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'Flush' carpet stair runner question

15 years ago

I am looking at getting a carpet runner for my hardwood stairs that we are putting in soon. We went to look at some runners, and the designer there suggested, as an option, to think about 'flush mount' carpet. Carpet kind of built into the stair treads. Anyone know anything about this? Seen it, have photos of any? or can provide some input at all on this? I would more than appreciate any help.

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Comments (3)

mountaineergirl
15 years ago
we have what you're talking about, and tho I like it I wish we had all wood stairs. But safety is an issue there since they can be slippery in sock feet.

The ends of the steps are wood (so 3/4 in. thick) and then the carpet is in the middle which makes it flush with the ends of the steps. The wood ends are maybe 5-6 in. wide (on each side). It has the appearance of a wood step with carpet on it, but the carpet and wood (on the ends) are the same level. Does that make sense?

Here are the only pics I could find on my computer of our steps (well, part of them haha) they aren't good quality but maybe you can get an idea of what they look like.
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growlery
15 years ago
So they cut into the step?

Means if there's any compaction of the carpet (which is inevitable), you get a sharp edge at the cut.

And if you ever want to replace the carpet, you have to get EXACTLY the same width. FOREVER.

And hope it doesn't contract as it ages, or there'll be a gap. Or stretch with wear, or it'll hump.

Even allows a future owner to go carpetless if they choose.

I wouldn't go for it. Just my opinion.

Just get a nice flatweave. Allows much more flexibility over the life of your home.
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I think you are wise to choose a not-so-light color for the heavily used staircase and certainly a carpet that is durable. Some other things I learned about in my research was to ensure that the lip of the stairs were padded (not just the stair treads) and to avoid using a carpet with 'bend' (where you can see the backing as it goes over the lip). We chose to just do a runner on the stairs for safety reasons too (only one staircase). We are not doing the hallways because we want to see the beautiful wood (brazilian teak). So, IMO leaving the hallway bare is fine. Plus due to your hallway being "odd shaped" might make it difficult to look uniform? or perhaps cost more money for custom size widths. not installed yet, but we went with the one on the left with the black background and gold and greens to go with the other colors in the vicinity. HTH
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I love that rug too. I'd go for it. If the patterns don't match up, you can always return them to the store (even if it's an online purchase). I'm wondering about the canvas backing though. That might make it slippery? Maybe you want to have it professionally installed with a pad? I wonder if a pro would remove the canvas first. My stair runner was installed with staples and a pad. No stair rods. The savings on on not having to buy rods might cover a good portion of the cost to install professionally. There's another link to that rug pattern where you can see more of the design. Here is a link that might be useful: Linden Street Wool Rug
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boringmama
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much mountaineergirl for your help and photos. That helped alot. Also, for your input growlery. After much deliberation, we have decided to just get a flatweave as suggested. I don't like the idea of being 'locked' in on something like this. My installer called last night, and also discouraged it. So, once again, thank you my wonderful GW friends. You have been such a blessing!
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