How to Install Carpet on Stairs
- Tools and Supplies Needed
- The French Cap Method. The French cap method wraps the carpet around the edge of the tread, contouring the nosing to meet the riser, then coming straight down the riser.
- Staple the Carpet. Staple the carpet to the bottom riser, working the nose of the stapler in between the fibers, so that fiber doesn’t get caught under the staple and ...
- Trim Excess Carpet. When the carpet is securely fastened, trim any excess. Repeat the process with the next riser. ...
- Cap Stairs. If the stair is open on the side with railing posts, the carpet must be cut around each post and re-joined on the other side.
- Pie Stairs. If you have pie-shaped, or curved, stairs, install the carpet on the riser in the same way as mentioned above.
- Bullnoses. A stair that has a curved outside edge is referred to as a bullnose. ...
- Hollywood Stairs. Stairs that have no risers are called Hollywood stairs. ...
- Waterfall Method. If the French cap method of installing carpet seems a little overwhelming or the carpet is too thick, use the waterfall method.
What are the best ways to clean carpet on stairs?
Clean your carpet with a natural product.
- Vinegar. Pour the vinegar and water into the bucket, mixing well. ...
- Baking Soda. Use this method to lift stains, neutralize odors, and brighten your carpet. ...
- Liquid Laundry Detergent. Does your carpeting have tough stains and stubborn dirt? ...
- Salt, Vinegar, and Essential Oil. This formula deodorizes your carpet and tackles stains, leaving a pleasant scent. ...
How to choose the best carpet for stairs?
- Material: Olefin as its prime material gives it a more lustrous look to fit into regular or low-traffic stairs
- Better suited for indoor staircase: Plush style construction of its fiber makes it better suited for indoor stair carpeting
- Feel of elegance: 8mm long pile provides your foothold a sumptuous feel underneath on the stairs
Should you have carpet installed on your stairs?
Stairs are subject to constant wear-and-tear. If you have kids, pets, or an otherwise busy household, your steps might support 30 or more up-and-down treks a day. As one of the most high-traffic areas of a house, a floor-covering material should be chosen carefully. Carpet is an affordable option that’s relatively quick to install over stairs.
How to measure your stairs for carpet?
Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Adding up the Stair Measurements Download Article
- Measure the width of the stairs with a measuring tape. Stretch out the measuring tape parallel to the edge of a stair to get the width.
- Turn your tape measure 90 degrees and measure the depth of the stairs. ...
- Hold your tape measure vertically to measure the rise of the stairs. ...
- Multiply the depth and the rise of the stairs by the number of stairs. ...
Can I install carpet myself on stairs?
Installing carpet on stairs can be tricky and time-consuming, but it can be accomplished—even by novices—with some understanding and patience. Once you have selected your carpet, measured, and prepped your stairs, you are ready to begin installing your new carpet.
What holds down carpet on stairs?
Prepare your stairs for carpet installation by installing tack strips, thin pieces of wood resembling yardsticks with tacks pointing upward. These will grip the carpet backing and hold it in place.
How do you finish carpet edges on stairs?
How to Finish the Side of a Carpet on StairsMeasure and Cut Your Carpet and Padding. ... Measure and Cut Tackless Strips. ... Add Extra Strips Where Needed. ... Install the Padding. ... Install the Carpet. ... Measure the Width of the Stair Tread. ... Install Tack Strips and Padding. ... Cut Your Carpet Pieces.More items...
How do you install carpet on stairs without tack strips?
Install Carpet Without Tack Strips Small tension rods attached at the base of each stair can be placed to tighten carpet that runs the entire length of the stairs. A small amount of glue at the top and base of each stair can keep it in place. Another option is to carpet each stair individually where the foot lands.
What type of carpet is best for stairs?
The best carpet for stairs has a low pile—¾-inch or less—to be both more stable underfoot and resilient to traffic. A synthetic plush style in twisted or cut pile is always a safe option, while a looped style like Berber is occasionally avoided (particularly if you have pets whose claws may catch in the carpet loops).
Do you need carpet grippers on stairs?
When installing carpet on the stairs, carpet grippers are more important than ever. Not only will they enhance the final results, they secure the carpet in place and ensure it's safe to walk on.
How do you waterfall a stair carpet?
The “Waterfall” method involves bringing the carpet over the edge of the tread and straight down the riser to meet the next tread. Without molding it to the riser, it creates a waterfall effect.
How do you carpet stairs cheaply?
0:051:30Budget Staircase Runner- Cheap & fast! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI cut and secured carpet pads to keep my mats from slipping. Then starting from the bottom. I beginMoreI cut and secured carpet pads to keep my mats from slipping. Then starting from the bottom. I begin to secure my rugs.
How can I cover my stairs cheap?
9:3213:42EASY DIY Staircase Makeover on a Budget - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo for under 50 bucks you have yourself a stair runner and if anything happens if you got a spill onMoreSo for under 50 bucks you have yourself a stair runner and if anything happens if you got a spill on one it's no big deal you can just take it off and replace it so super inexpensive.
Do you need a knee kicker to install carpet on stairs?
While knee kickers are generally recommended for stairwell carpet installation, you can install it without one. Here are the steps to do it: Clean the stairs.
Should carpet be glued down?
Imperfections in the floor may also cause wear spots. Advantages of glued down carpet are: The carpet is solidly supported and has minimal movement. It provides a good solid base which is better for rolling traffic, including wheelchairs.
Can you use carpet tape on stairs?
You can use carpet seam tapes to secure carpets, rugs, and stair treads on tiles, wood flooring, wall-to-wall carpets, and area rugs.
