How Much Does a Stair Runner Cost in 2023? | Checkatrade
Review a Trade

Have you completed a project recently? Let your tradesperson know how they did.

Advice Centre

Get Inspired! Check the latest industry expertise and read insider tips from our vetted tradespeople.

Search For A Trade

We interview and vet all our tradespeople to ensure they meet our high standards.

Join Checkatrade

Join us and benefit from the millions of potential customers who use Checkatrade to find reliable tradespeople.

Advice Centre

Grow your business! Check out top tips and expert advice for boosting your reputation online.

Login To Your Account

Edit your profile, view callback requests and ask for feedback from customers.

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?

ItemUnitCost - lowCost - highAverage cost
Stair runner (excl. installation)For 22 linear ft£330£725£530
Binding, serging and edgesPer linear ft£2£4.50£3.25
Stair runner installationFor a set of straight steps£200£300£250
Custom stair runner installationFor a set of pie steps or steps with 90-degree turns£300£375£335
Total stair runner costMaterials 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.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Stair runner installation cost

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.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Tell us what you think

Please leave your comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What others think of this article:

No comments yet!

Also in this project

Cost to move stairs

Transform your home with our cost to move stairs guide. Whether you wish to open up a room or increase light flow, browse our handy costs, tips and considerations....

Read more
Staircase refurbishment costs

Has your staircase seen better days? Or is it perhaps too old-fashioned, and you'd prefer something more modern? Whether it needs a new balustrade, a lick of paint or whole sections replacing, refurbi...

Read more
New staircase cost guide

Whether you’ve just bought a new property that needs renovating, or the stairs in your current home need an update, a new staircase can help transform a home. We’ve put together this new staircase...

Read more
How much does carpet fitting cost?

When you’re planning to fit a new carpet, it’s important to work out your budget. The cost of getting a new carpet fitted will vary from home to home and carpet to carpet....

Read more