Installing Carpet Steps Without Staples

About Carpeting Steps

Having carpeting on stairs and steps reduces noise and makes the home a little more livable. However, installing the carpet on steps can be a challenge. Many people want to install the carpet without using staples, because they can be pulled out by use and do not always give the best look.

Using Molding

One way to install carpeting on stairs without using staples is to rely on a strip of molding, or 1/4-inch wood strips. These are strips of wood that have one 90-degree corner and one rounded edge. They can be fit into any corner so the rounded edge is facing out, hiding the harsh lines of the corner. You can use these to carpet stairs.

Installing

To install carpet with this type of molding, simply cut the carpet to the width of the stairs. Start at the top of the stairs. Nail a tacking strip (strip of wood with nail tacks used for carpeting) to the top of the riser. Line up the end of the carpet so it lays over the tack strip and gently pound the carpet into the tacks, fastening it to the strip. Now, smooth the carpet down the riser, pushing it into the corner.

Attaching the Molding

Once the carpet is flush against the riser and pushed all the way into the corner, you can install the 1/4-inch round strip over it. Lay the molding across the stair flush against the riser and nail a 1" or longer nail through the strip. Make sure the nail goes solidly into the riser itself. Use about four nails along the strip to secure the carpet to the stairs. Repeat this step for each stair.