How to Install a DIY Stair Runner
Try this easy step-by-step guide for making a DIY Stair Runner. It is perfect for any skill level and looks amazing when it's completed.
Yield: 1
Cost: 200
Equipment
- Pneumatic Stapler or Staple Gun
- Air compressor
- Utility Knife
- Tape Measure
Materials
- 1 unit Jute rugs (About 3' extra than the length of your stairs)
- Thick Rug Pads
- Rug tape
- 9/16 Long Heavy-Duty Staples
- Construction Adhesive and caulking gun
- Optional* House numbers
Instructions
- To begin your new stair runner, the first step is to lay your rug pad in the center of the stairs and using the staple gun secure it to the hardwood surface. You can also install the carpet pad by applying strips of carpet tape too.
- First thing, cut the end of your construction adhesive. Apply it in a zigzag motion to your first stair, starting at the top of the stairs.
- Now comes the fun part, lay your jute stair runner rug down on the carpet pad, making sure it is squared to the step. Now you will need to staple a row of staples under the lip of the step and the base of the riser to secure it. Be sure to press very firmly on the staple gun to insure the staple goes deep enough into the hardwood underneath. Continue this procedure down the stairs.
- When you get to the end of the runner and need to attach a second one, run a line of construction adhesive where the two rugs meet. Measure how much area you will require for the rest of the area and using a utility knife or sharp scissors, cut the correct amount. Then, using the second runner, butt the two ends together lining the next runner up squarely and tightly.
- Using the staple gun, staple a few spots on either side of both rugs. When you come to the end of the stairs, cut the previous rug underneath the lip of the stair, leaving about 2" of the loose-end rug to fold/tuck under the rug itself and then staple it under the lip of the step. This part was definitely the most difficult part.
- Continue until you get to the bottom of the stairs or the entire staircase. There you have it!!! A beautiful, durable, and non-slippery stair runner.
Video
Notes
- Tip ** Try and find a spot that is in between the weave so that it doesn't indent the thick part of the rug. The nice thing about using jute is that if a silver staple is showing through, you can pull at the surrounding area around the staple and usually get it covered.
- One thing to note is that jute rugs will wear out over time. Make sure to look for the thickest jute rug you can find to use if it is a high-traffic staircase. I have had to replace the floor runner approximately every three years or so.
- Make sure you install the rugs the correct way, with the finished edge side of the runner facing up. I made the mistake of installing our first runner incorrectly.
- Optional **Add a fun look to your stairs by simply adding house numbers to the face of the stairs.