The open riser challenge
Open riser stairs, which lack a vertical riser board between the treads, create a light, airy feel but present a challenge for stair runners. Because there is no riser to staple the carpet against, the runner must either be fitted as individual tread pieces or wrapped around the nose and stapled underneath each tread. The goal is to keep the runner neat without creating unsightly sagging between the steps.
Fitting methods
The Hollywood method is the preferred way to finish an open riser runner. This involves wrapping the runner tightly over the front edge of the tread, down the front, and stapling it securely to the underside of the tread. To make this look professional, the staples should be concealed or covered by a matching binding. If the underside of the stair is visible, the back of the runner must look just as neat as the top.
How much runner do I need?
Measure the depth of each tread and the wrap-around length you require for the underside. A typical tread is 10 in (25 cm) deep. If you wrap 2 inches (5 cm) under, you have 12 inches (30 cm) per tread. For 13 treads, that is 156 in (13 ft / 4 m). Always add 15% for waste and mistakes, bringing your requirement to roughly 18-20 ft (5.5-6.1 m). The stair runner calculator can help you tailor this to your specific dimensions.
| Component | Imperial (in) | Metric (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 10 in | 25 cm |
| Underside wrap | 2 in | 5 cm |
| Per-tread total | 12 in | 30 cm |
| Total for 13 steps | 18-20 ft | 5.5-6.1 m |
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 calculatorOpen riser stairs can be visually demanding. Make sure you use a durable stair runner carpet that can handle being stapled and held taut. You can browse various styles of stair runners to find one that fits your home's decor, and then use the stair runner calculator to ensure you buy exactly the right amount.
- Ensure the runner is pulled tight to prevent sagging between steps.
- Use a neat, high-quality staple gun for the underside fixings.
- Consider a contrast edge binding to hide the stapled edge.
- Check tread thickness to ensure it can support staples or adhesive.
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
Can you fit a runner on open riser stairs?
Yes, you wrap the runner around each tread and staple it securely to the underside.
Will the runner sag?
It will only sag if it is not fitted tight enough. Proper stapling on the underside is key to keeping the runner taut.
Are staples visible?
They can be. You can conceal them or use a binding strip to cover the underside edge for a cleaner finish.
Do I need a continuous runner?
You can use a continuous runner, or individual tread pieces, depending on the look you prefer.
How do I measure open riser stairs?
Measure the depth of the tread plus the length needed to wrap around the front edge and underneath.
Is it a difficult installation?
It requires patience to ensure each wrap is uniform and secure, making it a moderate to advanced DIY project.
Are there non-slip options?
Yes, most carpet types are suitable, but consider a runner with a good backing to hold staples firmly.
Does the underside need finishing?
Because it's often visible, a neat finish on the underside is highly recommended.
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.
Estimate your open-riser runner with the stair runner calculatorEvery 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.