Stair runners and treads add style and elegance to your stairs, but they also provide safety and comfort for your family and guests.
Like you, we want to ensure that your home is both stylish and safe.
In this buyer guide to stair runners & treads, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before making your first purchase.
Carpeting your stairs doesn't have to be complicated.
Everyone can have access to the style and comfort they want in their home.
Let's jump in and get you knowledgeable about all thing stair runners and treads.
What are Stair Runners?
Stair runners are a type of carpeting that is designed to cover the steps of a staircase.
They are usually made of a durable material such as wool or polypropylene, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Stair runners are an effective way to protect stairs from wear and tear, as well as adding a stylish and decorative touch to a home.
They also provide a safer surface for walking on stairs, as they reduce the risk of slipping.
Where do you get stair runners?
Stair runners can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store.
Home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware typically carry a selection of stair runners.
You can even find a wide variety of options on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, or at specialty carpet shops.
What are Stair Treads?
Stair treads are the horizontal surfaces of a staircase that you step on when going up or down.
Stair treads come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes.
Common materials include:
- wood
- metal
- composite
- carpet
Wood treads are available in a range of colors and finishes, and can be treated with a non-slip coating.
Metal treads are often used for industrial applications, while composite treads are a low-maintenance option that can be made to look like wood.
Treads come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, curved, and beveled.
They can also be customized to fit the stairs in any home.
Carpet stair treads are a great way to add style and comfort to your staircase while protecting it from wear and tear.
They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials to help you create a look that is unique to your home.
Like stair runners, carpet stair treads provide a non-slip surface, making them a great choice for families with young children or pets.
They are actuall easier to install and cause less damage to your stairs than stair runners.
They also help to reduce noise from foot traffic.
Where do you buy carpet stair treads?
You can buy carpet stair treads from a variety of places, from Amazon to Home Depot to Wayfair.
You'll find a range of quality options - some of which are great and some of which are lacking.
Make sure you buy your carpet stair treads from a quality retailer like Oak Valley Designs so you know you are getting a lasting quality product that will be exactly what you ordered.
With Oak Valley Designs, you can find the perfect carpet stair treads for your home.
Stair Runners and Carpet Stair Tread Materials
When it comes to carpet stair runners and treads, there are two main types of materials: natural fibers and synthetic fibers.
Natural Fibers
Natural fiber stair runners and treads are made from materials such as wool, sisal, and jute.
These materials are eco-friendly, durable, and provide a natural look and feel to your stairs.
Wool
Wool is a popular choice for stair runners and treads due to its durability and natural resistance to stains and wear.
Wool is also a great insulator, making it perfect for colder climates.
Sisal
Sisal is a natural fiber that is derived from the agave plant.
It's durable, eco-friendly, and provides a natural look and feel to your stairs.
Sisal is also great for high-traffic areas.
Jute
Jute is a natural fiber that is derived from the jute plant.
It's soft, eco-friendly, and provides a natural look and feel to your stairs.
However, it's not as durable as other natural fibers and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fiber stair runners and treads are made from materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.
These materials are durable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Nylon
Nylon is a popular choice for stair runners and treads due to its durability and resistance to stains and wear.
It's also easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
However, it's not as durable as nylon and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber that is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
It's also resistant to stains and wear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
Styles
Stair runners and treads come in a variety of styles, including solid colors and patterns.
Solid Colors
Solid color stair runners and treads come in a variety of neutral and bold colors.
They can be matched with your home decor and provide a classic and timeless look to your stairs.
Patterns
Patterned stair runners and treads come in a variety of designs, including stripes, geometric shapes, and floral patterns.
When choosing a pattern, it's important to consider the overall look and feel of your home decor.
How much do stair runner and carpet stair treads cost?
The cost of buying and installing a stair runner to your stairs can vary depending on the type of stair runner you choose, the size of the stairs, and the complexity of the installation.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for the materials and labor.
This cost includes the cost of the stair runner itself, as well as the cost of the installation.
If you are looking to save money, you should consider purchasing a stair runner that is pre-cut to the size of your stairs. This can save you money on the installation cost.
The average cost of buying carpet stair treads like the ones from Oak Valley Designs depends on the size and material of the treads.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for a single tread, with the price increasing depending on the size and material.
For example, a single 9" x 26" tread made from 100% wool may cost around $50, while a single 9" x 26" tread made from polyester may cost around $20.
Buying and installing carpet treads is generally less expensive and less damaging to your stairs than buying a stair runner.
