How to install underlay & gripper
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.