This stair carpet runner is made using a flatweave technique and is made for maximum durability. A flatweave is more commonly known as a basketweave. Traditionally, flatweave carpets are made using a natural fibre such as Sisal or Wool. However this stair carpet is made using a man made fibre (Polypropylene) that is a fraction of the price of a naturally made carpet, however just as durable. The pile of this carpet runner is extremely durable and will not flatten down as there is no pile to do so. Due to the cleverly woven construction of this pile, this is great for pets as the runner is pretty much indestructible. It has been classified as a heavy domestic product, this means that it is suitable in high traffic areas in all domestic locations, especially the staircase. This stair runner has a latex, gel backing. The means that the runner is non slip and grips to pretty much any surface. Also it means that it can be fitted on the stairs without gripper and underlay and simply fixed to the stairs using adhesive, staples or stair rods. Underlay and gripper can still be used but it is not a necessity. The gel backing makes the stair carpet 100% waterproof and rot proof, meaning that spillages will never cause the product to shrink. The texture of this carpet is fairly coarse, it has a firm feel and offers little comfort. This product is not made to be luxurious, it is made to be very durable and practical. The carpet is made using a fibre called Polypropylene. Polypropylene is a man made fibre that has fantastic properties and advantages. This carpet 100% bleach proof and stain resistant. It is also resistant to fading from the UV sunlight. It is anti-static and moth proof. The product has a low radius of ignition and has been hot nut tested to comply with (BS 4790). This is the most durable man made gel back carpet runner that we sell at runrug.com. If you want a low maintenance product that will look great and will last for many years then this is the product for you.