Stair Rods are Practical and Decorative?

Stair rods are small metal bars that have been placed at the back of each step in a flight of stairs. They have been used since the 1800s in residential homes and business offices as a practical tool and a decorative style statement.

The Purpose of Stair Rods

The practical purpose of stair rods is to hold the stairway’s carpet runner snugly against the back of each step so that it does not come loose and cause someone to trip. Early stair runners were not glued or affixed to the steps in any fashion, so they had a tendency to come loose and bunch up. The stair rods were affixed to the bottom of the stair rails so that they would not budge, which kept the carpeting stretched nicely along the length of the stairs. Once rubber backing and modern carpet tacks became more commonly used for carpet runners, stair rods were not necessary for holding the carpet in place any longer. They continue to be used, however, for their decorative style.

Different Types of Stair Rods

Stair rods come in several different types of sizes and styles. The most utilitarian stair rods had a brushed nickel finish and were small, simple bars. More ornate stair rods could be used for special buildings or homes. They could have gold finishes and be larger so that they made more of an impact in the overall design of the stairwell. Some stair rods were painted to match the stair railing or to add a new design element with the color of the carpeting.

How Stair Rods are Installed

Stair rods can be installed in several different ways. Some stair rods are connected to metal plates that run along the edges of the stairs from top to bottom. Other stair rods are placed in small holes that are drilled into each side of the stairwell. There are also configurations that have separate, smaller metal plates that are placed against the stairwell sides so that the stair rods can be screwed into them. Whatever the design, stair rods need to be firmly affixed to something on either end so that they will not move when the stairs are in use.