The problem with runners, other than what has already been mentioned, is that they creep when people walk on them. This is most unbelievable if not witnessed first-person. This is why the teeth are present in the plastic runners. The alternative, the mesh mats that are tacky to try and hold carpets in place, stain and gum up the carpet beneath them. I have experienced this first-hand. So they are definitely not recommended.

I have read the recommendation to thoroughly vacuum the original carpet regularly. This does not prevent mud and other accretions from getting on the Oriental rugs. Although not ideal, as I am yet to hear of an ideal solution, the best alternative I know of is probably to use modern carpet runners directly over the historic carpet. These can be purchased relatively inexpensively at home improvement stores and other vendors, both in plain colors and in faux oriental patterns. Yes, there will be some abrasion when they move over the original carpets and will have to be moved back into position regularly. But this should be less than the damage from mud and dirt and other accretions and abrasion from feet. Fabric ("historically appropriate") runners are very unlikely to stay in place and the risk of trip and fall accidents probably makes them impractical. One significant lawsuit far outweighs cost savings. In an ideal world, Tyvek would be placed under the runners, but this definitely would cause the runners to not just creep, but rather run! Tyvek under wall-to-wall can work well, but with runners, it is just too slippery.

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Robin

Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2014 2:50 PM

To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Subject: [MUSEUM-L] carpet runners

We are looking for suitable carpet runners to protect our oriental carpets, does anyone have any suggestions? As an historic house museum, our visitors need to walk through most of our rooms and across some carpets. We would like to find a clear plastic runner or something else that is suitable, but have been unable to find something suitable (without the little teeth on the bottom). Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Robin Gabriel

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Robin H. Gabriel

Executive Director

Kaminski House Museum

Georgetown, SC 29440