Blog>Cost Guides>Stair runner cost guide
Last updated: 31 March 2022
Stair runner cost guide
Investing in a stair runner can protect your wooden stairs from scratches and stains. Plus, they’re a great way to add class and elegance to any hallway. But how much exactly does a stair runner cost? Here, we’ll break down the average prices for materials and installation.
Investing in a stair runner can protect your wooden stairs from scratches and stains. Plus, they’re a great way to add class and elegance to any hallway. But how much exactly does a stair runner cost? Here, we’ll break down the average prices for materials and installation.
How much does it cost to install carpet runner on stairs?
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stair runner (excl. installation) | For 22 linear ft | £330 | £725 | £530 |
| Binding, serging and edges | Per linear ft | £2 | £4.50 | £3.25 |
| Stair runner installation | For a set of straight steps | £200 | £300 | £250 |
| Custom stair runner installation | For a set of pie steps or steps with 90-degree turns | £300 | £375 | £335 |
| Total stair runner cost | Materials and installation | £600 | £1,700 | £1,150 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The cost of stair runner installation will typically depend on a number of factors, including:
Whether the runner is custom-made: Nowadays, most carpet runners are custom-made but you may also be able to select one from off the roll.
The material: Fine wool carpet runners are typically the most expensive.
The style: There are many styles to choose from, including contemporary, traditional or patterned.
How the edges are finished: Custom edges such as serging or wide leather binding will cost more than standard cotton binding.
The number of stairs: Longer staircases will incur greater costs than shorter ones.
Type of staircase: A straight staircase will be cheaper than a staircase that has 90-degree turns or landings partway up.
Quality: It’s important to invest in a good-quality runner that will stand the test of time, particularly given that stairs receive a lot of foot traffic.
Average cost of stair runner
You can expect to pay between £15 and £35 per linear foot for a stair runner, excluding installation costs.
An average staircase needs around 22 linear feet, bringing the total cost of a stair runner to around £330 to £725. If you’ve opted for a custom runner, you’ll also need to add an additional £2 to £4.50 per linear foot to your budget to pay for the edging.
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Stair runner installation cost
If you’re looking to get a stair runner installed on a straight set of steps, you’ll be looking at installation costs in the region of £200 to £300.
On the other hand, if your steps are oval or pie-shaped, or they feature landings with 90-degree turns, the cost to install a custom stair runner will usually be between £300 and £375 per set.
Total cost of a stair runner
So, how much should you budget for a stair runner in total? Well, costs tend to start at around £600 for a standard, straight set of stairs. But they could climb to £1,700 for a more complex, custom runner for stairs that are pie-shaped or oval with twists and turns.
Just bear in mind that these costs don’t include the removal of your existing carpets or stair runners.
Key takeaways
Costs will depend on the shape and length of your staircase.
You could save money by opting for standard cotton binding.
Remember to budget extra for the removal of any existing materials if needed.
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