Stair runners are the single biggest design win we deliver for our customers. For a few hundred to a few thousand dollars (depending on staircase size and binding choice), you turn a plain hardwood staircase into a finished architectural feature — softer, quieter, safer, and dramatically more custom-looking.
Step 1: Choose the Carpet
We bring samples to your home. Popular choices include cream or oatmeal herringbone-weave (the current design favorite), traditional loop patterns, and tight-twist plush. Wool and wool-blend runners are the longest-lasting but the most expensive; nylon and polyester runners deliver most of the look for less.
Step 2: Choose the Binding
Binding is the stitched edge that finishes the runner. We stock over 30 binding colors in-house. The current hot combination: cream herringbone with black wide binding — it’s striking, timeless, and reads modern without being trendy. Other popular combos:
- Natural runner with navy binding for traditional homes
- Cream plush with cream binding for a subtle luxury look
- Gray loop with charcoal binding for modern minimalist spaces
See our Binding Calculator for instant pricing.
Step 3: Choose the Install Style
Two main styles:
- Hollywood install. Runner fully wraps the tread and riser, meeting at the corner. Clean, modern look.
- Waterfall install. Runner drapes over the tread and falls straight down, with the back of the tread left visible wood. More traditional, often slightly less material.
Step 4: Add Stair Rods (Optional)
Decorative stair rods in brass, chrome, or bronze add a classic luxury-hotel detail. Purely aesthetic — functionally, modern install methods don’t need them — but they’re a beautiful finishing touch on traditional stairs.
Curved Stairs, Winders, and Landings
Curved and winder staircases take more skill because each tread is a different shape. Experienced installers bind individual sections and blend them seamlessly across the staircase. We’ve installed runners on straight runs, L-shapes, Hollywood waterfalls, spiral staircases, and double-landing estate stairs throughout Somerset, Bergen, and Morris counties.
How Long Does a Stair Runner Install Take?
A typical straight-run staircase takes us a half day once the runner is bound. A larger curved staircase with a landing might take a full day. Custom binding usually takes 5–7 business days from measure.
Ready to Design Yours?
Call 1-877-466-9929 or book a consultation. We’ll bring samples and measure on the same visit.
