Stair Runner FAQs

A stair carpet runner is a stylish strip of carpet installed down the centre of your staircase, leaving the edges exposed. It enhances comfort, reduces noise, and adds a refined design detail to your home.

A runner provides a tailored, high-end aesthetic while still offering comfort and safety. It highlights the beauty of your staircase material—whether wood, painted, or stone—by allowing the edges to remain visible. Runners also offer the opportunity to create a statement, adding personality, colour, and pattern to your hallway.

Durable, tightly woven constructions are recommended for high-traffic staircases.

Popular choices include:

• Wool – Soft, resilient, and naturally durable with a high-end look. Available in a variety of constructions, including loop pile for added texture and durability, and wool velvet for a smooth, luxurious finish. Ideal for homes where stairs are heavily used but you still want a warm, elegant, long-lasting result.
• Wool Blends – Offer excellent performance and value, enhancing durability while maintaining a premium appearance.
• Flatweave Designs – Combine style with longevity and practicality. Best for high-traffic areas where safety, wear resistance, and a refined finish are priorities.
• Synthetics – Our high-quality synthetics are crafted for exceptional durability, easy maintenance, and excellent stain resistance, offering a refined and elegant finish suitable for any interior style.
• Sisal & Sisool – Natural fibres that bring beautiful texture and an organic, tactile aesthetic. They add warmth and character and are ideal for those seeking a natural look.
• Stripes & Patterns – Add visual interest, can elongate a staircase, and cleverly disguise everyday wear. They’re an excellent way to create a statement, adding personality and depth to both contemporary and traditional interiors

Most stair runners are 60–90cm wide, but the key is maintaining a balanced margin on either side of the runner—typically 7–10cm of exposed wood. Wider staircases may suit a broader runner, while narrower stairs often look best with a slimmer style.

All of our runners are bespoke and tailored to your exact requirements, ensuring the perfect proportions for your staircase and interior.

Yes. Every stair runner we create is fully bespoke. You can personalise your design with your preferred colours, patterns, materials, width, borders, and bindings.

Yes, a border is required, as it finishes the edge of the carpet and prevents the raw edge from fraying. For those who prefer a subtle look, our narrow piping border is a lovely, minimal option and can be matched closely to the carpet colour so it blends seamlessly. We also offer 1-inch, 2-inch, and double borders for a more defined finish. We’re happy to advise on the best option to complement your staircase and interior style.

Stair rods are not necessary for securing a runner, as modern installations hold the carpet firmly in place. They do, however, make a beautiful finishing touch. Stair rods add elegance, highlight the runner, and can elevate the overall look of your staircase. We offer a wide range of styles to complement any design.

Yes, the total stair runner width includes the border. The finished measurement is taken from edge to edge, including whichever border or binding style you choose.

Yes, we offer narrow piping borders as a minimal, elegant option. Piping can be colour-matched to the carpet for a subtle finish or contrasted for more definition.

Most carpets can be made into stair runners, but some are not suitable. We recommend durable, tightly woven options such as wool, wool blends, flatweaves, or high-quality synthetics, as these perform best on stairs.

To measure your stairs for a runner, begin by measuring the depth of each tread (where you place your foot) and the height of each riser. Count the total number of steps, and measure the width of a single tread to help determine your preferred runner width.

If your staircase includes winders, turns, or half landings, be sure to measure the widest and longest points of each section.

For a quick quotation, simply send us a photograph of your staircase along with as much of the information above as possible. Our team can guide you from there.

For a quick quotation, simply send us a photograph of your staircase along with a picture or description of the runner you’re interested in. Please include as much of the following information as possible: the total number of steps, the width and depth of each tread, the height of each riser, and measurements of any landings, turns, or winders.

The cost of a stair runner varies depending on the materials chosen, the complexity of your staircase, and any bespoke finishes or accessories such as stair rods.

We provide tailored quotations based on your staircase and design preferences—simply send us a photo of your stairs, and we’ll guide you from there.

