Hello again, welcome to my blog series on our renovations at The Shack. Today we’re finishing up our staircase renovation and discussing the carpet runner. In the last few posts, I’ve shared about the process of replacing all our treads and risers, plus adding a new skirt board. It’s been a big job, but we’ve almost completed our new stairs!
I already shared the following inspiration photos for our stair runner. I envision a geometric pattern for the carpet runner, which reminds me of a Navajo pattern. This style will work well with our rustic mountain house vibe, while still feeling modern and fresh.
Here’s the actual carpet runner I ended up selecting for the stairs at The Shack. The pattern is geometric, but it also has a nice spacing to it, which should help with the pattern not looking mismatched when we install it. I also like the warmer neutral background color, which is not a stark white. That way it will contrast nicely with the stairs, while adding some warmth. Perhaps the best part is that the runner is an indoor/outdoor carpeting, so it will withstand lots of wear and tear. That’s something super important for a stair runner, in my opinion.
First, I installed a pad on the new stairs. This just gets stapled into place and then our beautiful new runner will go over top. Silvia, my Siberian Cat, was a big help, as you can see!
I used my husband’s pneumatic air gun to staple the pad and runner onto the stairs. I also used wood blocks cut to size, for use as a spacer for the sides. This way, I could ensure the runner would stay straight as it flowed down the stairs, without having to constantly measure. I also used a sturdy putty knife to help get all the corners tight when I stapled everything in place. This worked out great, since I wanted a nice, tailored look for the geometric runner.
Next, the actual runner is applied in the same manner as the padding. Keep in mind, the carpet is a bit wider than the padding, so my spacing blocks for the sides are a different size than the blocks I used for placing the pad. Those blocks really helped to keep the runner straight and even on the steps! The pattern in this runner hides those staples very well, so I was very generous when tacking the runner down. I don’t want the wear and tear of people going up and down the stairs to wiggle things loose over time. I also sealed the ends of the runner with hot glue everywhere I made cuts, since I don’t want the textile to fray and come apart at the edges. The sealed ends were just turned under at the bottom, before I stapled the bottom into place. I’m super happy with how it turned out!
Below is the long run of steps with the new runner attached. This portion had to be installed in two pieces, but I matched up the pattern and the joint is nearly invisible. Patterns, when lined up well, actually help to visually hide the seams, whether it’s in carpeting or even fabric and wallpaper!
Ta daa! Here’s a look at the finished project…a brand new staircase for The Shack. It’s quite a difference from that old dingy brown carpeting, isn’t it? I’m in love with the crisp white steps, combined with the geometric runner…just the look I was going for.
OK, I can’t resist going back to those yucky old steps just one more time, just to show you the transformation of these steps. It’s amazing to think this is even the same place!
AFTER: New white painted treads, risers and skirt on the staircase at The Shack provide a clean foundation for the lovely geometric patterned, indoor-outdoor carpet runner.
Thanks again for following along with our progress at The Shack. There’s still a lot to share with you, I hope you’ll stick around as I post the before and afters in our little Poconos mountain house. Until then, make sure to like Robinson Interiors on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter, and DO stay tuned for future updates on The Shack!
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Kristine Robinson's Interiors (and so much more...) 
Hi Kristine, Stairs look great. Is your husband for hire? Not only does he do a great job, but he gets it done promptly. Keep up the good work. Fondly Sheila
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Thanks, Sheila. I’m very happy with the stairs. My husband does do a terrific job!! Although I will say, the blog makes it seem surprisingly swift…in real life, this process to a loooong time. But the results are well worth it!