What Makes A Good Stair Runner Carpet?

Stair runners are a great addition to any home. Not only are they functional, but they also add aesthetic appeal. However, choosing the right stair runner can be difficult. You want to make sure you choose the right material and one that will accent your staircase rather than take away from it. If you’re wondering what makes a good stair runner carpet, here’s what you need to know.

What Is A Stair Runner?

A stair runner is a long piece of carpet that runs the length of your staircase. Although it doesn’t cover the entire width of the stairs, it offers benefits as you climb up and down. Typically, a stair runner is installed on hardwood stairs or tiled staircases. It offers a softer walking surface (if only slightly) as well as an aesthetic appeal. 

Stair runners offer benefits as they can be easier on your feet, as walking on tile or wood may be harder on some people than others. Perhaps the greatest benefit of stair runners is that they protect the quality of your stairs. Constantly walking up and down stairs takes its toll on them, especially if you have kids (they tend to be rough on houses). So a stair runner will keep your nice wooden staircase from being scratched up or damaged, protecting the equity of your house.

While stair runners are offered in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, there are a few key features that you should keep an eye out for when making your selection.

What Makes A Good Stair Runner Carpet?

Durability is one of the most important factors when choosing a stair runner. Because of how much use stairs get, your runner will need to be able to withstand the test of time. Also, let’s be honest, you probably don’t clean your staircase as often as other parts of your home. So it stands to reason that the wear and tear will settle into your stairs faster. 

Carpet pile is another factor to consider. The thickness of your carpet will affect how quickly it wears out, as well as how slippery the carpet is. When choosing carpet for stairs it’s best to go for a low pile, around ¾” or less. Silver Creek is an excellent option that meets this criterion.

Stairs are dangerous. Don’t buy a stair runner with terrible traction or you may be down for one bumpy ride. When looking for a stair runner, look for a high-quality carpet that handles foot traffic well, and doesn’t wear out quickly. 

Ways To Lay A Stair Runner

When deciding on what carpet to choose for your stair runner, you’ll also need to decide how you want to lay it. There are two primary ways to lay a stair runner carpet.

Waterfall

This method takes the carpet and brings it straight down to the tread of the next step. It is quick, simple, and relatively affordable. The waterfall method is the most common method of installing carpet stair runners and a great option to consider. 

French Cap

This method is a little more expensive but has a much more tailored and contoured look to it. Rather than letting the carpet hand from one step down the tread of the next, it wraps the carpet back underneath the lip of the first step before allowing it to fall to the tread. This eliminates any gaps between the carpet and the stairs.

Regardless of which method you choose, remember that the type of carpet is the most important factor to consider. Knowing what makes a good stair runner carpet will help you choose a runner that looks good, works well, and lasts for years to come!

Interested In Learning More?

If you are considering installing a home theater, please contact us today for your carpeting needs. Bloomsburg Carpet carries the fine, high-quality carpeting that you desire, and your satisfaction is our utmost priority!