Each stair runner is custom made. We cut the carpet to your exact measurements, sew on your chosen border in our Dublin workshop, and finish all edges for a clean, tailored look. On staircases with winders or turns, the carpet is often cut and shaped on site to ensure a precise fit. The runner is then professionally installed to follow the contours of your staircase beautifully.

Yes. When professionally installed with premium underlay and secure fixings, a runner provides improved traction and reduces the risk of slipping—especially on polished wood or stone stairs.

Absolutely. Custom runners can be shaped for winder steps, curves, and unique architectural features. Our experienced fitters ensure a precise, seamless fit.

Most standard stair runner installations are completed within half a day to one full day, depending on staircase complexity. Bespoke designs may require additional lead time for production.

Lead times vary depending on the carpet and border selected, as well as our fitting schedule. If your chosen materials are in stock, we can usually turn the project around quickly. If items need to be ordered, the lead time may extend by a few weeks.

If you require your stair runner for a specific date, we recommend visiting us in advance so we can accommodate your timeline. As all of our stair runners are bespoke, we will provide an estimated lead time during your consultation.

A bullnose (the rounded bottom step) can be finished in several ways. Your stair runner can be kept the same width as the rest of the runner, cut to follow the shape, extended slightly wider, or wrapped around the curve for a seamless look.

Your stair runner can either finish neatly at the top step or continue onto the landing, depending on your preference and staircase layout. In both cases, it will meet your landing carpet or wood flooring with a seamless, tailored transition.

Half landings can be finished in several ways. The runner can continue straight across, turn and run up the next flight, or be fully fitted on the landing before transitioning back into a runner, while still maintaining the runner look.

For the most part, yes—you can have binding added to your stair carpet even if you prefer a fully fitted look rather than a traditional runner. Whether this is possible depends on the complexity of your staircase, particularly around winders, tight turns, or unusual shapes.

Yes. We offer both the traditional fit and the American fit, where the stair runner is fitted with a small waterfall-style drop between treads. The American fit requires more carpet and takes longer to fit and is therefore more expensive. Most people just opt for an American fit on the bottom step.

The traditional fit, which is the most common method in Ireland and the UK, is more structured. The runner is fitted tightly to both the tread and riser using grippers and/or adhesive, following the shape of each step for a crisp, tailored appearance.

The American fit is a “waterfall” style installation, where the runner flows smoothly from the edge of each tread down to the riser and is stapled neatly underneath the nosing. This method requires more carpet and takes longer to install, making it a more expensive option.

Both styles are available.

A stair runner can typically last 8–15 years, depending on the quality of the carpet, the level of foot traffic, and how well it’s cared for. Premium materials such as wool and high-performance synthetics offer excellent longevity, especially with regular maintenance.

Regular vacuuming, quick spot cleaning, and occasional professional cleaning will keep your runner looking immaculate.

Yes. Many customers choose a stair runner with a coordinating or contrasting carpet on the landing. We can help you select materials that complement each other beautifully. For example, clients who choose a statement runner—such as a stripe or chevron—often pair it with a more understated, complementary carpet on the landing.

Yes—absolutely. It is very popular. Stair runners pair beautifully with wood flooring, adding warmth, texture, and grip while still allowing the timber to remain a key feature. We can help you choose a runner that complements your flooring.

Stair runners provide added traction on wooden steps, reducing the risk of slipping and offering a softer, more comfortable surface underfoot. They are especially beneficial in homes with children, pets, or higher foot traffic.

Yes, we offer a full supply-and-fit service nationwide,

Yes, we offer double borders, including combinations of colours, for a more decorative or statement finish.

Many customers choose a stair runner with a coordinating or contrasting carpet on the landing. We can help you select materials that complement each other beautifully. For example, clients who choose a statement runner—such as a stripe or chevron—often pair it with a more understated, complementary carpet on the landing.

Yes. We can send samples of our carpets and borders so you can view the colours and textures in your home before making a decision. Samples can be easily ordered through our website.