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Basic Measurement Guide for Stair Runners

Installing a stair runner can add style and safety to your staircase. This guide will help you measure your stairs accurately for installation techniques.

Tools You Will Need

Tape measure
Pencil and paper (or a digital device for noting measurements)
Calculator (optional)

General Steps

1- Count the Stairs: Determine the number of steps that need a runner.

2- Measure the Tread: The stair tread is the horizontal part of the stair where you step. Measure the depth (from the front edge to the back edge) of one stair tread.

Also measure the width of the tread from one side to the other for getting your runner width. It's ideal to select a width that leaves approximately 4 inches of visible stair gap on each side, though this can be adjusted based on personal preference and the stair design.

3- Measure the Riser: The stair riser is the vertical part of the stair between each tread. Measure the height of one stair riser from the top of the tread below to the top of the tread above.

If you have straight stairs; the depth of each tread + the height of each riser = total length per step. Multiply by the number of steps to get the total length of the runner and consider adding a few extra inches for any adjustments.

If you have nosed stairs, once you get the count of the steps then you need to choose the installation method; Hollywood or Waterfall style.

Hollywood Style

The "Hollywood" style refers to a carpet installation method where the carpet is directly tacked down to the staircase. In this style, the carpet wraps around the edge of the tread, contours around the nosing, and meets down the riser, resulting in a tailored look.

Steps to Measure for Hollywood Style

Your measurement method for Hollywood style installation will vary depending on the type of nosing. The stair nosing is the protruding edge of a stair tread that extends beyond the riser. This ledge can be either squared or bullnosed. Here's how to measure each type for the Hollywood Style.

Squared Nose Measurement Steps:

Place the end of your tape measure at the point where the stair tread begins to protrude from the riser.
Extend the tape measure from the outermost edge of the stair nosing to where the riser begins, as shown. Note the measurement.

Put your tape measure under the nose to the bottom of the riser, as shown and note your riser measurement.

Add the two measurements you noted down and multiply by the number of steps to get the required total.

Bullnose Measurement Steps:

Place the end of your tape measure at the point where the stair tread begins to protrude from the riser
Extend the tape measure with covering the stair nose to where the riser begins, as shown. Note the measurement.

Put your tape measure under the nose to the bottom of the riser, as shown and note your riser measurement.
Add the two measurements you noted down and multiply by the number of steps to get the required total.

Waterfall Style

The "Waterfall" style stair runner installation method involves draping the carpet over the edge of each tread and straight down the riser to meet the next tread. This technique creates a cascading waterfall effect, as the carpet is not molded to the riser. This method allows the carpet to cascade directly from the edge of one tread to the bottom of the next riser, creating a smooth, flowing look. Here's how to measure the Waterfall Style.

Bullnose Measurement Steps:

Place the end of your tape measure at the point where the stair tread begins to protrude from the riser
Extend the tape measure with covering the stair nose to where the riser begins, as shown. Note the measurement.

Add the two measurements you noted down and multiply by the number of steps to get the required total.

If you have winder stairs:

Winder stairs gradually change angle as they ascend to the next floor, a couple of steps often taking on an irregular shape to accommodate this transition.

First, measure the depth of the straight tread and the height of the riser.
For irregular shaped turns, measure the depth of each step along the outer (widest) point, extending over the edge onto the riser below it.
Calculate the total length needed by first multiplying the combined tread and riser measurements by the number of straight stairs.
Then, add the measurements for the winder treads and risers.
Finally, include extra length for each turn to accommodate the curvature, typically an additional 6-12 inches per turn, to ensure proper laying of the runner.

Calculate Total Material Needed

Add together:

For straight stairs: The depth of each tread + the height of each riser = total length per step. Multiply by the number of steps to get the total length of the runner.
If you include a top landing, you need to add a single riser to the total measurement.
Add any additional length for landings or turns depending on your stair type and installation method.

Example Calculation

For a straight staircase with 10 steps:

Tread depth: 10 inches
Riser height: 7 inches
Number of steps: 10

Total length per step = 10 inches (tread) + 7 inches (riser) = 17 inches.

Total runner length = 17 inches x 10 steps = 170 inches (14 feet 2 inches).

Tips

Double-check your measurements for accuracy.
Consider adding a few extra inches to the total length to account for any adjustments or errors.
Once you have calculated the full length of your carpet runner, you should add a further 5% onto the total to allow for any errors or adjustments.
Consult with the stair runner installer for any specific measuring requirements they may have.

Conclusion

Measuring accurately is crucial for a successful stair runner installation and this guide will help you get an approximate measurement. Once the final measurements are confirmed, go ahead and buy the runner, ensuring the specified surplus for adaptation. Select a runner with a pattern that complements the dimensions of your stairs from our Runners collection or custom order one.