How Do You Install Carpets On Stairs? Step-by-Step Runner Guide

Adding a carpet runner to your stairs is a fantastic way to add style, comfort, and safety to your home. Whether you want a bold patterned runner or a subtle neutral tone, installing it properly ensures it looks great and stays secure.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to install a carpet runner on stairs step by step to help make the process clear and easy.

Why Choose a Stair Runner?

Stair runners are narrow strips of carpet installed over the centre of your staircase, leaving the edges of the stairs exposed.

They’re popular because they:

Add safety by reducing slips
Protect stair treads from wear
Add colour, pattern, and style to your home
Reduce noise on wooden stairs

Explore our stair runner collection

What You’ll Need

Tape measure
Chalk or pencil for marking
Grippers
Staple gun or hammer and carpet tacks
Utility knife
Carpet bolster/tucker
Knee kicker
Stair runner of your choice

Step-by-Step: How To Install a Carpet Runner

1. Measure and Plan

Measure the width of your stairs.
Decide on the width of your runner, leaving even margins on both sides.
Mark the centre of each step with chalk or pencil to keep the runner straight.

2. Prepare the Stairs

Clean the stairs thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
Sand or repair any rough spots.
Make sure the surface is dry before starting.

3. Install Grippers

Cut Grippers to the width of the runner.
Install one Grippers at the back of the tread (near the riser) and one at the base of the riser on each step, leaving a small gap (about 1 cm) for tucking the runner.
Be careful to avoid the centreline where the runner will sit.

4. Position and Secure the Runner

Align the runner with your centre marks.
Use a knee kicker to push the runner onto the Grippers.
Work from the top step down, smoothing the runner and keeping it straight.
Staple securely under the nose of each step and at the base of each riser.
Use a carpet bolster/tucker to press the runner tightly into the angle between tread and riser.

5. Trim and Finish Edges

Use a utility knife to carefully trim the excess runner at the bottom of the last riser.
Ensure a clean, straight edge.
Tuck ends neatly under mouldings or finish it with stair rods if desired.