How To Choose A Stair Runner
For Stair Runner estimate, Please let us know:
1) Overall width of stair
2) Desired runner width
(if specified, we are also happy to recommend!)
3) Approximate size of landing OR PIE SHAPE STEPS
4) Overall number of steps
5) image of staircase
If you have been looking for a carpet runner to transform the look of your hallway, stairs or any room in your home then there is no need to look elsewhere. Here at Tapis we are the largest and the most highly rated carpet runner specialist in the world.
We aim to always go that extra mile for our customers as we can customize almost any carpet runner, to meet the requirements that you want or need.
How To read our estimates
When evaluating your stair runner estimate there are a few things to note:
Material Size:
Broadloom material installed as a stair runner has some funky nuances. Broadloom material often comes 12′, 13’2, 13'6 or 15' wide. Therefore, we do not simply roll out the carpeting to install it on your stairs. Instead, the roll is cut into segments to cover 2-3 steps at a time. There is no visible start and end point noticeable to you, and we work tirelessly to align the pattern. For a straight set of stairs, a 12 or 13’2 x 6 piece is typically required. This will help understanding your estimate.
Installation:
Our standard installation method is hollywood. It is tailored around the stair tread. Hollywood style it is a more secure technique and will last a lifetime on your staircase.
CARPET FINISHES: BINDING, SERGING AND WIDE BINDING:
Finishing the edges of your stair runner is an important decision to add protection, prevent fraying and visual appealling look. The top 3 types of carpet finishes are:
1) Regular binding finish is a fabric fold around the edge and look seamless.
2) Serging is a wool finished along the edge. It is thicker than binding and more noticable.
3) Standard cotton binding is 1.25″ wide but gets folded along the edges, showing up to 1″ of cotton material. Other materials and larger widths are available at a premium. Sometimes customers ask us to match the color to the rug. This allows us to finish off the edges with a binding that blends in best with the material. Other customers prefer a contrast or accent color and we have samples at the showroom that you can choose from.
Watch our video to see the "types of stair runner finishes"
Types of Material:
Wool:
Wool is the most recommended material for stair runners. It is naturally durable, soft on the feet, and will last many years on your stairs. Wool is the most common material here at the showroom and we have thousands of wool options for any style stair runner. When in the showroom we can work with your budget to guide you to the right material selection for your stair runner.
Wool Blends
Wool blends are also great for stair runners. Wool is often blended with a synthetic material like polyester or nylon to add some strength while maintaining the softness of the wool. Blending the material also often decreases the price, which is another benefit of a wool blend.
Synthetic Fibers
(Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyester, etc.)
Synthetic materials are made to stand the test of time. Because of their makeup, they are often easier to dye as well. If you are looking for a stair runner with a solid texture but a pattern or color, synthetic materials are often your best bet. They are typically easy to spot clean and will last as long if not longer than a wool rug. The price point for most synthetics is also usually lower than a 100% wool rug. The most important thing to consider is the thickness of the rug and how it will look when installed over stairs.
Natural Fibers
(Sisal & jute)
Sisal and jute are great alternatives for stair runners. Many customers are turned off by the rough texture of sisal rugs, but on stairs where you are not spending much time, sisal is a great option. Sisal and jute stair runners can add a natural, casual look. These natural fibers are typically on the lower side of the price range as well. The main drawback is the ability to spot clean, as sisal rugs often leave water spots.
FAQ
Do your prices in the showroom include installation?
No, our prices are for material costs alone, and installation pricing is calculatd on top of that.
What goes underneath the stair runner?
We recommend an Eco bond carpet cushion underneath the stair runner.
*Unless otherwise specified.
What is your timeline?
As soon as a 50% deposit is received and an order is placed for in-stock stair runner material, we schedule installations 3-4 weeks out. If the material is non-stocking, it may take longer depending on the timeline.
Can I borrow samples?
Of course! We allow our customers to borrow samples from our showroom. We are also happy to order complimentary samples straight to your home that you may keep. These take 3-5 business days.
I’m moving and want to install a stair runner in my new place. Should I have this installed before or after I move?
Given the traffic of movers up and down stairs in your new house, we recommend you have your runner installed after movers. It’s great to start the process before you move in so as soon as you’re moved in, we are ready to install! The process from ordering to install takes about 4 weeks.
I need to have my stairs refinished/repainted, should I do that in advance? How far in advance?
The answer is yes. Any wood refinishing or painting should definitely be done before yout stair runner installation; paint might get on the stair runner. We would also want to make sure everything is completely dry before the installation, so at least 3-4 weeks before desired installion date is recommended.
How much wood should I show on either side of my stair runner?
This definitely varies since each staircase is unique. However, 2-4” on either side typically looks great. We will always advise on the best width for your runner and we will always tell you if something is not possible on your stairs. It is also helpful to look through our gallery of installation photos to see what is preferred for your project.
Are bigger patterns or smaller patterns better for stairs?
There is no ‘right’ answer for this one. Depending on the width of your runner, larger scale patterns may not show enough repeat. There is a chance you can lose the pattern altogether. Smaller patterns tend to read as textures. Customers are sometimes concerned smaller patterns will be dizzying or distracting on stairs, but it often works the opposite! With stairs that have many pie shaped steps or landings, it’s important to be clear how the pattern will sit on the stairs.
Watch our video to see our Stair Runner Installations
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