FAQs About Securing Carpet Runners

Carpet runners are a great accessory that adds extra padding throughout your home, especially on the stairs. They help prevent you from accidentally slipping on hardwood and provide a decorative accent as well. Securing them is important to ensure that they do not slip when you walk on them.

Q: What tools do you need?

A: To secure a carpet runner it is important to have the right tools. You need the carpet, padding, staple gun, measuring tape and a pencil. It is helpful to have another person available to help you, but you can do this task on your own as well.

Q: What are the main steps to securing a runner on the stairs?

A: Measure where you want the runner to go, especially on the stairs. Then, lay your padding down on each riser in the correct position prior to rolling the carpet up the stairs. Once the carpet is aligned, start the stapling process. Staple the runner along the bottom of the stairs first, and hide the staples in the fibers of the carpet as much as possible. Use a knee kicker to pull the carpet tight prior to stapling each riser. Staple in the crease that connects the riser and the tread; this is easy to do if you wedge the carpet tightly each time. Once you have finished the treads, simply trim off the excess carpet and your runner is completely secured.

Q: How do you secure runners around your home?

A: Put a runner down in a hallway to prevent slipping and add a decorative element. You can easily secure these runners with carpet tack strips, or strong tape. Test the runner a few times to ensure that it does not move when you are walking on it.