Custom Stair Runners

A stair runner is a rug or carpet that is installed on your stairs and usually runs the full length of your staircase, from the top step to bottom step. A stair runner typically does not extend the full width of the stair tread, leaving a few inches of the flooring exposed on either side. Some staircases have wall-to-wall coverage, meaning the carpet fully covers the width of the treads and risers for the entire length of the staircase.

A stair runner offers numerous benefits, including slip-resistance, sound absorption, hardwood floor protection, and comfort underfoot. Plus, installing a stair runner is a great way to add a design element into your home. Your staircase might be tucked away and understated, or you might have a grand staircase in the entry way. Either way, adding a custom stair runner can create a beautiful focal point and a lasting impression.

Here are a few things to consider when considering the best material for your stair runner:

1. Consider Traffic & Maintenance

If your have pets or kids, opting for an easy-to-clean material is smart. A wool stair runner is an excellent choice, thanks to its durability, cleanability and insulating properties (for both noise and warmth). Modern synthetic materials are great choices for staircases too. Think stain-resistant carpets like synthetic sisals, polypropylenes, or woven vinyls. They are durable and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Our exclusive SynSisal is also a great option for high traffic areas. With its stain-resistant ECONYL® fibers and gorgeous sisal-look, a weave from this collection makes a smart and classy stair runner. View the SynSisal Signature for Stairs Lookbook above to see SynSisal stair runners installed in commercials as well as residential spaces.

2. Choose a Color & Pattern

Color: As a general rule, darker colors hide dirt and stains better than lighter carpets, making them a practical choice for high-traffic stairs. But your design style matters, too. Do you want a stair runner that contrasts with the walls or stair treads, or one that blends harmoniously with its surroundings?

Look to natural fibers like sisal and seagrass for neutral tones and organic textures. Synthetic weaves offer a range of colorways, from natural palettes and subtle greys to bold colors and patterns. A wool stair runner not only provides a colorful style opportunity but absorbs sound.

Learn more about choosing the right rug color on our blog.

Pattern: A subtle pattern can shine on a staircase, but bold geometric designs and distinct lines require careful installation, particularly on older or uneven stairs. See Should I install a patterned carpet on my staircase? below for more guidance.

3. Consider Commercial Performance

Stair runners in commercial settings, such as hotels, offices, and retail spaces, must withstand frequent foot traffic while meeting the project's design and performance requirements. Durability, cleanability, and appropriate installation are important considerations.

Our contract-grade SynSisal Signature line combines the natural look of sisal with the durability and stain resistance of synthetic fibers, making it a strong choice for high-traffic staircases. Explore SynSisal or our Hospitality collection for suitable options.

Stair Runner Image Gallery

Find the inspiration you need in our blog post Tips on Stair Runners and Their Installation—view a variety of installed stair runners, from wall-to-wall applications to runners with stair rods and cloth borders.

Order samples of your favorite weaves to see them in your space and share with your installer. We offer free shipping on sample orders.

The best material for a stair runner depends on your design preferences, budget, and how the staircase is used. Wool is a top candidate thanks to its durability and softness, while natural fibers like sisal or seagrass and synthetics like nylon or woven vinyl offer different performance and aesthetic benefits.

What about natural fibers like sisal, jute, seagrass, or coir on stairs?

There is some debate about using sisal and other natural fibers on stairs. Some consider sisal too slippery, while others have used sisal stair runners without issue. Although sisal is exceptionally durable, it can stain easily, and not every natural fiber weave is appropriate for stair installation.

For homes with light traffic, a sisal or seagrass stair runner adds an organic element, sound insulation, and protects the stairs. For heavier traffic, our Contract Coir, a coir-sisal blend, offers a more robust option. The specific material, weave, staircase, and installation method all matter. Consult a professional installer before selecting a natural-fiber stair runner.

Explore the stair runner collection above and use the material filters to find weaves suited to your project.

Woven Vinyl is a great option for outdoor stair runners and is the material of choice for boats and stairs on boats, where moisture resistance, durability, and easy maintenance are essential. Its woven texture also offers a refined look for marine interiors and exterior staircases. For boat stairs, confirm that the selected weave and installation method provide appropriate slip resistance for the application.

Although many polypropylene rugs are rated for indoor-outdoor use, we don't recommend polypropylene for permanent outdoor stair runner installations. Outdoor rugs made from polypropylene or poly silk should not be left exposed to the elements for extended periods.

