Carpet Runner vs. Fully Carpeted Stairs

Cost

• The cost of carpeting any portion of the home varies based on the material, the amount of carpeting required and the cost of labor. Some homeowners believe they can save money by installing runners on their own, but the process actually requires a professional. With many carpet companies charging by the square footage, a fully carpeted stairway usually costs more than a runner. Of course, if the stairway requires major work before adding the runner, such as installing hardwood flooring, the cost will increase significantly.

Color and Patterns

• Using a runner on a stairway gives homeowners the opportunity to add a small splash of color to the home. For instance, a maroon or forest green runner provides a stately feel without overwhelming the area with a dark or heavy-looking carpet. Multicolored patterns, like floral runners, allow designers to play up various tones and shades scattered throughout the house. Complement the runner’s colors by painting or tiling the portions of the steps not covered by fabric.

Safety

• According to the Home Safety Council, falls from steps or stairways are the No. 1 cause of home injury-related deaths. Runners pose a risk to such kinds of accidents when, over time, the edges of the runner may begin to lift due to overall wear and tear. Homeowners risk getting their feet stuck in the space between the runner and the step, causing the homeowner to possibly slip.

Precautions

• Install carpets or runners with the same type of care and precaution. To avoid tripping over uneven surfaces, runners should measure wide enough to cover both feet. To prevent the carpet or runner from bunching up over time, glue padded cushions directly to the stairway and then glue the carpet to the cushion. Choose nonslippery materials like nylon or wool. Keep the carpet or runner clean because items like grease or soil create slippery conditions.