Stair Runner Installation

Frame the end of the stair runner using the straight edge and the carpenter's square. Trim the stair runner with the utility knife.

Seal the end of the stair runner with adhesive to give it a straight, clean edge. Let dry.

Measure the width of the stairs using the tape measure. Subtract that by the width of the stair runner. Divide this total by two. Use this final number to give you equal space on both sides of the stair runner. This is how you center it on the stairs.

Mark the distance of the number used to center the stair runner on the step. Using the straight edge and a pencil, draw a line along what will be the left edge of where the stair runner will go. Repeat this on each step of the stairs.

Set the stair pad on top of the stair runner. Subtract 2 inches from the stair pad. Cut the stair pad to the proper width using the straight edge and the utility knife.

Set the pad in place, using the staple gun, on the last step 1 inch from the pencil mark and 1 inch from the base of the next step. Repeat for all the steps up the staircase. The edge of the pad will hang just over the stair nosing.

Install the stair runner by placing the cut edge on the floor in front of the bottom step. Align the stair runner with the pencil line across the bottom step. Staple the stair runner close to the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

Staple the stair runner to the riser of the bottom step, just under the stair nosing, using the staple gun. Insert a staple along the riser every 1 inch along the width of the stair runner.

Align the stair runner along each step, moving up the staircase. Press the stair runner flat into the crease of each step using the carpet stretcher. Starting at the nose of each step, press the carpet stretcher back toward the crease.

Staple the stair runner into the crease of each step at a 90-degree angle. Staple the stair runner to the riser, just under the stair nosing every 1 inch along the width of the runner. Repeat all the way up the stairs.