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Advanced Stair Runner Calculator

Advanced Stair Runner Calculator

Precisely calculate the perfect runner length for any staircase with our comprehensive tool

1

Measurement Preferences

Select your preferred unit system for all measurements

Metric (cm)
Imperial (inches)
2

Staircase Visualization

Visual representation of your staircase configuration

Staircase diagram will appear here as you enter measurements

Advanced Configuration

Material
Installation
Cost Estimation
? Select the width of your runner. Standard width is 27-30 inches (69-76cm) for most staircases.
cm
? If your runner has a pattern, enter the vertical repeat length. This helps calculate pattern matching requirements.
cm
? Additional material needed for installation, pattern matching, and adjustments.
5% (Basic)
10% (Standard)
15% (Patterned)
20% (Complex)
? Waterfall hangs over the stair nosing, while upholstered wraps around the stair nosing.
Waterfall
Upholstered
Combination
? Select if your stairs have existing nosing that will be covered by the runner.
No Nosing
Existing Nosing
New Nosing
? Thicker padding provides more comfort but may require more material.
None
Standard (8mm)
Premium (12mm)
Extra (18mm)
? Select how the runner will be secured to the stairs.
Staples
Tacks
Adhesive
Rods
? Select the general shape of your staircase.
Straight
L-Shaped
U-Shaped
Spiral
? Enter the cost of your runner material per meter or yard to calculate total material cost.
$/m
? Professional installation cost (leave at 0 if installing yourself).
$
? Cost for padding, tack strips, adhesives, etc.
$
3

Staircase Configuration

Enter the basic measurements of your staircase

? Count all steps including winders and landings. Don't count the top floor as a step. For example, a staircase that goes from ground floor to first floor with 12 steps in between would be 12.
? Measure vertically from the top of one step to the top of the next step. Typical range: 17-20cm (6.7-7.9in). Building codes often require consistent rise height throughout the staircase.
cm
? Measure horizontally from the front edge to the back edge of the step. Typical range: 22-30cm (8.7-11.8in). This measurement is crucial for calculating the horizontal length of runner needed.
cm
Step measurements
Winder steps
4

Winder Steps

Winder steps are pie-shaped steps that change direction, common in spiral or curved staircases

Yes
No
5

Mid-Landings

Square platforms that make a 90° turn in your staircase (common in L-shaped staircases)

? Small platforms that change direction by 90°. Typically found in L-shaped staircases. Each landing adds to the total runner length needed.
0
1
2
3
? Measure from front to back of the landing (parallel to the lower flight of stairs). This is the distance the runner will need to cover along the length of the landing.
cm
? Measure from side to side of the landing (perpendicular to the lower flight of stairs). This measurement helps calculate how the runner will turn at the landing.
cm
Mid landing
Half landing
6

Half-Landings

Larger platforms that make a 180° turn in your staircase (common in U-shaped staircases)

? Larger platforms that change direction by 180°. Typically found in U-shaped staircases. Each landing adds significantly to the total runner length needed.
0
1
2
3
? Measure from front to back of the landing (parallel to the lower flight of stairs). This is the distance the runner will need to cover along the length of the landing.
cm
? Measure from side to side of the landing (perpendicular to the lower flight of stairs). This measurement helps calculate how the runner will turn at the landing.
cm

Your Stair Runner Calculation Results

0 ft
Total Length (Feet)
0 m
Total Length (Meters)
0 cm
Runner Width
0 m²
Total Area
$0
Material Cost
$0
Total Project Cost

Recommended Purchase Quantities

0 m
With Waste Factor
0
Standard Rolls Needed

Note: These calculations account for your specified waste factor of 10%. For patterned runners, additional length may be needed for pattern matching. Complex staircases with multiple turns may require professional measurement. Always verify measurements before purchasing.

Helpful Resources

Additional information to help with your stair runner project

Measurement Guides

  • How to Measure Your Stairs
    How to Measure Your Stairs

    To accurately measure your stairs for a runner, follow these steps:

    1. Count the number of steps - Include all steps including winders and landings, but don't count the top floor as a step.
    2. Measure the rise - Measure vertically from the top of one step to the top of the next step (typically 17-20cm or 6.7-7.9in).
    3. Measure the run - Measure horizontally from the front edge to the back edge of the step (typically 22-30cm or 8.7-11.8in).
    4. Measure the width - Measure the width of your staircase where the runner will be placed.
    5. Note any special features - Mark any winders, landings, or unusual features in your staircase.

    For best results, measure twice and record all measurements in a diagram.

  • Measuring Winder Stairs
    Measuring Winder Stairs

    Winder stairs require special measurement techniques:

    • Identify winder steps - These are the pie-shaped steps that change direction.
    • Measure the widest point - For each winder, measure from the narrowest point to the widest point at the outside of the curve.
    • Count the winders - Note how many steps in your staircase are winders.
    • Measure the angle - If possible, determine the angle of the turn (typically 30° or 45° per winder).

    Winder stairs typically require 10-20% more material than straight stairs due to the curvature.

  • Common Measurement Mistakes
    Common Measurement Mistakes

    Avoid these frequent measurement errors:

    • Incorrect step count - Forgetting to count landings or counting the top floor as a step.
    • Inconsistent measurements - Not measuring each step (some older stairs may have variations).
    • Ignoring pattern repeats - For patterned runners, forgetting to account for pattern matching.
    • Underestimating waste - Not adding enough extra material for installation and adjustments.
    • Measuring only one side - Stairs may not be perfectly symmetrical, especially in older homes.

    Always double-check your measurements and consider having a second person verify them.

Installation Tips

  • DIY Installation Guide
    DIY Installation Guide

    For those installing their own stair runner, follow these steps:

    1. Prepare the stairs - Clean thoroughly and repair any damage.
    2. Install padding - Cut to size and secure with staples or adhesive.
    3. Measure and mark - Center the runner on each step.
    4. Start at the top - Secure the top end first, then work downward.
    5. Staple or tack - Use heavy-duty staples or tacks every 4-6 inches.
    6. Stretch properly - Keep tension even to avoid wrinkles or gaps.
    7. Finish the ends - Secure the bottom end firmly and trim excess.

    Allow extra time for your first installation and have a helper available.

  • Waterfall vs. Upholstered Installation
    Waterfall vs. Upholstered Installation

    Waterfall Installation:

    • Runner hangs over the stair nosing
    • Easier to install
    • Requires less material
    • More casual look
    • Easier to replace or remove

    Upholstered Installation:

    • Runner wraps around the stair nosing
    • More professional appearance
    • Requires more material (add 5-10%)
    • More durable and secure
    • Better for high-traffic areas

    Combination installations are also possible, with upholstered on visible steps and waterfall on less visible ones.

  • Finding a Professional Installer
    Finding a Professional Installer

    When looking for a professional stair runner installer:

    1. Check credentials - Look for certified floor covering installers.
    2. Ask for references - Request photos of previous work.
    3. Get multiple quotes - Prices can vary significantly.
    4. Verify insurance - Ensure they have liability coverage.
    5. Ask about experience - Specifically with your stair type.
    6. Check reviews - Look at online reviews and ratings.

    Professional installation typically costs $200-$500 depending on stair complexity and location.