For over 40 years Addison/Dicus & Bailey has provided interior designers with flooring choices.
We have learned to encourage designers to shop for choices that can work and to avoid choices that won't work no matter how beautiful they are.
Stair runners are a particular challenge. Stairs often are the most traveled route in the house. Children and pets can go up and down this narrow path many times a day.
Destructive footfalls and claws are rough on the stair runner.
It's function over form in the stair runner category.
Know your client and the lifestyle you are designing for.
Most Hand-loomed Carpeting is Unsuitable
The relatively loose woven yarns are too easily pulled and stretched by rubber soled shoes and animal claws. Once pulled loose the yarn is not repairable.
However, there are some tightly weaved hand looms that may be suitable. See below.
Flat Weave Characteristics to Keep In Mind
There are many flat weaved carpets and a few hand looms that are tough enough to serve as stair runners.
However, some have bulky yarn which probably can't take the traffic.
Best to get a second opinion if you have the slightest doubt.
No Fragile Carpet
Viscose (faux silk) comes to mind. Here's what can happen to viscous on stairs. Traffic from children, pets and even adults stresses out the viscose yarn and causes it to untwist, leaving little dabs of paper-like blossoms on the stairs.
Easy Choice for Some
If you have the budget and there is a design you like, Axminster and/or Wilton carpeting are the best for stair runners.
For overall durability ask to see face-to-face Wilton carpets.
"These can wear down to the backing and still look good," said carpet installation expert Bob Ford
Design Considerations - Matching
Most designers want the patterns in stair runners to match in an orderly fashion. Here's how to do that.
Choose patterns with relatively small elements that repeat in an orderly way. Think leopard spots. They match easily no matter what turns the stairs take.
Choose patterns with straight lines. But only if there are no curves in the staircase.
Choose layouts with a field and border, whose measurements fit comfortably within the stairs.
Curved stairs can require lots of cutting and sewing to accommodate the turns. You might need to figure in stair rods to mask the alterations.
Avoid large patterns. Matching is difficult.
We Are Here For You
Yes, this is a lot to remember. But any of us at our showrooms can answer any questions about altering carpets for stair runners and about durability. Please check with someone to make sure your choice can work.
You may be disappointed by not being able to use a carpet that you love, but you will be very much more disappointed if your stair runner fails.
RoomVo
Look for this icon in the bottom or our website. Use it to view products from a selection of out vendors.
You can upload a picture of a room that you are designing and view products in that room.