When measuring steps for runners and carpeting:
Count the number of steps. When ordering a stair runner by the foot, you can figure 3 feet for every 2 steps, then add 2 feet. Or, you can take a cloth tape
measure, and measure one step and a riser. Then multiply that figure by the number of steps, plus add the measurement of the last top riser. After finding your total, add one extra foot.
For landings, add the total length and total width PLUS a pattern repeat. Pattern repeats can be found on the back of most stair runner samples.
A good rule for runner sizes: leave 3"-4" of floor showing on either side of the step for a good stair runner width.
Hint: When trying to decide the width of a stair runner, try using masking tape to visualize what size you want. Just tape the sides of a few steps. You can pull up the tape and change it until you find the size you like, then measure the tape. This technique can be done on landings also, as shown in the picture on the right. Visualizing your size is always much better than using a tape measure. You lose perspective of your size by just measuring an area.
If you are thinking of changing the look of your stairs, and there is a runner or wall to wall carpet on the stairs, try taping plain paper over the existing runner or carpet. (just on 2-3 steps).You then can use tape to determine what size runner will look best. Also, if you get a sample from a store, you can lay it over the paper to see the pattern and color more clearly. When looking at another style or pattern, make sure you look at the sample in different lights, morning, dusk and night. Fabrics and carpet colors can change with different lighting.
Interesting stair looks
You can make a step covering from
any style carpet. The carpet on these spiral
stairs were custom cut to fit from a Stanton broadloom, then bound with matching binding.
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Read about "Samples, Your Answer to a Decorating Dilemma", in the Rug Rats Blog.
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Example of width and length of a stair landing
The carpet runner above was custom made using gold and black plush carpet from Masland. These steps were custom measured with the techniques mentioned in this newsletter.
The landing on this stair above shows a pie (or wedge)
shape landing. These pie steps must be installed one at
a time and are usually custom made. Most of the time, a straight runner bought by the foot will not work on these type pie steps. The steps do not follow a straight line that a straight piece of carpet will fit into. There are only a few Master Installers that would be able to do this type of installation from a straight stair runner. Try finding one at the Certified Floor Covering Institute by typing in your zip code to see the certified installers in your area.
The runner shown above was custom made. The field is from Prestige Mills and is a low pile tightly French woven wool carpet. The tapestry shown is from Stanton Carpet. (see tapestry choices) This tapestry was hand sewn onto the carpet. The pie shape steps were built from patterns that the installers made on this job.
Interesting Fact. Stair rods were originally used
to hold step runners in place in Colonial times. From this technique, we now use Stair rods as a decorative finish. See Stair Rods in our online store. |
Visit our Rug Measuring Tips page for help and ideas on
measuring other areas of the home.
Visit our Flooring Calculator to determine how much material you need to order and what the cost will be.(You will need to get your carpet pricing before using this tool.)
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