Typical fitting rates
| Work | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Straight step, waterfall fitting | $15–$25 per step |
| Straight step, wrapped / Hollywood | $20–$35 per step |
| Winder or pie step | $30–$60 per step |
| Landing panel | $60–$150 each |
| Stair rod fitting | $8–$20 per rod |
| Half-day minimum charge | $150–$350 |
Most staircases are a one-day job
A straight 13-step flight typically takes a fitter three to five hours. Winders, landings and pattern matching can push the same staircase to a full day or more.
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 calculatorWhat pushes installation cost up
- Winders and curved treads — each one is templated and cut individually.
- Pattern matching — the fitter has to align the repeat across every step and flight.
- Wrapped nosings — slower than waterfall, and unforgiving of a badly cut edge.
- Stair rods — extra drilling, alignment and bracket fitting per step.
- Removal and disposal of old carpet, gripper and staples.
- Repairs — loose treads, squeaks and damaged nosings fixed before fitting.
What a fitting quote should include
- Per-step or per-flight labour, stated separately from materials.
- Underlay supply and fitting, or a note that you are supplying it.
- Gripper / tackless strip and fixings.
- Removal and disposal of the existing floorcovering.
- Any preparation work identified on the survey.
- A named fitting date and how long the work will take.
Is DIY worth it?
On a straight flight with a plain runner and a waterfall fit, DIY is genuinely achievable and saves the entire labour line — often $250–$500. On winders, curves, landings or anything with a pattern repeat, the material at risk usually exceeds the labour saved. One badly cut winder on a premium wool runner costs more than the fitter would have.
Getting comparable quotes
Ask every fitter to quote against the same measurements and the same runner specification, and to state the waste margin they have allowed. Quotes that look wildly different usually differ on waste assumption or on whether preparation is included, not on skill.
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 it cost to install a stair runner?
Professional fitting commonly runs $15–$40 per step on a straight flight, so a 13-step staircase is roughly $195–$520 in labour. Winders, landings, rods and pattern matching push that higher, and most fitters apply a minimum charge.
Do fitters charge more for stair rods?
Yes, typically $8–$20 per rod for drilling, alignment and bracket fitting, because each rod has to line up with the one above and below.
Can I supply my own runner and just pay for fitting?
Most independent fitters are happy to fit customer-supplied material, though some decline responsibility for shortfalls if they did not measure. Get the measurement signed off in writing before you order.
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.
Add fitting to my estimate