(All Runrug stair rods come with relevant brackets and screws)
Step 1
Remove the finials
Before you start to cut the rod to your desired length, you will need to remove the finials from the edge of each side of the rod. Once this is completed, you will be left with a singular rod that is finial free on either side.
Step 2
Mark your desired length
Once you have made all your improvements, it’s time to start with the big job of fitting the stair runner. Ensuring that the runner is central to the staircase is super important, and it’s one tip that you should keep coming back to throughout the process. If you forget, don’t worry – we’ll remind you. The last thing you want is your mother-in-law complaining that it’s wonky when she comes over for Sunday lunch.
Starting from the top step, roll the carpet runner out and measure that the space on either side is equal. Having equal spacing on either side of the runner will ensure that the runner is aligned correctly and you won’t come into any problems later on in the process.
Step 3
Cut your rod
Using a hack saw, cut the rod safely to your marked length. Repeat this for all of the rods. Watch out for your fingers on this step, and always use the relevant safety procedures when handling a hack saw.
Step 4
Add the finials
The next step requires you to place the rod into the bracket and add the finials back onto the rod. This will leave you with a final rod that you can fix into place on your stairway.
Step 5
Secure the rod into place
Position the rod into place and make sure that the brackets sit on either side of the runner. Next, screw the bracket into place on the staircase with the screws provided. Complete this for both sides to ensure that the rod is secure in place. Repeat for each stair rod on the stairs.
That wasn’t too difficult, was it?
The range of stair rods at runrug.com are super DIY friendly and easy to install.
Once you have installed your beautiful stair rods, we would love to see them.
Installing underlay and gripper is the first step towards fitting a stair runner. Underlay adds comfort underfoot, helps reduce noise and keeps your runners 'new' look for longer.
Step 1: Cut your gripper to size
Measure and cut your gripper approximately 2cm shorter than the width of your stair runner.
Example: If your runner is 70cm wide, cut your gripper to approximately 68cm.
Step 2: Secure the gripper
Position the gripper on the stair tread with the spikes facing towards the riser. Leave approximately a finger's width gap between the gripper and the riser before securing it in place.
Position a second gripper on the riser with the spikes facing down towards the tread. Again, leave a finger's width gap between the gripper and the tread below before securing it.
Step 3: Trim the underlay pads
Cut the underlay to match the width of your gripper and the depth of your stair tread.
Example: If your gripper is 68cm wide and your tread depth is 25cm, cut your underlay pad to approximately 68cm x 25cm.
Step 4: Secure the underlay pads
Position the pads neatly on the tread, lining up with the grippers, and staple them into place.
Still not sure?
Use our full How to Fit Underlay & Gripper guide for detailed instructions, photos and our video tutorial.
Top tips
- Measure carefully before cutting any gripper or underlay.
- Be careful when handling grippers, as the spikes can be sharp.
- Use your first underlay pad as a template to speed up installation.
- Check all grippers are securely fixed before fitting your stair runner.
How to measure for a stair runner
Measuring for a stair runner is simple. Our stair runners are available in a range of fixed widths and can be cut to your required length, allowing you to create a bespoke runner for your staircase.
Step 1: Measure the width of your staircase
Measure the width of your stair treads from side to side.
Most customers choose a runner that leaves a visible border of the staircase on either side. As a guide, leaving around 5–15cm of the stair visible on each side is a popular choice, although this is entirely down to personal preference.
Example: If your staircase is 80cm wide, a 70cm runner would leave approximately 5cm visible on each side.
Step 2: Measure one step
To determine the length of your runner, start by measuring just one step. There's no need to measure each step individually.
Tread:the horizontal part of the step where your foot lands.
Riser:the vertical part of the step, directly beneath the next tread.
Step 3: Calculate the total length
Once you've measured the tread depth and riser height, add the two together. Then multiply by the total number of steps to get the full runner length.
Example: Tread depth (25cm) + riser height (20cm) = 45cm per step. 45cm x number of steps (12) = 540cm +10% wastage (recommended) = 594cm
Step 4: Select your sizes
Choose the stair runner width that best suits your staircase and enter your required length. We’ll then cut your runner to size.
Measuring for a hall runner is quick and easy. Our hall runners are available in a range of fixed widths and can be cut to your required length, allowing you to create a bespoke runner that fits your space perfectly.
Step 1: Measure the width of your hallway
Start by measuring the width of your hallway from skirting board to skirting board.
Most customers choose a runner width that leaves a border of flooring visible on either side, creating a balanced and stylish appearance. As a guide, a border of around 10-20cm on each side is a popular choice, but the amount you leave is entirely down to personal preference.
Step 2: Measure the length of your hallway
Next, measure the length of the area you’d like the runner to cover. Measure from where you want the runner to begin to where you’d like it to finish.
Step 3: Select your sizes
Select your chosen width and enter your required length. We’ll then cut your runner to size, creating a bespoke runner ready for your home.
Helpful tips
- Measure in centimetres for the greatest accuracy.
- Double-check all measurements before ordering.
- Consider any doorways, radiators or furniture that may affect placement.
- If your hallway has unusual shapes or turns, measure each section separately.
