A Professional Guide to Installing Stair Runners & Decorative Stair Rods

Introduction

A beautifully fitted stair runner transforms a staircase — adding warmth, texture, and a touch of luxury.
This guide provides a professional, step-by-step process for fitting stair runners, along with handmade decorative stair rods and brackets.

All Woven Bliss rods and brackets are custom-made to order — each length cut precisely, finials shaped by hand, and finished to your chosen specification.
Runners are cut and overlocked to match your staircase length, ensuring a perfect fit.

Whether you have a straight flight, a curved sweep, or a winder staircase with a bend, this guide will help you measure, prepare, and install with confidence.

Tools & Materials

Measuring Your Staircase

Accurate measurement ensures your runner and rods fit perfectly.

Step 1 – Measure One Step Unit

• Measure the tread depth (horizontal section).
• Measure the riser height (vertical face).
• Add both together to determine the “unit rise.”
• If there’s a nosing, measure the wrap distance under it.

Step 2 – Calculate Runner Length

(Tread depth + Riser height)×number of steps(\text{Tread depth + Riser height}) \times \text{number of steps}(Tread depth + Riser height)×number of steps

Add 10–15 % extra to allow for trimming and adjustments.
Include any landings or turns in your total.

Step 3 – Determine Runner Width

• Measure total stair width.
• Subtract equal margins (reveals) on both sides — typically 50–80 mm per side.
• The result is your runner width.
• Each rod should be roughly 30–50 mm longer than the runner width to fit between bracket cups.

Step 4 – Mark the Centre Line

Mark the centre on each tread and riser to maintain consistent alignment during fitting.

Preparing the Stairs

1. Clean thoroughly and check for uneven steps or protruding nails.
2. Install underlay (optional): cut each pad slightly narrower than the runner width and secure it.
3. Install carpet grippers (optional): along the back of each tread or under nosing.
4. Dry-fit your runner to confirm visual alignment before final fixing.

Fitting the Stair Runner (Straight Stairs)

Method Options

• Staple gun or tacks – most secure for timber stairs.
• High-strength double-sided tape – ideal for smooth concrete or finished wood.
• Carpet adhesive – clean finish, permanent bond.
• Tack strips – traditional professional method.

Step-by-Step

1. Start at the top:
   Align the runner along your centre marks. Fix beneath the top nosing or top riser using your chosen method.
2. Work down each step:
   • Tuck runner tightly into the crease between tread and riser using your stair tool.
   • Secure the base of each riser (staples ~ 75 mm apart).
   • Smooth over the tread and repeat down the flight.
3. Finish neatly:
   At the bottom step, fold excess under the last tread and secure for a clean edge.

Fitting on Rounded or Winder Staircases

Curved or winder staircases require additional care — each tread differs in width and angle.

Step 1 – Identify Stair Type

• Winder stairs: turn at 90° or 180°, fan-shaped steps.
• Curved / helical stairs: continuous smooth curve.
• Spiral stairs: circular around a post.

Step 2 – Establish the Flow Line

• Mark a visual centre line down the curve using string or flexible tape.
• This line guides the runner’s path for even reveals.

Step 3 – Measure Each Step Individually

• Record inner edge width, outer edge width, riser height, and tread depth.
• The runner may need to taper slightly so the visible edge looks uniform around the curve.

Step 4 – Create Templates (Recommended)

• Use craft paper or fabric to make templates for each curved tread.
• Label each clearly (e.g., “Curve Step 1”).
• Test-fit these before cutting your runner.

Step 5 – Fit the Runner

1. Start from the top of the bend.
2. Align along your flow line; adjust slightly at each step.
3. Secure each tread and riser individually.
4. For tight curves, make tiny relief cuts in the backing only (not the pile) to allow the runner to bend smoothly.
5. Continue until the curve is complete, trimming and tucking neatly at the base.

Pro Tip: Avoid thick underlay on tight bends — it may cause bulging or wrinkling.

Installing Decorative Stair Rods & Brackets

Your Woven Bliss rods and brackets are decorative and hand-finished; they enhance style but do not hold the runner in place.

Step 1 – Position Brackets

• Place one bracket on each side of the runner at the tread/riser junction.
• Mark screw holes.
• For curved or winder stairs, angle the brackets parallel to the runner edge, not the stair edge, so they follow the visual flow.

Step 2 – Secure Brackets

• Drill pilot holes if needed (especially in hardwood).
• Screw the brackets firmly but avoid overtightening.

Step 3 – Insert Rods & Finials

• Slide your custom rod (cut to exact width for each step) through both brackets.
• The rod should rest gently against the carpet pile.
• Attach finials and tighten set screws.

Step 4 – Polish & Inspect

• Wipe rods and brackets with a soft cloth.
• Check that all rods are level and evenly spaced.

Finishing Touches & Maintenance

• Vacuum weekly with brush bar off.
• Spot clean immediately using gentle carpet shampoo.
• Polish brass or stainless-steel rods periodically.
• Every few months, remove rods to clean beneath and check fittings.

Troubleshooting

Summary of Best Practices

• Measure twice, cut once — especially for winder steps.
• Always dry-fit before final fixing.
• Keep the runner taut but not stretched.
• On curves, let the runner flow naturally.
• Use brass polish or microfibre cloths for long-term rod maintenance.

Call to Action

Enhance your staircase with handmade details that last a lifetime.
Order your custom stair runner, underlay, and decorative brass, stainless-steel, or mild-steel rods from Woven Bliss South Africa — locally crafted, made-to-measure, and finished to perfection.

Explore our collection: https://www.wovenbliss.co.za/product-category/rugs-and-runners/stair-runners/