Material cost per linear foot
| Material | Per linear ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $8–$18 | Budget, stain resistant, flattens over time |
| Nylon | $18–$35 | Best all-round durability for family homes |
| Wool blend | $25–$55 | Warm underfoot, recovers well |
| 100% wool | $40–$80 | Premium, long-lived, needs care |
| Sisal / seagrass | $20–$45 | Textural, harder underfoot |
| Designer / hand-loomed | $80–$200+ | Bespoke widths and colourways |
Installation rates
| Region type | Per step | 13-step flight |
|---|---|---|
| Rural / low-cost metro | $15–$22 | $195–$286 |
| Mid-size metro | $22–$32 | $286–$416 |
| High-cost metro (NYC, SF, Boston) | $32–$50 | $416–$650 |
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 calculatorA realistic all-in total
A 13-step straight staircase needing about 21 linear feet of runner, fitted with underlay and no rods:
| Tier | Material | Underlay | Labour | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $250 | $70 | $250 | ~$570 |
| Mid | $600 | $100 | $350 | ~$1,050 |
| Premium | $1,300 | $140 | $500 | ~$1,940 |
Rods are a separate budget
Decorative stair rods run $15 to $120 each. On a 13-step flight that is anywhere from $200 to $1,500 on top of everything above.
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 does a stair runner cost in the US?
Typically $570 to $1,940 all-in for a standard 13-step staircase, depending on material tier and local labour rates.
What is the average cost per linear foot for a stair runner?
Around $18 to $40 per linear foot for mid-range material, before underlay, fitting and rods.
Is it cheaper to buy a runner online and hire a fitter separately?
Often yes on material, but many fitters will not warranty runners they did not supply, and you carry the risk if the length is short.
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 my US cost