The Genius Stair Hack Nobody Talks About: Outdoor Rugs
I needed a quick fix for new carpet for the stairs to our basement and genius struck when I was browsing the Menards clearance section in flooring. An outdoor rug would be a budget friendly and durable carpet alternative — and it genuinely stopped us in our tracks.
Traditional stair carpeting is expensive, difficult to install, and even harder to clean. An outdoor rug? Durable, affordable, stylish, and surprisingly easy to work with. Here's how to pull it off. I had to purchases two rugs since they had a pattern that needed to match up. Each rug was $24.99!
Why Outdoor Rugs Work Perfectly on Stairs
Outdoor rugs are engineered to take a beating. They're designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, resist stains, and hold up against the elements — which makes them almost overqualified for indoor stair use. They're also significantly cheaper than traditional stair carpet, often costing a fraction of the price for the same square footage.
And the design options? Better than ever. From classic stripes to bold geometric patterns, there's an outdoor rug for every aesthetic — whether your home is coastal, traditional, or modern.
The Before
Our stairs were tired carpet that had seen better days. Getting them professionally carpeted would have been much more expensive and BORING!. We spent under $75 and achieved a result that looks intentional, polished, and designer-approved.
How to Do It: Step by Step
First, measure your stairs. Measure the depth of each tread plus the height of each riser, then multiply by the number of stairs. This gives you the total length of rug you'll need. Most outdoor rugs come in standard sizes, so you may need one or two depending on your staircase.
Next, cut your rug to size. Most outdoor rugs cut cleanly with a sharp utility knife or heavy-duty scissors. Cut each stair piece individually for the neatest finish. I needed to cut ours at 36". I used a heavy duty fabric scissors and it cut like butter.
I added padding before so it had a nice side feel underfoot.
Then start from the top and staple in place. I used a pneumatic stapler for installation. Staple gun along the back edge of each tread. For extra expensive feeling underfoot, add a rug pad underneath before installing the rug.
Finally, cut the edging off of the unused rug so you can edge the cut side. Install with staples once the stairs are complete.
Design Tips to Get It Right
Choose a pattern with a tight weave — it reads more elevated and hides seams better. Stick to one rug style throughout for a cohesive, intentional look. And don't be afraid of pattern — stairs are a perfect place to make a design statement.
The Bottom Line
For under $75 and a two hours one afternoon, you can completely transform one of the most visible spaces in your home. It's the kind of smart, beautiful solution that makes you wonder why everyone isn't doing it.
At Alme Design Co., we believe great design doesn't have to cost a fortune — it just has to be thoughtful. And this stair hack? It's one of our favorites.