What 'custom' actually means
- Cut-to-length from a roll — the standard route. You pay per linear metre or foot plus edge binding.
- Custom width — the roll is cut down to your width and bound on both sides.
- Custom colourway — an existing design woven in your colours, with a minimum order and long lead time.
- Fully bespoke — designed and hand-loomed for the project. Designer territory.
Cost comparison
| Route | Typical premium | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-made runner, stock size | Baseline | In stock |
| Cut from roll + binding | +$2–$8 per m per side | 1–2 weeks |
| Cut-down custom width | +10–20% over stock width | 2–3 weeks |
| Custom colourway | +30–60%, minimum order applies | 8–16 weeks |
| Fully bespoke hand-loomed | 2–5× premium stock | 12–24 weeks |
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Open the stair runner calculatorWhen custom is the right call
- Your staircase falls between standard widths and a stock runner would leave an awkward reveal.
- You have winders or a curved flight where every piece is cut individually anyway.
- You want the landing carpet and the runner to match exactly.
- The staircase is the centrepiece of the house and the budget reflects that.
When off-the-shelf wins
On a straight flight of standard width, a well-chosen stock runner in a good fibre beats a mediocre custom one every time. Spend the difference on the fibre and the fitting rather than on the fact that it was made to order.
Order the whole staircase in one go
Dye lots vary. If you might extend the runner to a second flight or a landing later, order that material now and store it — matching a dye lot two years on is close to impossible.
Whatever you decide, get the numbers first: the stair runner calculator doubles as a stair runner length calculator, adding nosing wrap, landings, winders, pattern repeat and waste so you order the right length the first time.
Frequently asked questions
How much more does a custom stair runner cost?
Cutting to length and binding the edges usually adds only a modest amount per metre. A custom width adds roughly 10–20%, a custom colourway 30–60% with minimum orders, and fully bespoke hand-loomed work is several times stock pricing.
How long does a custom stair runner take?
Cut-and-bind orders are typically one to three weeks. Custom colourways run eight to sixteen weeks, and bespoke hand-loomed pieces can take several months.
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Compare the two on my stairs