Not only are good runners expensive, I think you would have a real problem with tripping on the stairs. I have had 2 wool runners installed in 2 houses and both times the installers said that you have to be careful with the thickness of the rug pad underneath because even a fraction of an inch can throw a person off balance (we are so accustomed to a particular stair height). Just a thought...

Lilyfinch, if it's just a few steps going in and out of your house, you can build, or buy, a dog ramp. Look on Craigslist. Someone is always selling one somewhere. The neoprene of indoor/outdoor rugs can feel slippery, but I've not had a problem with the dogs slipping on the braided treads I put on my steps. but then, I have only two steps, plus the floor at the top, on which I don't have a tread, not an entire staircase. If it's really just for the dog, I'd get treads. They're a LOT cheaper than a runner. A runner you either have to have the right tools to install it correctly yourself, or hire someone to install it. If they're not installed correctly, they are a serious slipping hazard. With treads, you just put them down with double-sided tape and a rug pad yourself, and then you can just take them up in the future if you want to do so. Any wood stairs w/o carpeting should be treated with anti-slip stuff so people in socks don't slip and fall. I have a very tough staircase up to the children's bedroom. It's very steep and the treads are very narrow, but there is no carpet on them. A carpet would make them more dangerous because of the narrowness of the treads. But they are treated, so they aren't slippery at all. Nosoccermom, if your treads are wide enough, the anti-slip stuff might be enough for your dog.

Best solution would be to remove the laminate nosings and replace with a hardwood nosing, and install the carpet runner inset. That would save costs on the nosings- as they are typically 6' long, if you are only installing 6-8" on either side of the carpet runner you could potentially do 4-6 stairs with one piece.

We replaced old ugly red ones with these from overstock. It is a sisal look. I was worried about cats ruining that faster (same texture as their scratch things). These were very inexpensive because I don't trust the cats at all but they have been leaving them alone. They aren't very comfortable bare foot but I like the look enough for the cost. They are nailed in with many tiny nails. This pic really pointed out a paint job is in order! They are shallow steps so they get kicked.