Measuring & Ordering Guide
How To Measure For Your Stair Runner
Created for use with the Innovation Stair Runner Configurator™
Everything you need to confidently measure, configure and order your made-to-measure stair runner. If you are ever unsure, contact us before ordering and we will be happy to help.
Before You Start
What you will need
A metal tape measure (5m or longer), a pen and paper to note each measurement, and ideally a second person to help.
Why accuracy matters
Your runner is made to order and manufactured to the exact size you provide, so careful measurements mean even borders on every step.
Measure in centimetres
Take your width in centimetres and your length in metres, keeping to the same units throughout to avoid confusion.
Choosing Your Runner Width
Your runner sits centrally on the staircase, leaving a border of exposed stair on each side. A narrower runner leaves wider borders; a wider runner leaves slimmer borders. Choosing your width is really about how much border you would like to see.
Because we manufacture to exact dimensions — down to the millimetre — you can fine-tune your width so both borders are perfectly even. You are never limited to fixed standard sizes.
Measuring Runner Length
Each step has a tread (the flat part you walk on) and a riser (the vertical face). Measure one of each and add them together to get the covering needed per step, then multiply by your number of steps and convert to metres. Allow a little extra for the nosing and for fitting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to include the risers in your calculation.
- Measuring one step and assuming every step is identical.
- Overlooking turns or winding steps, which are measured separately.
Measuring A Landing
Measure the landing at its widest point and from front to back, where the runner will sit. A matching landing piece is cut from the same carpet so it flows seamlessly — landing pieces are supplied without a bound border for a clean, fitted finish.
One landing at the top of a single run.
Two runs meeting a shared landing with a 180° turn.
A corner turn with winder steps (see next section).
Half Landings, Winders & Stair Turns
Staircases with turns, winders or half landings can absolutely be covered. Shaped turning sections are supplied as part of your package, and we border them for you.
Order
Order your stair runner package as normal.
Receive section
Your turning section arrives with the rest of your package.
Shape to fit
Shape the turning section to fit your staircase.
Return to us
Send it back using the return label included with your order.
We border it
We professionally apply the border to your shaped piece.
Receive finished
We return the finished section to you, ready to install.
No additional charge
Every turn or winding section purchase includes a return label. You shape the piece, send it back, and we apply the border and return the finished piece — at no additional charge.
Pattern Direction
The direction a pattern runs matters, and is worth considering before you order so your runner looks exactly as intended. The arrow on each example shows the direction the pattern flows down the stairs.
Plain
No directional pattern — the most flexible.
Berber
Subtle fleck; keep direction consistent.
Striped
Stripes run down the length of the stairs.
Herringbone
Strong direction; alignment is important.
More detailed pattern-direction diagrams will be added later.
Border Width & Symmetry
The aim is an even border on both sides of the runner. Symmetrical borders give a considered, premium finish, while uneven borders are immediately noticeable — which is why accurate, millimetre-precise measurements matter.
✓ Equal borders
✗ Uneven borders
Top Nosing Piece
A neat finish at the top
A top nosing piece is used to neatly finish the very top of the staircase where the runner meets the landing, giving a tidy, complete transition. Further detail will be added to this section.
Installation Pack
To make fitting easier, the following can be added to your order so everything arrives together, ready to fit:
Cut-to-size underlay
Adds comfort underfoot, reduces noise and helps extend the life of your runner.
Cut-to-size gripper
Supplied ready-sized for a quicker, cleaner installation.
Adhesive
Helps secure the runner for a professional, lasting finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Runners are made to your exact dimensions, so you can specify precise measurements for perfectly balanced borders.
That is very common. Measure carefully, and if you have turns or winders see the Half Landings, Winders & Stair Turns section — shaped sections can be bordered by us. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering.
No — landing pieces are supplied without a bound border for a clean, fitted finish.
Turns, winders and half landings are supplied as shaped sections. You shape them to fit, send them back using the included return label, and we apply the border and return them finished at no extra charge.
Please get in touch before ordering — we are happy to help you get your measurements right.
Need Help?
If you are at all unsure about measuring, configuring or ordering your runner, please contact us before placing your order. We would much rather help you get it right first time.
Email us at admin@innovationflooringdirect.com
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