Stairway Runner
There are a number of reasons to install carpeting on stairs. two big pros: It reduces noise made by people clattering up and down the stairs, and it adds a finished look to a stairway. Plus, in some circumstances, it makes stairs safer—for example, young children are less likely to get hurt by falling on padded steps and dogs can make their way up without slipping.
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| Old row house similar to ours. |
We have a problem with the wood itself. It's been painted and is in terrible condition because of it's age ~ a runner will help camouflage it.
Wool is the go to for durability ~ but we don't have that in our budget. A durable outdoor nylon or polyester that looks like a wool pattern is more what we're after. It keeps the expense down and with a runner we can cut and nail into place for a fraction of the cost.
With a runner, you don’t want to go too light or too dark. Dark shows all the lint, while light-colored carpeting shows dirt and scuffs. I always push for a medium tone.
As for the pattern: If there’s a moment to have some fun on the stairs, go for it ~ like vertical stripes. Bold geometric contrasting patterns are not recommended. They can be dizzying, and make stairs hard to navigate—you can’t figure out where your next step is.”
Another thing to keep in mind with a pattern: If you need to match the pattern so each step looks the same, you could end up with a lot of waste (and increased cost).
I found a blog that is PERFECT on how to do it yourself and the type of rug she purchased.
I found a blog that is PERFECT on how to do it yourself and the type of rug she purchased.
Installing padding on the tread.
ANOTHER GREAT BLOG FROM One Kings Lane
HOW TO:
I searched all morning on Overstock for gray runners. After choosing a few I realized they may be too wide. You need the exact width - that is bound for you.
1 - 4 are the top
5 - 7 are the bottom.
Some of the runners may be too wide for the downstairs set of stairs. I think they are only 28" wide. So a 2'2" @ 26" would work.
Some also run only 10 ft - others as much as 22 ft. If the runner is 8" high and 10" deep - with 14 steps = 18 x 14 = 21 ft minimum. Plus another XX" for extra on the bend - I think the blog I supplied said 12".
Carpet can go all the way to the wall - not centered for wider widths.
Like this herringbone design if it came in a runner.
The Valencia Gray is 2'3" x 12 ft @ $125. It's a nice combo bringing in some of the brick color with the gray ~ but it is more expensive as a silky polyester.
The Celeste Damask pattern is an obvious repeat. 2'2" x 15 ft @ $87, indoor polypropylene.
INSTALLATION
Unseen staples typically hold the padding and runner securely in place for the waterfall runner, though sometimes a “tackless strip” is used—a piece of wood that runs the width of the steps and is studded with sharp nails or tacks. Typically, stair runners are installed over a padding or underlay, which both reduces noise and protects the carpet from wear. A bonus effect: cushioning makes stairs feel softer underfoot, a boon to babies navigating on their hands and knees.
A different approach is a nice gray jute runner. here
It's 2'3" x 8 ft @ $46 that creates a farmhouse industrial design.
It's a very thick rug so you may not need padding.
Much like the simple striped tonal at the top of the blog is this gray.
Safavieh Vision Contemporary Tonal Grey Runner Rug - 2'2" x 12' Runner
$73 Made in Turkey Indoor Polypropylene.
That breaks down to $2.81 sq ft.
After all my work of looking for an oriental feel ~ this may be the best way to go ~ we don't bring attention to a poor quality stairway and it's a good match for the rugs upstairs.
Color Palette
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