How to Finish the End of a Stair Runner

Plain Finish

• 1

  Use the measuring tape to measure the height of the bottom riser and the width of the top stair.

• 2

  Place the ends of the runner on the cutting surface. Use the box cutter to trim excess carpet that's longer than the height of the bottom riser, or the length of the top step. For the bottom riser, measure the cut from the bottom. For the top, measure the cut from the edge of the top riser.

• 3

  Fold the excess rug under the portion to be used to cover the bottom riser and the top step. Use the staple gun to secure the fold by stapling across the length of rug where the ends of the excess underneath meets the top edge of the riser, for both the bottom and the top steps. Staple both edges of the runner along the bottom riser and the top step.

• 4

  Secure the folded ends of the runner on the top and bottom with carpet tacks using the tack hammer. Run tacks across the entire length of the ends to prevent gaps.

Extended Finish

• 5

  Measure and mark the floor where you want to end your stair runner. Place the runner on the cutting surface and cut it to size using the box cutter.

• 6

  Serge the ends of the runner to prevent unraveling, using serge yarn and an upholstery needle. Use a tight looping stitch, making sure there are no gaps between the loops of yarn.

• 7

  Attach a border to the serged end, using upholstery thread and an upholstery needle. Placing the front sides of the border and rug together, use a tight looping stitch to attach. Unfold and smooth the ends when you're done.

• 8

  Measure and cut an area of carpet pad 1 inch smaller on all sides for each end of the extended runner. Using the staple gun, attach the carpet pad to the wood, stapling around the inside of the carpet pad edge 1 inch from the outside edges.

• 9

  Place the runner ends over the carpet pad and attach them along the edges of the risers using the staple gun. When attaching to the bottom riser, use the blunt chisel to gently push the runner into the crevice where the riser and the floor meet, to ensure a tight fit. Secure the ends of the runner with carpet tacks, using the tack hammer.