Lifestyle · January 22, 2025

DIY Stair Runner Install Tutorial

DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Ahhh the stair runner is DONE!! And really y’all, I should have done this years ago! Adding a stair runner is the perfect way to make your home feel cozier.. while providing added SAFETY and comfort. Seriously, they feel so much safer now. And it only took me three nap times (about 9 hours!) 😜

Follow the steps below to install your stair runner in one weekend! And be sure to watch my Instagram story highlight for even more info!

Materials + Tools:

DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 1: Measure and Plan

  1. Measure the staircase: I laid painter’s tape on the steps, removed the tape, and measured it with a tape measure. If you use this method and your stairs are painted, please you light adhesive painter’s tape! Mine pulled the paint off on one step. 😅
  2. Double check the runner width fits your stairs well: Mine is 30″ wide.
  3. Mark the centerline & then the runner edges: This will help guide you during install and make sure your runner stays centered and straight!
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 2: Prepare the Stairs

  1. Clean the staircase: I just wiped mine down with Clorox wipes.
  2. Add a rug pad to each step: Cut your rug pad into strips so that they fit easily on the stair treads. They provide extra cushioning and keep the runner in place better! Secure them with double-sided carpet tape – I just did one strip on each side.
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 3: Position the Runner

  1. Start at the top: I felt like this was easier than starting at the bottom! Because… gravity! But I don’t think it really matters either way.
  2. Align the runner: Position the runner on the centerline, ensuring it is straight and centered. It’s a good idea just to look at it and make sure you have a game plan for keeping it straight.
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 4: Attach the Runner

  1. Secure the first riser: Use your staple gun to attach the runner to the top edge of the first riser. Place staples about 3-4 inches apart. You may be surprised to see that the staples are still visible! But once you step back, you’ll never notice them, I promise. 🙂
  2. Make a crease where the riser meets the tread: Use your carpet tucker to make a crease. This is important to ensure the carpet stays taunt. Once the crease is made, secure the sides of the runner on the riser.
  3. Secure the first tread: Staple the runner at the base of the riser where it meets the tread every 3-4″.
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 5: Continue Down the Stairs

  1. Repeat the process: Continue attaching the runner to each riser and tread, pulling it taut and stapling it into place. I found that stapling the runner under the nose of the steps was very inconspicuous and a great solution for keeping the treads taunt!
  2. Check alignment: Continuously check that the runner remains centered on the stairs. You should have your pencil marks on each side already, so you’ll be set up for success!
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Step 6: Splice Two Runners Together (if necessary)

  1. Plan the splice: Identify where you need to cut the carpet so that the riser’s bottom meets the tread for the splice location.
  2. Cut the runners: Use electric scissors to make clean, straight cuts on both ends of the runners that need to be joined. Think about the pattern (if there is one) and cut so that the pattern will align properly.
  3. Singe the edges: Prevent fraying!!! Use a lighter to singe the cut edges of the carpet. NGL mine caught on fire a few times lololol so proceed with caution! 🔥
  4. Secure the splice: Staple each rug at the joined area securely, ensuring a smooth transition from one runner to the next. You can kinda tuck them together to make the seam less noticeable. Use additional staples if needed to keep the splice taut!

DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing
DIY stair runner install tutorial, stair remodel ideas, painted stairs with runner rug, white stairs with black railing

Watch on Instagram!

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