Materials Needed to Install a Stair Runner

Carpet and Pad

• Like regular carpet throughout a room, a stair runner uses padding underneath to soften the feel. The pad for a runner goes only on the treads of the stairs and is slightly narrower than the stair runner so it doesn't show along the edges. The runner comes in a long piece that is not as wide as the stair treads. The runner usually leaves a few inches of exposed wood treads on either side.

Tackless Strips

• Tackless strips are the components of the stair runner installation that actually hold the runner in place on the stairs. The metal strips go at the back of each tread to keep the carpet from slipping forward off the stairs. The strips are cut to size to a length 2 inches shorter than the stair runner's width.

Rods

• Stair rods serve a decorative purpose for your installation project. The rods are completely optional, but the metal rods add a decorative touch that accents each stair and the runner itself. The stair rods rest at the joint of the tread and riser at the back of each step. Brackets hold the rods in place. The rods also have finials on the end, which are decorative end pieces that add detail to the rods.

Tools

• A tape measure is used frequently during the runner installation. The tape measure allows you to measure the width of the stairs to determine where to locate the runner so it is even. Metal snips are used to cut the tackless strips down to size. A carpet knee kicker is a tool that enables you to attach the carpet to the tackless strips you installed. The tool gets its name from the action of hitting it with your knee to press the carpet into the strips. A carpet tool is a tool to help get the runner between the tackless strip and the riser. You hit the carpet tool with a rubber mallet to do the job. A stapler is also necessary to hold the pad and carpet in place. If you use rods, you'll also need a drill and screws to attach the pieces.