Signs it is time to replace, not repair
- Pile is worn through to the backing at the nosing on multiple steps.
- Backing is cracking, delaminating or tearing when flexed.
- Repeated stain or odour issues that cleaning cannot resolve.
- The runner no longer lies flat or has stretched unevenly.
Removal sequence
- Pull stair rods or clips free first and set them aside if reusing.
- Lift the runner from the top step down, easing staples or tacks out with a flat bar.
- Remove old underlay and staples, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Inspect gripper strip, nosings and tread surfaces for damage.
| Task | Typical time (13-step flight) |
|---|---|
| Remove old runner and pad | 45-90 minutes |
| Inspect and repair substrate | 0-2 hours depending on condition |
| Re-measure and cut new runner | 30-60 minutes |
| Fit new runner and rods | 2-4 hours |
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 calculatorRe-measuring before you order
Never assume the old runner's length is still correct; treads settle, nosings wear, and widths sometimes changed at a previous fit. Run a stair runner length calculator against fresh measurements of tread depth, riser height and step count before ordering the new material.
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 10 in | 25 cm |
| Riser height | 7.5 in | 19 cm |
| Per step total | 17.5 in | 44 cm |
| 13 steps, raw length | 227.5 in | 5.78 m |
| With 10% waste allowance | 250.3 in | 6.36 m |
Substrate repairs to make while it is exposed
- Re-glue or screw down any squeaking treads.
- Sand and refinish exposed edges if the new runner will be narrower.
- Replace damaged gripper strip rather than reusing worn pins.
- Fill and touch up any paint or stain visible around the old runner's edges.
Reuse rods only if they still fit
Stair rods sized for the old runner's width or pile height may not sit correctly on a new one. Measure width and pile depth before deciding to keep existing rods.
Cost to replace a stair runner
| Item | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| New runner, 13 steps, mid-range wool | $400-900 | £300-700 |
| New underlay pad | $60-150 | £45-110 |
| Removal and disposal labour | $75-200 | £60-160 |
| Installation labour | $200-500 | £150-400 |
DIY vs hiring a fitter
A straightforward straight flight with no turns is a reasonable DIY replacement project for someone comfortable with a staple gun and a utility knife. A flight with winders, a landing turn or a curve is better left to a professional, since a cutting mistake on patterned or natural fibre material cannot be undone.
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 often should a stair runner be replaced?
Most wool runners last 10-15 years in a moderate-traffic home before replacement is needed, while budget synthetics often need replacing within 5-8 years.
Can I reuse the old underlay when replacing a runner?
Generally no. Underlay compresses and loses cushioning over its life, and reusing it undermines the wear life of the new runner. Fresh pad is a small cost relative to the runner itself.
Do I need to replace stair rods at the same time?
Only if they no longer fit the new runner's width or pile height, or if they are damaged. Good quality rods often outlast several runners.
Is it cheaper to replace a runner myself?
Yes, on a straight flight; you save roughly $200-500 (£150-400) in installation labour, though the runner and pad cost the same either way.
What should I check on the stairs before fitting the replacement?
Check for squeaks, loose gripper, damaged nosings and any damp or rot now exposed by the old runner's removal. Fix these before the new runner goes down.
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.
Measure my new runnerEvery guide is written from hands-on measuring and fitting experience, checked against the calculator’s own maths, and re-reviewed whenever prices or methods change. Read our editorial standards.