The Cost of a Stair Runner in Chicago: Your 2026 Buying Guide
A staircase is more than just a way to get from one floor to the next, it’s often the central hub of a home’s foyer. And let’s be honest, a beautiful stair runner can turn a purely practical space into a real showstopper. Its not just about looks, though – runners can also make your home safer and easier to live in: clattering footsteps become a gentle tread, slippery wooden stairs become a lot safer for kids and pets, and your hardwood floors get protected from all the daily wear and tear.
In Chicago and the North Shore, you’ve got a ton of design choices to choose from – from sleek, modern patterns to classic traditional motifs. But what are you really looking at when it comes to putting down that kind of cash?
If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago area, you know that getting quality craftsmanship is not cheap. And when it comes to a stair runner, the final cost can vary a whole lot depending on a bunch of different factors. This 2026 guide is here to help you wrap your head around the costs and make a smart decision for your home.
The Key Factors That Influence Stair Runner Costs
Understand what makes a stair runner tick, and you’ll be in a much better position to make a smart decision. At the end of the day, the bottom line on your quote is a combination of the materials you choose, the complexity of your stairs, and how much skilled labour is needed to get the job done.
1. The Material You Choose: the Heart of the Runner
The kind of fibre you go for is the biggest single factor when it comes to the cost, looks and longevity of your stair runner.
- Natural Fibers (Wool, Sisal, Jute): Wool’s the clear winner here – it’s super durable, naturally resistant to crushing and flame retardant. Plus it hides dirt and stains like a pro. All that comes with a premium price tag, though. Other naturals like sisal and jute offer a great look but might be a bit trickier to clean.
- Synthetic Fibers (Nylon, Polyester, Olefin): These man-made options are generally more wallet-friendly. Nylon’s a great choice for stairs because it can handle a lot of wear and tear. Polyester offers some great color options at a reasonable price point, but its not as good at bouncing back (like wool is).
2. Runner Style & Design
Just like any piece of home decor, how complex the design is will impact the price. A simple, solid-colored runner’s going to cost less than one with a fancy multi-coloured pattern woven into it.
- Stock vs. Custom: If you go for a custom pattern or a designer-brand collaboration, you can expect it to cost a bit more than a standard, machine-made edge.\
- Inspiration: Take Chicago-based influencer Kelly Larkin’s staircase makeover – with a stair runner, she managed to turn a purely functional space into a real design showstopper.
3. The Shape of Your Stairs
Your stairs aren’t all the same, and that affects the cost of labour and materials.
- Straight Staircases: A straightforward, easy-to-cover staircase with straight treads is the least expensive to work with.\
- Complex Staircases: If you’ve got stairs with landings, curves or 90-degree turns, you’ll need a lot more time and effort to get the job done. That naturally pushes up the installation costs.
4. Measuring Up
Stair runners usually get sold by the linear foot, so the total amount of material you need is a key cost driver. You need to measure one tread (the flat bit) and one riser (the vertical bit), and then multiply those by the number of stairs. Then add a bit on the side for installation.
- Standard vs. Custom Width: Most runners come in standard widths, like 27 inches or 31 inches, but if you’ve got really wide stairs and need to go wider, it’s going to cost more.
5. Installing It
You really need a pro to get the installation right, and the installer’s fee will depend on how complex the job is.
- Waterfall Installation: This is the standard method – the carpet goes right over the edge of the tread and flows down the riser. It’s the most cost-effective way to do it.
- Hollywood Installation: The carpet gets wrapped tightly around each tread, creating a tailored look. That takes more time and labour, so it costs more.
Measuring Up: How to Get a Stair Runner That Really Works
When you’re trying to create a stair runner that’s actually going to make your staircase pop, precise measuring is key. We recommend measuring the width of each step and noting any special features like landings or turns. Generally, leaving a bit of exposed wood on either side – about 3 to 4 inches – helps to frame the carpet nicely.For Homeowners in Chicagoland, Rouzati Rugs is a Great Choice
As a homeowner in the Chicagoland area, working with a specialist like Rouzati Rugs is really a good idea. Our team will be with you every step of the way, starting with picking out the perfect rug pattern, whether it’s a classic herringbone or something a bit fancier like a floral design. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations, so whether you’re a fan of meeting face to face or prefer to do things remotely, we’ve got you covered. Once your new rug is measured, you can expect delivery in around two to three weeks, give or take a week or so depending on the project specifics.
2026 Average Cost Breakdown for Chicago Area
To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s a rough breakdown of the typical costs you’d see for a standard staircase with 13 steps. Bear in mind that these are just estimates and can vary depending on which materials you choose.
Cost Breakdown for a Standard Staircase:
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Cost Component Description Estimated Cost Range Standard Roll Runners Entry-level synthetic roll runners (27″ wide), about 23 linear feet for 13 steps $750 – $1,200 (Material Only) Custom Broadloom Runners High-end wool or custom-width runners cut from broadloom. $1,500 – $3,500+ (Material Only) Installation – Straight Staircase Professional labor for straight staircases in Chicago. $450 – $650 Installation – Complex Staircase Labor for staircases with landings, turns, or winders. $750 – $1,200+ Carpet Padding High-quality padding for comfort and noise reduction. $180 – $250 Binding Edges Professional edge finishing to prevent fraying. $200 – $400 Total Estimated Project Cost Complete project (Materials + Labor) $1,800 (Budget) – $5,500+ (Luxury) .
To learn more about how we install stair runners in Chicago, click on the video!
Some Cost-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind
- Go for Roll Runners: Roll runners are a cost-effective option as there’s no need to spend extra to get them custom-cut.\
- Get your Quotes in Writing: Make sure the quote you get clearly breaks down all the costs so you’re not caught out with any surprises.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Stair Runner for Your Home
A good stair runner is more than just a pretty face – it’s a vital safety feature, helps keep the noise down and adds a ton to your home’s style and charm. It’s a bit like picking the perfect rug for your dining room – the right runner is the crowning glory of your home’s look.
To really understand the possibilities and get a good idea of what it’s going to cost to get the staircase of your dreams, best to talk things over with an expert. If you’re in Chicago or Evanston, we invite you to swing by our showroom where we’ll be happy to show you our extensive collection and give you a personalized quote to help you get the beautiful, safe and quiet staircase you want.