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'Flush' carpet stair runner question

14 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
14 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.
growlery
14 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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cand1781, I showed your pattern to my husband. He said it's not going to line up if you look at each individual step. Being a curved staircase you'd have to square it at the front of each step but the overall affect will look good and he's never had anyone complain (he's world famous for his staircase runners) :) BTW, there is a difference between a runner and carpeted stairs. A runner has to be templated and bound and goes over an existing wood staircase vs installed over a subfloor with stained wood (or tile) on each side of the stair. Is that what you're doing? What he said would work better is a smaller pattern or something with florals and/or vines, but what you're looking at will be fine if it's installed correctly. This is the only picture I have. It's winding but a much smaller pattern (if it even is a pattern). I just happen to be with him one day when he needed to stop by this house and tie in the stair with the landing at the top.
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boringmama
Original Author
14 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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