Guide · 4 min read
Stair runner guide
Introduction
A runner is the most visible piece of flooring in a house. Every decision below is visible from the hallway.
Width and reveal
The reveal — the painted or stained timber either side — is usually 100 to 150mm. Wider reveals suit grand staircases; narrow reveals feel cosier and hide less-than-perfect treads.
Waterfall or cap-and-band
Waterfall runs the runner straight over the nosing for a soft, relaxed line. Cap-and-band wraps each tread and riser tightly, showing the stair profile crisply. Cap-and-band takes longer and looks sharper on period stairs.
Edges and rods
Hand-bound linen or cotton edges look tailored; leather binding is the luxury option. Rods in brass, bronze or matt black are decorative on a properly fitted runner — the runner is fixed regardless.
Pattern matching
On patterned runners, the pattern must land centrally on every tread and continue truly around winders. This is set out at survey and is the single clearest sign of a professionally fitted staircase.
