Not all custom runners are equal, in fact there is a huge variation in styles, material, widths and finishes available for your runner. So lets dive right in.Q. Are hall runners and stair runners made differently?A. No, in fact they are the exact same product. Custom runners often referred to as “roll runner” because they come on very long rolls are applicable on hallways and staircases.Q. Is it hard to install a stair runner?A. Many of our customers tackle the task of installing a runner on their staircase. While it is not a novice task, it is however and depending on your own personal skill level, a job that can be classified as DIY. If however your not comfortable with measuring, using power tools and hate being precise, I would suggest a local carpet mechanic instead of doing it yourself. The minor cost will far outweigh the immense frustration.Q. I’m ordering a stair runner, do I need finishing on the ends?A. Most stair applications are left raw or unfinished at the ends and final cuts are made on site at the end of each runner. Most times the runner is installed under thresholds or under the bullnose of the last tread.Q. How do I measure for a stair runner?A. If you have a typical straight up and down stair case this is simple. We have a formula that we suggest to use on straight stair cases. Count the number of stairs you have and multiply that by 1.75. Then add an extra foot for the last riser to get your needed footage. For example if you have 12 steps: 12 x’s 1.75 = 21 feet + 1 extra foot totals out at 22 needed feet. If you have landings, spiral staircases, pie shaped steps or any other more elaborate type stairs, we suggest having your installer come out to measure before ordering your final footage.Q. Are the sides finished?A. Yes, the sides are finished right from the factory. Only the ends if needed will be in need of finishing post production from the manufacturer. These options include:1. Binding – This is the most economical finishing and is achieved by attaching a mesh like material that matches as closely as possible to factory coloration. Binding will assist in keeping the runner from unraveling at the ends. We suggest binding only on synthetic runners and those runners under $15.00 a foot.2. Surging – Similar to binding, but much nicer. Surging is a yarn application at the ends of the runner that will replicate the factory finishing found on the sides of runner. Please note that because this is a post production application, we make our best attempts to match the yarn to the color scheme or your runner. Surging should be applied on wool runners and higher end runners that exceed $15.00 a foot. The end result will be more consistent with the higher quality look and feel of the runner.3. Fringing – A classic look for hallway runners. This finishing is achieved by applying long pieces of open yarn to the end of the runner, giving it a more traditional look. Fringing must be used in conjunction with either binding or surging.4. End Capping – The epitome of customized hallway runners. End Capping is achieved by skillful carpet mechanics making a series of 45 degree cuts to the end of the runner, then seaming the various pieces together in order to allow any border to “frame” off the ends of each runner. End capping can only be performed on runners that have a border. Borderless runners need no such fabrication.Q. Will I need padding for my runner?A. Hallway runners are generally in high traffic areas and typically are placed on a hard surface that is susceptible to slipping. We highly suggest the use of a high quality non skid rug pad. Additionally, a high quality rug pad will give your runner some added support and thus will make it a more plush feel to walk on.
