How do I find a good runner for my stairs?
by
Lynn
+5
Finally decided to add a stair runner, now not finding anything I like! The local big box hardware stores have very limited styles in actual stair runner (on the bolt, sold by the foot). The ones I like, my husband says he thinks are too thin, the ones he likes looks like something found in a victorian mansion! Trying to keep it reasonable, which is also tricky! I'm wondering if anyone has ever used indoor/outdoor carpet as a stair runner (main staircase, used multiple times a day) and had luck with it holding up? I know I've seen it done on Pinterest, etc, but wondering how well it holds up? Anyone else have other ideas for a runner? Thanks!
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Google for flooring stores in your area. Get in the car and hit them all up, I guarantee you can do better. Home Depot, Lowes, while handy, are not the be all, end all for items like this. There is a lady that did a post where she pieced together throw rugs and it looked really good. Will see if I can find it for you. In my area, there are several independent flooring stores, and all carry something different. Worth the effort for something you need to live with for a period of time. Let me find the post.
Found it!
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=Stair%20runner
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/floors-ceilings/how-to-create-a-custom-stairway-runner-look-for-less-14758715
How to Create a Custom Stairway Runner For Less!
Thanks! We'll hit up a few carpet places around town next. Thought they might be too $$, but worth a shot!
The biggest cost of using a carpet that is not already made as runners is having the edges finished. That adds a cost of so much per foot or inch. Adds up quickly. Fyi, the shorter the pile, the less it wears. So thin may not be so bad. You want density, not height. Plus your pads thickness should never exceed the thickness of the carpet, causes it to stretch. Also patterns hide wear and dirt. Hope this helps. Good luck on your project.
That's good to know because my husband wanted something a little more plush. Our main reason for getting a runner is the stairs are slippery. So he thought the thinner would be slippery. I didn't want plush as they tend to hold in all the dirt, plus we have dogs! Would you think something marketed as indoor-outdoor would work/hold up to wear and tear? THere are more choices in that sector. We are able to use a few smaller 'area' type runners on the stairs, the way the stairs are set up.
If you have a carpet remnant company near you, check there for a stair runner. Even with paying to have it bound, the cost is significantly less.
As concerns padding, 8# works well. Don't let them try to sell you a higher grade, as it's longevity will be shorter.
As a general rule, the tighter the weave, the longer lasting the rug. Stainmaster rugs are good for homes with pets and children.