Stair runners offer multiple benefits beyond looks:

Comfort: Plush feel underfoot, especially welcome in cold UK winters

Sound reduction: Dampens footstep noise in open-plan homes

Style flexibility: Easy to change colours/patterns without full carpet replacement

Essential Tools

Gather these basic items:

• Metal tape measure (fabric ones aren't accurate)
• Notebook and pen
• Calculator
• Masking tape for marking
• Camera for tricky areas
• Helper (recommended for accuracy)

Important: Don't guess measurements—UK homes, especially older properties, often have non-standard dimensions.

Staircase Types

Identify your type first:

• Straight: Single flight, easiest to measure
• With landing: Flat section between flights
• Winder: Corner-turning triangular steps
• Split: Two flights from one landing

Pre-1950 homes often have irregular dimensions requiring extra attention.

Measuring Width

UK stair widths typically range 76-100cm. Most runners leave 10cm exposed on each side.

Steps:

1. Measure across widest part of tread (usually middle step)
2. Measure wall-to-banister or wall-to-wall
3. Subtract desired border width from each side

Example: 90cm staircase = 70cm runner

Measure 3-5 treads in different sections for consistency. Older homes often vary between steps.

Method 2: Detailed Calculation

For precise measurements, calculate treads and risers separately:

1. Measure width (A): Total staircase width minus desired exposed edges (typically 10cm each side)
2. Measure riser (B): Height from bottom to lip of step above
3. Measure tread (C): Depth from edge lip to top of riser. Include bullnose overhang
4. Count total: Number of risers (B) and treads (C)
5. Calculate risers: Count × individual riser height
6. Calculate treads: Count × individual tread depth
7. Total length: Add riser total + tread total

Example: 13 risers (18cm each) + 13 treads (25cm each) = 234cm + 325cm = 559cm (5.59m)

Landings and Turns

Landings: Measure length and width of flat area. Add to total calculation.

Winders: Measure each triangular tread separately from widest point to back corner, then inner to outer edges.

Example: 100cm landing adds 1 metre to total length.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting bullnose steps: Bottom step often wider with rounded edge
• Assuming uniform stairs: Measure each step—2cm variation across 10 steps creates significant issues
• Skipping pattern allowance: Add 10-15% extra for pattern matching

Our Runner Widths: We offer stair runners in 66cm and 80cm widths to suit most UK staircases.

66cm width: Ideal for narrower stairs (leaves ~10cm exposed on 86cm staircase)

80cm width: Perfect for wider stairs (leaves ~10cm exposed on 100cm staircase)

Length Options:

• Pre-cut lengths up to 20ft (6 metres)
• Custom length runners for any size staircase
• All runners hand finished, cut and overlocked by us in Northamptonshire

Total Length Calculation: (Tread + Riser) × Number of steps + Landing length + 10-15cm buffer

• Example: 43cm per step × 13 steps + 100cm landing + 15cm buffer = 6.75 metres
• Add 10-15% extra for pattern matching

Our Materials

Synthetic (Polypropylene): Our runners offer a soft, wool-like feel while being budget-friendly and stain-resistant. Perfect for high-traffic areas and families with pets/children.

Backing Options:

• Rubber backed: Provides extra grip and cushioning
• Hessian backed: Traditional natural backing for a classic finish

All our runners are low-pile and tightly woven for durability on high-traffic stairs.

Installation

DIY: Possible for straight stairs if you're confident with tools. Need: tack strips, staple gun, utility knife, patience.

Professional: Recommended for winders, landings, or valuable runners. Prevents safety issues from poor installation.

Maintenance

Weekly: Vacuum with brush attachment (avoid beater bars on wool)
Spills: Blot, don't scrub. Use clean cloth, warm water, mild detergent
Annually: Professional cleaning for wool/natural fibres