Last updated on March 31st, 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 |
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.
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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