There’s a lot to consider when selecting your new stair runner — especially if you want the gold-standard mix of durability and a distinctive look.

Many people overlook or aren’t aware that they have loads of options when it comes to runner rugs. We’re here to let you know you have a full range of rug-making techniques, materials, sizes, designs, and styles to draw from.

In this post, you’ll discover all the intricate details that separate great stair runners from all the rest. You’ll learn about:

• The benefits of having a stair runner
• The importance of picking the right kind of floor covering
• How different factors impact the quality of your stair runner carpet
• Why handmade rugs-turned-runners could be your best bet

5 Reasons to Add a Stair Runner

First things first: Why should you even get a stair runner?

Stair runner carpeting can be a brilliant upgrade. Both practical and attractive, here are some of the ways you can reap big benefits from installing runners on your stairs.

#1: Improve Staircase Safety
Home safety is enhanced by having runners by helping to prevent falls and cushion the impact if someone does take a spill. Stairs are commonly made from hard, potentially slippery materials and rugs can offer better traction and a softer landing.

#2: Showcase Your Style
Stairways start out as blank canvases. Stair runners are your opportunity to splash in some color and texture. Because runner rugs come in countless hues, motifs, and finishes, you can let your personality shine — even on the floor.

#3: Reduce Noise in High-Use Areas
Soft surfaces — like rugs and carpets — absorb sound. Your stair runner will dampen the noise of footfalls and minimize any echoes. This can be particularly welcome if your stairs are in a high-traffic or open area where sounds carry.

#4: Protect Your Treads & Risers
Having a rug on your stairs is an effective means of preserving the underlying material, which is often wood. This is because stair runners are generally easier to clean, repair, and replace than fixing damage or worn down steps.

#5: Add Warmth & Comfort
Carpeting is insulating. A stair runner can block cold from radiating up from chilly flooring materials, ensure you aren’t stepping onto an uncomfortably hot or cold surface, and absorb some of the shock when you’re walking.

Stair Runner Carpeting or Rug — You’ve Got Options

Now that you’re convinced that having a stair runner is smart, you may be wondering where to start getting them.

Understanding a few key aspects of stair runners can help you make an informed purchase. Let’s take a look at what your options are before elaborating on their merits.

Carpet vs. Rug Runners
You have two possibilities: carpet or rug.

Carpets are machine-made on a broadloom. To turn them into stair runners, they’re cut down to size from a large roll of carpeting. The edges are then bound or serged. Carpets can be quickly manufactured and stocked in bulk by flooring retailers.

Unlike carpeting, most rugs are handmade. For stair runners, existing rugs can be trimmed to meet your desired dimensions or you can have a rug custom made to fit your stairs. Since a lot of intense labor goes into making a rug, it can take 3-4 months to turn out an 8 x 10 rug. If you don’t want to wait that long – don’t worry! There are already thousands of these rugs available for purchase, including from our collections.

Handmade vs. Hand-Knotted vs. Hand-Woven

These terms aren’t interchangeable so knowing what each means is a must when shopping for your stair runner rug.

Handmade simply indicates that a rug was not fabricated by an automated machine. Skilled craftspeople created the rug on a loom. There are several methods used around the world to create handmade rugs.

Hand-knotted rugs are one for which the rugmaker ties short pieces of yarn onto a base. Each knot has a “tail” that creates the rug’s pile. Hand-knotting is thought to be the oldest way of making rugs and is known for its softness.

Hand-woven rugs are also produced by a talented craftsperson using a loom. However, instead of individual lengths of fiber being knotted onto the base, woven rugs are made from fibers being interlaced with — crossed over and under— the base threads. This results in a flatter finish with no pile, often referred to as a “flatweave”.

Materials & Origin Matter

Stair runners can be made from a variety of fibers. Wool, sisal, jute, nylon, and polyester are extremely common for the knotted or woven portion. Cotton is a very popular base material, though it’s durability and cleanability is much lower than wool.

Each material has its own characteristics and can greatly influence the look, feel, and function of the finished rug.

Things to Think about When Selecting Your Stair Runner

The majority of stair runners are made from carpeting. However, this doesn’t mean stair runner carpet is better.

Carpets are cheaper than rugs. It may be gentler on the budget upfront. Over the lifetime of your stairs and the stair runner, though, rugs may prove the better value.

Let’s explore some of the factors that play a role in the quality of a stair runner and its suitability for your exact needs and preferences.

Longevity & Durability

On average, carpets and rugs can have vastly different lifespans and do not experience wear and tear the same.

Carpet longevity is judged by seam rating while rug longevity is determined by the type of construction e.g., Wilton vs. Tufted). This can make it hard or arbitrary to compare carpets and rugs by this metric because you aren’t comparing apples to apples.

Your best bet is to rely on evaluating the materials and methods used to make the runner and your lifestyle factors.

Materials & Methods Used

Typically, handmade rugs are more durable and enjoy greater longevity. This is due to the fiber content and construction techniques the craftspeople employ.

• Rugs frequently use wool, which is incredibly resilient. It can handle high traffic and repels stains and odors.
• Because rugs are handmade, they usually have a tighter weave or more threads per inch than carpets. This density helps prolong a rug's service life.
• Oftentimes, rugs that are damaged or showing signs of wear can be repaired, adding years to their life.

Since most carpeting isn’t as tough, it will need to be replaced sooner and more regularly than a rug. As such, this should be accounted for when weighing your options.

Your Lifestyle Factors

Your daily life can influence what kind of stair runner is ideal for your home.

Kids, Pets and Rubber-soled shoes can be hard on stair runners, especially on the bottom couple of steps. This is where people generally step hardest and turn their foot as they enter or leave the staircase. That "pivot-point" will be the first to wear out. We recommend saving a remnant from your install in case you need to replace the bottom few steps.

Design & Pattern

This is where you can let your imagination run wild. There are as many distinct looks as you can dream up.

You can mix and match motifs, color palettes, and styles to fashion a stair runner that complements your home and represents your signature taste.

• Stair runners can feature floral, geometric, or abstract patterns.
• Multiple rugs can be patchworked together for a striking stair runner.
• You can dictate the orientation of the rug design to change its appearance.
• Your stair runner can be the same as or different from your landing or hallway floor covering.

The rug used for your stair runner isn’t your only opportunity to create a bespoke look. The decorative elements, hardware, and installation method are décor statements, too.

Stair Dimensions & Installation

For your stair runner to look its best and last it longest, it must be procured and installed well. This includes accurately measuring, templating the staircase, cutting the rug pieces from the templated shapes, and installing the runner in your home.

Working with a professional rug installation team is recommended. They have the training and experience to do each step correctly.

Some parts of this process can be done overseas by the rugmaker. While this may be a less expensive path, it can leave more room for error. When you’re deciding where to buy your stair runner, you can ask about your options and the associated costs.

We Ensure You Get the Best Stair Runner for Your Home

If you want the optimal combination of great looks and superior performance, we recommend investing in a rug for your stair runner. Not only will you have the ability to personalize the style of your runner, but you can also be confident that your rug will serve you for years.

Carpeting is another great option. This is especially true if your budget is more modest, you need a quicker turnaround, or you don’t want custom handmade flooring.

At Landry & Arcari, our stair runner specialists are ready to help you find or create a unique and stunning solution you’ll love. Call or come in today to get started.