off any excess plastic once the installation is complete.
If you are installing a vinyl carpet runner over an existing carpet, it is important to measure each step individually, as they may have slightly different dimensions. Measure the width of the carpet from one edge to the other, and then measure the depth. This will ensure that your vinyl runner is properly centred and secured on each step.
Additionally, consider the number of stair rods or anchor points you will need for your installation. Typically, you will install one stair rod or screw at each point where a stair run meets a stair rise. Count the number of stairs you plan to cover and purchase a corresponding number of rods or screws.
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Prepare the stairs for installation
Before installing a plastic runner on your stairs, there are several steps you should take to prepare the stairs and ensure a smooth installation process. Firstly, it is important to measure the stairs accurately. Start by selecting one stair tread, which is the top surface of the step, and measure its depth. Then, measure the height of the riser, which is the vertical part of the step. Multiply the height of the riser by the number of risers and the depth of the tread by the number of treads. Add these two figures together and then add 6 inches to account for waste. This will give you the total length of the plastic runner you will need to cover the stairs.
Additionally, you should determine the installation method that best suits your stairs. If your stair treads are even with the risers, you can use the waterfall installation technique, where you pull the runner over each tread and staple it in place. If your stair treads hang over the risers, creating a "nose" on each stair, you will need to use the wrap installation method. This involves smoothing the runner over the tread and using a bolster chisel to press the runner tightly underneath the nose.
Another important preparation step is to create a rug pad for each stair tread. The rug padding should be narrower than the runner by at least one inch. Align the top edge of the rug pad with the back of the tread, ensuring it is straight using a yardstick. For a flat-top installation, mark a cut line on the rug pad ½ inch from the front of the stair tread and cut accordingly. For a wrap installation, mark the rug pad 3 inches longer than the depth of the tread and cut at a 45-degree angle at the two front corners.
Finally, if you are installing a vinyl carpet runner over an existing carpet, you should measure the depth of the carpet and ensure the runner is centred on each step. Place the back of the runner near the back of the step and apply even pressure as you slide it back and forth, digging the small plastic spikes on the bottom of the runner into the weaving of the carpet to create a grip.
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Install a stair rod at each point a stair run meets a stair rise
To install a stair rod at each point a stair run meets a stair rise, follow these steps:
Firstly, decide whether you want to order custom-length rods or cut them yourself. If you choose the latter, you will need to measure the width of your stair runner carpet and add 10-15cm to that measurement to determine the length of your stair rods. You can also choose the finish of your rods, such as brass or aged brass, to match your desired aesthetic.
Once you have your rods, the installation process is straightforward. Start by placing your brackets at the edges of your stair runner, with one screw fixing into the riser above the step and the other into the tread. Ensure these are tightly screwed in place to prevent any future loosening or rattling. Repeat this process for each step, excluding the top and bottom landings.
For added security, you can drill a pilot hole on each side of the rug runner, right at the corner of the stair tread and riser. Then, screw in an eye bolt by hand and tighten it with pliers before inserting your stair rod.
Stair rods are an excellent way to elevate the look of your staircase, providing a classic and elegant touch while also hiding any staples or nails used to secure your stair runner.
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Screw the runner into place and trim excess plastic
Once you have centred the plastic runner over the stairs, it is time to screw it into place. Mark the spot on the floor above the last stair, six inches from the edge of the first riser. Drill holes into the wood that are large enough to accommodate a screw without catching the screw's threading. Screw the runner into place at the top end, either into the rise of the last stair or into the floor as marked.
If you are using a vinyl carpet runner, there is no need to screw or staple it into place. Vinyl runners have small plastic spikes on the bottom that dig into the weaving of the carpet, keeping the runner from slipping underfoot. Place the back of the runner near the back of the step and lay it down carefully so that the scuffed edge is where the lip of the step curves downward. Apply even pressure and slide the runner back and forth to dig the teeth into the weave of the carpet.
If you are using a wrap installation method, you will need to smooth the runner over the tread and use a bolster chisel to press it tightly underneath the nose of the stair. For a flat-top installation, cut the runner pad to size and attach it to each tread with double-sided carpet tape.
Finally, trim any excess plastic with a utility knife. You can also use a bolster chisel to press the rug against the riser and create a crease, then measure and cut along a straight line to create a neat edge.
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Finish the edge of the last runner for a tailored look
Finishing the edge of the last runner is important for achieving a tailored look for your stairs. It also ensures that there are no loose pieces of carpet that could pose a tripping hazard. Here are the steps to finish the edge of the last runner neatly:
First, at the base of the final step, use a bolster chisel to press along the rug and create a crease. Measure and mark three inches out from the crease on the rug. Next, use a yardstick to draw a straight line across the rug at the marked point. Cut the rug neatly along this line. Now, fold the end of the runner under and press it firmly against the final riser to create a hem. Secure the hem by stapling it into place against the riser. If the final riser has moulding, ensure that the hem is folded and stapled above it.
For an added decorative touch, consider installing a stair rod. Stair rods are long tubes that attach to a pair of brackets installed on each side of the runner. They come in various finishes and materials, and you can choose slim metal rods that accent your runner without being intrusive. Line up the brackets with the edges of the runner and slide them into the crease where the riser and tread meet. Mark the bracket positions and drill holes for the screws. Finally, screw the brackets in place and press the rod into the crease, securing it into the brackets.
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Frequently asked questions
Measure the depth of one stair tread (the top surface of the step) and the height of the riser (the vertical part of the step). Multiply the height by the number of risers and the depth by the number of treads. Add the two figures together, then add 6 inches to account for waste. This is the length of the runner you will need.
You can use stair rods, which are long tubes that attach to a pair of brackets installed on each side of the runner. Drill holes into the wood at the corner of each stair and screw the rods into place. Alternatively, you can screw the runner directly into the rise of the last stair or the floor above the last stair.
Press a bolster chisel along the rug to tighten it and create a crease. Measure and cut the rug 3 inches from the crease, then fold and staple it against the final riser to create a hem.
Plastic runners can help to protect your stairs from damage and wear, as well as muffling noise. They are also easy to install and can be cut to size.
It is important to ensure that the plastic runner is securely attached to the stairs to prevent slips and trips. Any excess material should be trimmed away neatly to avoid trailing carpet pieces.
