How to Install a Stair Runner Without Nails

Measure the distance from the bottom edge of a riser to the back end of the tread. The riser is the vertical face of a step and the tread is the flat surface on the step. Add 1 inch to allow for the padding. Multiply this measurement by the number of the steps in the stairway. This is the length of runner you need.

Measure the width of the step to determine the width of the runner. If you do not want to cover the steps completely, determine how much you wish to leave exposed on each side of the runner and subtract this number from the width.

Cut the runner to fit your measurements. Use heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife. Apply a small amount of carpet glue along the cut edges of the carpet to prevent the threads from unraveling. Brush the glue onto the edges or apply small dabs through the pointed tip of a squeeze bottle. Wait for the glue to dry before continuing.

Mark the placement of the runner on the steps and risers. The markings serve as a guide while you work, to ensure that the runner is straight on the stairs. Draw lines with an erasable tool, such as chalk, or mark the lines with masking tape.

Cut rug padding for each step. Make each piece deep enough to cover the tread and the nosing, which is the front overhand of the step, but 1 inch narrower than the width of the runner.

Center each padding on each step. Staple the back edge of each piece to the back edge of each tread. Pull the front edge of the padding taut and staple it under the nosing.

Unroll the runner from the bottom of the stairs and up the first three steps. Check the pattern to make sure it is running the right way. Align the edge of the runner with the bottom edge of the riser for the first step. Staple along the edge of the runner to attach it to the riser.

Smooth the runner up the riser and staple it just below the nosing of the step.

Stretch the carpet to the back of the tread with a carpet stretcher. Use a stair tool to tuck the runner firmly into the corner between the tread and the next riser. Staple it down in this corner and midway up the riser to keep it in place. Repeat this process for the remaining steps as you work up the stairs.

Staple the runner to the top of the riser at the top of the stairway. This conceals the edge of the runner under the nosing for the landing. Trim off any excess material.