What Nourison is generally known for
Nourison is one of the larger, more widely distributed rug manufacturers in the US market, generally recognised for a broad catalogue spanning machine-made synthetic and wool rugs through to higher-end handmade and hand-tufted collections, sold through a mix of department stores, flooring retailers, furniture stores and online marketplaces. This breadth is the brand's main practical advantage for a stair runner shopper: because the catalogue spans many styles, colours and price tiers, there is usually something within reach at whatever budget and aesthetic you are working towards, from simple neutral flatweaves to more elaborate traditional patterns.
The flip side of broad distribution is that exact availability, current collection names and specific product details vary a great deal by retailer and by season, so treat any specific pattern name or spec you have seen online as something to reconfirm with whichever retailer you are actually buying from, rather than assuming it is universally stocked or unchanged.
Runner rolls versus rug-style stair runners
It helps to be clear on what you are actually buying before you measure. Some Nourison products are sold as continuous runner rolls intended to be cut to length by a retailer or fitter, similar to broadloom carpet; others are sold as fixed-length rug-style runners in set sizes (for example, pieces cut to a specific number of feet), intended more for hallways and landings but sometimes adapted for stairs by a fitter who joins or trims pieces. These two formats have very different implications for how you order: a cut-to-length roll needs your precise total length, while a fixed-size rug-runner needs you to check whether the closest stocked length is long enough, and what happens to any excess or shortfall.
Confirm the format first
Before measuring anything, ask the retailer directly whether the specific product is sold as a cut-to-length roll or as fixed pre-cut lengths - this single question changes how you should measure and what allowance you need to add.
How much runner do I need?
The sizing arithmetic is the same regardless of brand, so work it out yourself before relying on a retailer's estimate. Take a straight 13-step flight in US units: a 10 in tread going and a 7.5 in riser per step gives roughly 19.5 in of runner per step once you allow for the nosing wrap, so 13 steps comes to about 21.1 ft. Add 18-24 in combined for top and bottom finishing allowance, landing near 22.5-23 ft, then add a 5-10% waste and pattern-matching margin, giving a final order length of roughly 24-25 ft.
In UK metric terms, a 25 cm going and 19 cm rise per step gives about 46 cm of runner per step, so 13 steps is roughly 6 m. Add 45-60 cm combined top and bottom, landing near 6.5-6.6 m, then add 5-10% waste allowance to reach around 6.9-7.2 m as your order length. Both figures assume a straight flight; any winder, half-landing or turn needs to be measured and added separately rather than estimated from the straight-run formula.
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 calculatorSteps to take before ordering
- Confirm whether the product is a cut-to-length roll or a fixed pre-cut size.
- Measure every step's going and rise individually, not just one or two representative steps.
- Run the numbers through a stair runner calculator to get a base length.
- Add 5-10% for waste, pattern matching and any binding take-up.
- Check the retailer's return or exchange policy for custom-cut goods before paying.
- Ask about underlay, fitting and any stair-rod hardware separately, since these are often priced apart from the runner itself.
What to check with the retailer
Because Nourison sells through many different retail channels rather than a single controlled store network, the details that matter most to a stair runner buyer - exact width available, fibre content, backing type suitable for stair adhesion, and current lead time - can vary depending on where you buy. A short list worth asking before you commit:
- Is this specific pattern currently in the active catalogue, or is it a close match to a discontinued design?
- What fibre and backing does this runner use, and is that backing suitable for a stapled, glued or rod-secured stair installation?
- Is the runner available in the width I need, or will it need to be trimmed and re-bound to fit my stairs?
- What is the expected lead time if this is a custom-cut order rather than an in-stock item?
- Does the retailer offer or recommend a specific fitter experienced with this product on stairs?
- What is the return policy if the delivered piece does not match the sample colour under my stairway's lighting?
- Is a stain-resistant or pet-friendly treatment applied, and if so, what does that mean in practical care terms?
- Are matching landing pieces or borders available in the same run, in case the stairs meet a landing that also needs covering?
Comparing product tiers
| Consideration | Typical entry-tier product | Typical higher-tier product |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) | Wool or wool-blend |
| Format | Often fixed-size rug-runner | More likely available as cut-to-length roll |
| Pattern range | Simpler, high-volume patterns | Broader range including traditional and transitional designs |
| Typical use case | Budget-conscious refresh, rental or short-term | Long-term primary staircase, higher foot traffic |
Treat this table as a general orientation rather than a guarantee about any specific product - always confirm fibre, format and pattern availability directly with the retailer for the exact item you are considering.
Getting the length right before you shop
Whichever format and tier you land on, working out your required length before you shop - rather than guessing at the till or over the phone - avoids the two most common ordering mistakes: under-ordering a cut-to-length roll and having to pay for a rushed second cut, or buying a fixed-size rug-runner that turns out a step or two short. A stair runner calculator handles the tread-by-tread arithmetic for you, and a stair runner length calculator can also flag when a turn or winder in your flight needs separate measurement rather than being folded into the straight-run total.
Bring your measured going, rise and total step count to the retailer along with any winder measurements, and ask them to confirm your calculated length against their own fitting guidance before cutting or ordering - a second check rarely costs anything and catches the occasional measuring slip before it becomes an expensive mistake.
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.
Still deciding on material, width or pattern? Our hub on stair runners compares weaves, widths, backings and fitting styles side by side, then hands the numbers straight to the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nourison stair runners sold pre-cut or cut to order?
Both formats exist across the catalogue - some products are continuous rolls cut to length by a retailer, others are fixed pre-cut rug-style lengths. Ask the specific retailer which format applies to the product you are looking at before you measure or order.
What fibre is typical for a Nourison runner?
The catalogue spans synthetic fibres like polypropylene and polyester through to wool and wool-blend constructions, varying by collection and price tier. Confirm the fibre content of the specific product you are considering rather than assuming based on the brand name alone.
How do I know if a fixed-length rug-runner will be long enough for my stairs?
Measure your total required length using a stair runner calculator first, then compare it against the stocked lengths available. If the closest stocked length is shorter than your measured requirement, ask the retailer about custom-cutting or joining pieces instead.
Does Nourison offer custom cutting for stairs?
This depends on the retailer and product line rather than being a universal brand-wide service, since Nourison sells through many different channels. Ask your specific retailer directly whether custom cutting to your measured length is available for the product you want.
What backing should I look for on a stair runner?
Look for a backing described as suitable for stair use, since some rug backings are designed for flat floors and grip differently underfoot. Ask the retailer whether the specific backing is appropriate for a stapled, glued or rod-secured stair fitting.
Can I get a matching landing piece?
Availability of matching landing pieces or borders in the same pattern varies by product line, so ask the retailer directly whether the specific runner you want has a matching landing option in the same run or dye lot.
How much extra should I order beyond my measured length?
A 5-10% allowance on top of your measured and finishing-adjusted total is a sensible margin for waste, pattern alignment and any binding take-up, regardless of brand. Round up to match how the specific product is sold, whether that is by the foot, the metre or a fixed size.
What should I check before paying for a custom-cut order?
Confirm the exact fibre and backing, current lead time, the retailer's policy on re-cuts if your measurements are later found to be wrong, and whether underlay and fitting are included in the quoted price. Get these confirmed in writing before paying a deposit.
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.
Work out your stair runner length before orderingEvery 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.