Installation: Stair Runners
Stair runners can be installed either by a professional or as a DIY project.
The process for installing is actually quite different depending on whether you are using a stair runner or stair treads.
DIY Installation
Installing stair runners yourself is a relatively simple process. Just because it's simple, though, doesn't mean it's easy.
Measure the stairs and purchase the necessary runner materials.
Consider using a low-pile carpet for easier installation.
Attach the stair runner to the stairs.
There are a few ways to do this:
- carpet tacks: the most traditional and cost-effective way to attach carpet to stairs. They are hammered into the stair treads and will hold the carpet in place.
- glue: more difficult to install and can be messy.
- double-sided tape: the easiest and most modern option.
Double-sided carpet tape requires no tools and can be easily removed if needed.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to measure and cut the carpet accurately for the best results.
Use a stair tool to secure the runner tightly to the treads and risers.
It is important to make sure the runner is securely attached and does not move or slide when walked on.
With some patience and careful attention to detail, you can install stair runners yourself with great results.
If you choose to hire a professional to install your stair runners and treads, you'll need to consider the cost and the pros and cons of professional installation.
A professional installation can ensure a perfect fit and a seamless look, BUT it can also be expensive.
Carpet Stair Tread Installation
Installing carpet stair treads yourself is a great way to update the look of your stairs without the expense of hiring a professional.
Measuring
Firs things first, you need to properly measure your stairs and get the dimensions you need.
Knowing how wide and how thick your stairs are will help you order and install the correct size.
If you have a unique size or shape of stairs, you can buy custom size stair treads from reliable stores.
We take custom orders at Oak Valley Designs and will work with you to find the product that will satisfy the style and safety needs of your home.
Ways to Install
There are several methods to do so, depending on the type of stair treads you choose.
If you are using pre-made carpet stair treads, you can attach them to your stairs with adhesive tape, staples, or nails.
If you are using carpet remnants, you can use a stair-tread template to cut the carpet to size and attach it to the stairs with adhesive tape, staples, or nails.
For a more secure installation, you can use a combination of adhesive tape and staples or nails.
You can also use double-sided carpet tape to attach the carpet stair treads to your stairs.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to use a level to ensure the stair treads are even and secure.
Installing Oak Valley Carpet Stair Treads
Installing Oak Valley Carpet Stair Treads is easy because they are designed as a peel-and-stick product with an adhesive backing that allows for a quick and easy installation.
No tools are needed, and the stair treads are designed to fit all standard staircases.
You just measure your stairs, order the size you need, and attach them whenever you're ready.
It's super easy and can be done in as little as 20 minutes!
Oak Valley offers a variety of colors and styles to match any decor, and the installation process is simple and straightforward.
Stair Runner Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of your stair runners.
Cleaning
Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help keep your stair runners looking like new.
For deep cleaning, consider hiring a professional or using a carpet cleaning machine.
It's important to follow the dos and don'ts of cleaning to avoid damaging your stair runners.
Repair and Replacement
Replacing your stair runners can be a cost-effective solution for making your stairs look like new, and the cost typically varies depending on the type of runner you choose.
Generally, the cost of replacing your stair runners will range from $8 to $30 per linear foot, with installation costs ranging from $2 to $3 per linear foot.
If you're looking to repair your existing stair runners, the cost will be significantly less, with repair costs typically ranging from $2 to $4 per linear foot.
Carpet Stair Tread Maintenance
Cleaning
Oak Valley Designs carpet stair treads can be kept clean by vacuuming regularly and spot cleaning with warm water and mild detergent when needed.
To prevent dirt and debris from getting embedded into the carpet, use a doormat at the entrance of the stairway to trap dirt and debris from coming in.
Additionally, avoid wearing shoes on the stairs to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that can be tracked in.
Replacing or repairing carpet stair treads like oak valley designs carpet stair treads can be a really simple process.
That's why we like them so much more than stair runners.
They are easier to clean, and if one stair tread damaged, you can order a replacement or a few - however many you need.
Just make sure you purchase the right size and shape.
Taking a Step
Okay, now you're set!
You should have all the information you need to decide how you want to get your home stylin' and safe for your family!
Now that you know what you need, it is time to choose the right material for your stairs.
Carpet is the most popular choice for stair runners and treads, as it is comfortable to walk on and offers a wide variety of colors and textures.
Be sure to consider the stairs’ overall design when making your selection.
Finally, make sure to measure the stairs accurately to ensure you purchase the correct size and number of materials.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Happy styling!
