How to Carpet Stairs
Nothing can soften the loud clack of shoes on hardwood stairs quite like carpeting. Installing a carpet runner on your stairs will not only save the hardwood below, but make your stairs easier to navigate and safer for children. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Work gloves
- Carpet knife
- Power stretcher
- Safety glasses
- Heavy-duty stapler
- Measuring tape
- Carpet runner
- Padding
Instructions
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Carpet Stairs on Your Own
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1
Choose your carpet. Pick texture cut or cut pile berber carpets, which are thicker and easier to install and use on stairs. Visit Floor Facts to learn about different types of carpet (see Resources box).
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2
Have a professional measure and cut the runner, as well as bind the edges of the carpet. Unbound edges will eventually unravel.
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3
Make a small mark on each step where the runner will rest, an inside mark to show where the padding will go and an outside mark to show where the carpet will go. Cut the padding into rectangles slightly smaller than your runner and place on the steps.
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4
Unroll the carpet a little bit, center it and place it a few steps up from the bottom. Have someone hold the roll as you pull the end to the bottom of the stairs.
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5
Create a row of staples where the carpet meets the floor using a heavy-duty stapler. Pull the carpet taut and create another row of staples underneath the lip of the stair tread.
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6
Use a power stretcher to pull the runner tight while you make another row of staples between the vertical part of the stair and the tread. Use the stair tool to push the carpet into the corner to hide the staples.
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7
Call a professional if you are unsure you're installing the carpet properly. To see pictures of someone installing a carpet runner on stairs, visit the DIY Network (see Resources box).
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Tips & Warnings
Wear work gloves and safety glasses when installing carpeting to prevent injury.
Measure your stairs carefully before ordering the carpet.
Order an extra foot of carpet just in case you mismeasured.
Choose a carpet that matches the color of the carpet on the landing for a uniform, pleasant look.
Don't try to stretch the carpet over the stairs yourself. If you do not use a power stretcher, your carpet will start to bunch up.
