skip to main content

Home Decorating

Securing carpet runners to wall to wall carpeting

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)

13 years ago

I have two runners, laid end to end, over a section of wall-to-wall carpeting I want to keep clean. It's in a traffic area where dirt would show. Not high traffic, but it connects to the kitchen, so has always been problematic. The runners are easily washed. The problem is they "travel" very quickly. At one end is a fixed piece of furniture, so they travel down to that and start bunching up. They do have rubber backings, which seems not to make any difference. Both runners and wall-to-wall are berber.

How can I secure them to the underlying carpeting? I thought of using (if I can find them) those upholstery tacks that have curving pins, designed to rotate into fabric. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

limogique
13 years ago
The only thing that has ever worked for me is to secure them with double sided carpet tape.
graywings123
13 years ago
I don't think you can attach them. The force of walking on them will either rip the pins out or rip the carpeting.

The only thing you can do is resign yourself to straightening the carpet on a daily basis.
Related Discussions
What paint/fabrics for lilac wall to wall carpet
Q
Comments (11)
Hi, Thanks for the suggestions. I have owned the home for 2 years and the carpet is at least 12 years old it has paint stains (po was an artist) and some pet stains. I know the new carpet is good quality since the offer is from someone who is in the flooring business. I want to spruce up the space anyway and this would allow my child to play on clean carpet for the cost of installation. We are doing a lot of projects and really could use the monetary savings. I like the idea of cream since it could work with my floral wallpaper up in the bathroom. I know gray is pretty but I think the natural trim may look off with it. Off to check teh galleries...
...See More
Wall to Wall Carpet!
Q
Comments (46)
If it's installed and pampered throughout its life, I have found there is nothing better than wall to wall or nearly wall to wall carpet. When the installers took up my mother's beautiful ten plus years Mohawk pile a few years ago to reinstall a new pattern--we found a clean pad and floor underneath. The installer took care in removing it because he wanted to reinstall it in his daughter's new apartment! Yes, my mother vacuumed her carpet within an inch of its life; however, for us it was worth it. Among other activities--we play games on the carpet, cut out dress patterns, play with the kiddos, and just generally loll around on it while watching TV. Love it. I enjoy hardwood and tile too--in the dining room, kitchen and bathroom, but love my carpet in those rooms where the floors beg to be sat and lain upon, and who whistle their happy little tune to bare feet throughout every season.
...See More
What are some high end wall to wall carpet companies?
Q
Comments (3)
I would investigate companies like Karastan, which specifically makes runners for stairs. Otherwise, choosing a wall to wall carpet for your stairs could be a huge waste of money. Let’s say the carpet comes off the bolt at 12’. That means 12’wide! You stairs need 3’ for a runner. If you choose a pattern in the rug, that complicates the simple math. Simply, you are paying for lots of waste. Wear and tear…how many tootsies are going up and down your Mediterranean staircase every day?
...See More
Best way to protect new wall to wall carpeting during open houses?
Q
Comments (11)
Agree that paper booties are the best protection....but open house? How many are you expecting? Anything fewer than 40, don't stress. Those booties are for houses that are open to hundreds. And frankly when I am invited as a guest to someone's home for a party and greeted at the door with a basket of shoe coverings.....I turn around and leave. If your house is so fragile that it can't stand the wear and tear of a party....then have your partys at a hired venue.
...See More
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
13 years ago
I thought of double sided carpet tape, but was afraid it might leave a sticky residue on the permanent carpeting.

I thought of even nailing them down with a large headed nail and a washer! :) Sub floor is just plywood.
bananafana
13 years ago
You know those 3M hooks that remove without leaving any damage to the wall? They have them like that only not hooks, but with velcro tabs. They are marketed as picture frame attachers. But I think you could use them without worrying that they would leave a residue on the carpet. You'd put some of them on the carpet and some of them on the runners, and then they snap together.

You can separate the velcro tabs when you want to wash the runners. I don't think you'd have to remove them, but I'm not sure how the ones on the runners would do in the washing machine. You could always remove the velcro tabs by pulling the glue strip down and put fresh glue strips on the velcro strips on runners after washing. They are pretty cheap. They sell replacement glue strips separately so you could reuse the velcro parts.
palimpsest
13 years ago
You can get underlayments that are supposed to stop carpets from walking. Anything that actually attaches the two carpets will damage the wall to wall most likely: pulling at the the loops of the berber and fraying them or actually pulling the loops out, eventually. Occasional spot cleaning of rugs is probably less damaging than trying to attach runners.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
13 years ago
Palimpsest, what do those underlayments look like? I have some rubber matting, in kind of an open waffle weave, I bought for a throw rug on a bare floor. Is carpet to carpet different?
annzgw
13 years ago
A thick rug pad may hold it in place. You want one thick enough so that it gives very little, if at all, when you step on it.

Try the thick felt type or the ones that can be used on either hardwood or carpet (one side is rubber, the other is a rough texture).

In place of the rugs you could use the clear vinyl mats that have the spikes on the bottom. It's the same as the mats made for office chairs.
Another option is to use a heavier, rubber-backed rug.......like the ones you see in entryways.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES 11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again

By Judith Taylor Designs

Is it time to kick the hard stuff? Your feet, wallet and downstairs neighbors may be nodding

STAIRWAYS How to Get Your Stair Runners Right

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Add peace and quiet, beauty (and safety) with a pretty carpet on the stairs

DECORATING GUIDES Flights of Fancy: Painted Stair Runners

Instead of carpeting, lay down some paint and give your steps a lift

DECORATING GUIDES 21 Ways to Arrange Carpet Tiles Like a Pro

By Becky Harris

Some Great Patterns to Try In Your Own Brave Custom Rug

DECORATING GUIDES Go Bold (and Green) with Eco-Friendly Carpet Tiles

By Debbie Snider

Get Ideas For Your Own Recyclable Rug Made of Colorful Carpet Squares

FLOORS Have Your Own Red Carpet Moment Anytime

Make every day feel like an event by rolling out a red carpet at home. Autograph hounds optional

STAIRWAYS 12 Fresh Alternatives to the Carpeted Staircase

By Between Naps on the Porch

STAIRWAYS The Upstairs-Downstairs Connection: Picking the Right Stair Treatment

By Laura Gaskill

Carpeting, runner or bare wood? Check out these ideas for matching your staircase floor treatment to upstairs and downstairs flooring

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Get New Carpeting

By Laura Gaskill

Carpeting adds a layer of warmth and softness to a space. Here's what to know about today's materials, costs and trends

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: 4 Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Carpet

By Vanessa Brunner

Try one of these earth-friendly tips before stuffing your dingy carpet or rug in the trash

Sponsored

More Discussions

the right color area rug to go with a warm grey couch

1

Home improval and revamping

3

Feedback on spraying grasscloth with water repellant.

7

What do I put on walls or mantle to help this space?

15

Cambria Quartz Countertop colour issues

2