If you ordered broadloom and the material will be cut on site, you should speak with your installer about your finishing options. Some carpets are constructed such that a cut edge is all you need for a clean finish (see tretford® Roll). If you want a serged edge or a cloth border, either your installer will recommend a local company to finish the edges or you can order a stair runner with the border of your choice through us. 

Tip: If your staircase is narrow, adding a cloth border to your stair runner might make the stairway feel even more narrow, as if you were walking on a narrow path. To visually expand the width of your staircase, consider a simple serged edge or install the carpet wall-to-wall.

A subtle pattern can shine on a staircase, but precise, bold geometric patterns can be difficult to align visually. Not all staircases, especially in older homes, are straight or level.

If you choose a weave that has a pattern or distinct lines, we highly recommend professional installation. Orono shows an excellent example of a professionally installed wool stair runner with a grid-like pattern. On uneven stairs, improper or amateur installation could result in misaligned lines and a less-than-ideal finished look.

Contact our team of experts for help selecting the best weave for your project and for recommendations on how to work with your installer.

We highly recommend working with a professional carpet installer. Here are some of the benefits:

• Accurate Measuring: Correct measurements ensure you order the right amount of carpet, padding, and border materials, if needed.

• Angles & Curves: An experienced installer knows how to navigate landings, turns, and curved staircases for a professional finish. 

• Pattern: Aligning a carpet pattern as it runs down a staircase can be tricky, making professional installation especially important.

• Installation Style: A professional can help you choose between waterfall and Hollywood (also called French Cap or upholstered) installation methods and determine how much flooring to leave exposed on either side of the runner.

• Transitions: Your installer can recommend the best approach to transitions, edges, and borders at the top or bottom of your stairs.

• Shipping: Rolls of carpet are heavy and cumbersome. In many cases, carpet can be shipped directly to your installer, saving you the hassle of receiving and storing awkward, heavy rolls.

If you plan to tackle the installation yourself, these resources offer additional guidance for planning your project:

• Flatweave Carpet Installation: Flatweave Carpet Installation - Everything You Need to Know covers installationg guideliens and practical tips.

• Stair Runner Installation: Tips on Stair Runners and Their Installation offers general guidelines for measuring and planning your stairs.

Contact our customer service team for local installer recommendations.

We recommend a rug pad or underlayment for your stair runner. The extra cushion of a rug pad will increase comfort, absorb sound, and increase the lifespan of your carpet. Also, a rug pad protects your floor, especially if the rug has a latex backing (latex is known for sticking to hardwood floors).

Choose a thin yet dense rug pad that can stand up to the traffic while not raising the height of the runner. The rug pad should be narrower than the width of the runner so that it is not visible on the sides. Your installer will advise on the kind and amount you need as well as order it for you.

Please Note: the rug pads we sell are meant for area rugs and not suitable for installation.

1. Select Your Weave

• We strongly encourage ordering sample swatches before placing an order. Samples let you feel the fibers and see how colors change with the lighting. Once you have narrowed down your selection, show the samples to your installer. They may have insights to help you make a final decision.

• Based on the tips above, browse our offerings to find the best carpet for your needs and lifestyle. Wools, natural fibers and synthetics all make excellent stair runners.

Need help? Visit How to Order from Curran or contact our team of experts for step-by-step guidance. We recommend setting up an account first for a record of your favorites!

2. Measure Your Staircase

Once you've selected a weave, schedule an appointment with a professional carpet installer. Your installer will measure your staircase, accounting for landings, curves, and other variables, and advise you on how much material to order.

Develop a project timeline that accounts for delivery lead times, preparation, product acclimation, and installation.

Tip: Carpet rolls are heavy and cumbersome. Plan for delivery in advance! Our Shipping & Delivery page offers helpful guidance.

3. Place Your Order

From your selected weave’s webpage, click the “Order Your Rug” button and follow the prompts. Depending on your project needs and the weave's specifications, you can build a custom rectangle runner or purchase the required amount of broadloom to be fabricated into a stair runner or installed wall-to-wall.

For more detailed instructions, visit our How to Order from Curran page.

Take note of the expected delivery timeline.

4. Plan for Delivery

Coordinate delivery with your installer. Carpet rolls can be large and heavy and a 48-hour acclimation period is recommended. Be prepared to receive the delivery curbside or contact our team of experts to arrange for Enhanced Delivery. Or arrange to have your stair runner or carpet delivered to your carpet installer’s warehouse.

5. Install and Enjoy your Stair Runner!

We provide general installation guidelines for all our weaves, but an experienced stair runner installer is your best resource for project-specific guidance.

For maintenance, consult our care guides.