What are carpet tacks?
Carpet tack strips are narrow lengths of wood, usually Douglas fir, that are used to keep the wall-to-wall carpet in place. They're studded with lots, sometimes hundreds, of nails (or tacks) and are installed along the perimeter of the walls, tack-side up.
How do you fit carpet grippers?
1:235:12How to fit carpet part 1: grippers & underlay - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pins on the grip are sharp. So make sure you wear heavy duty gloves the gripper is slightlyMoreThe pins on the grip are sharp. So make sure you wear heavy duty gloves the gripper is slightly angled along one edge and the pins that grip the carpet are also angled in the same.
How do you attach a carpet runner to stairs?
1:264:24How to Install a Stair Runner - The Right Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery time you're using a power tool make sure you prep it while it's unplugged the staple guns areMoreEvery time you're using a power tool make sure you prep it while it's unplugged the staple guns are super easy to use and they load the staples just like any other office stapler.
What are carpet staples?
Stapling plays several important roles in the process of carpeting stairs. The most secure anchors for carpet top and bottom, staples also hold padding tightly to stair treads. In traditional "cap-and-band" carpet installation, staples secure carpet pieces at the edges of stair treads and along the risers.
How to keep carpet from rooted to the ground?
Cut your tackless strips. Tackless strips are what keep your carpet rooted to the ground. Cut them 1.5 inches narrower than the width of the steps to be carpeted. This will make sure you don't get any misplaced strips protruding once the carpet is set. For example, if the stair is 30 inches wide, your carpet runner will measure 26 inches wide, so your tackless trips must measure 24.5 inches wide.
How to use knee kicker on stairs?
Place the front edge of your carpet knee-kicker on center of the runner about two inches from the riser and apply pressure until the carpet is locked in. They can be remarkably satisfying to use, and will give your stairs a much tighter look than if done without.
What to do after tackless strips are installed?
After you have the tackless strips installed, take care to be safe around them. Accidentally stepping on one of them can lead to horrible consequences, so it's a good idea to get the padding down as soon as possible.
What is a carpet pad?
Carpet pad is what gives the carpet it's pleasant feeling of cushion and softness, as well as protecting feet from possibly protruding tacks. Cut every piece to be the same length as the tackless strips, not the carpet runner itself. This will give the carpet a nice tapered end on either side when it's done.
How many inches does a stair riser need?
Assuming you have standard-sized stairs, and allowing for 3 inches on either side to display the wood, you need 24 inches for each stair step and riser.
Why do you take pictures of stairs?
Consider taking pictures of your stairs as they are to give the sales associate a kind of visual references to keep in mind while he helps you.
What is the nose of a step?
The nose is the part of the step that extends slightly past the drop, or height. The height, then, is the vertical part of the step.
How to stretch carpet to fit a riser?
Using a knee kicker, stretch the carpet into the seam between the tread and the riser. Start in the middle and work side to side.
How to make a carpet template?
To make the template, measure each individual step and riser, as they may not all be built to the exact same dimension. Using a tape measure and a straightedge, cut the carpet to template size.
How deep are stairs?
Building codes control the dimensions of treads and risers. Treads are typically 10 to 11-1/2 inches deep; the deeper the tread, the more comfortable the climb. Risers are generally no more than 7-3/4 inches tall. If your stairs dimensions are not within these guidelines, for safety's sake you'll need to rebuild them.
Can you cut carpet for each step?
If your staircase curves or if the walls are not plumb, you won't be able to use a template to cut the carpet pieces for each step. Instead you'll need to measure each step and cut the carpet to fit.
Can you soften stairs with carpet?
Soften your stairs with a stylish carpet remodel. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to carpet stairs!
Do stairs need to be rebuilt?
If your stairs dimensions are not within these guidelines, for safety's sake you'll need to rebuild them. Stairways get heavy wear, especially along the tread nosing, so choose a carpet that is durable and easy to clean.
How to make a crease in carpet?
Using your stair tool and the rubber mallet to create a crease along the same line where you stretched the carpet. Use stick the stair tool in the crease and use the rubber mallet to hammer it. This will push the carpet onto the tackles strip better and create a crisp crease that you are looking for. End of the Process.
Why do stairs need padding?
This is a great way to make the stairs more comfortable to walk on, especially without shoes, and create a more inviting and cozier atmosphere. They can also make the stairs safer since they give you a smaller chance of falling and gives you padding if you do a trip. However, if you don’t have the budget to pay professional installers ...
Do you need to measure every step for carpet?
This is what you will use as a template for the rest of the stairs so that you don’t have to measure every step.
Can you put carpet on stairs?
And, now that you know how to install carpet on stairs, you can help others to do the same. This finishing touch can make your home look comfortable and it can make it safer as well. Keep in mind that carpets get dirty with time, so you might want to vacuum your stairs, and use a portable carpet cleaning machine.
How to make a stair tread?
Cut your tack strips into lengths that are four inches shorter than the width of your chosen runner, then count out two strips for each stair. Nail one on each riser, centered, ¼ inch from the bottom, and one on each tread, ¼ inch from the rear, also centered.
How to pick a runner for stairs?
Pre-hemmed runners are usually sold in one of a few widths, most commonly 27 and 32 inches, so choose the one that fits your tread size with as much (or as little) wood showing as desired. If you plan to have a runner custom cut (or if you need help visualizing how your stairs would appear partially covered with a carpet runner), try draping brown kraft paper or a flat sheet folded lengthwise to determine the right runner width.
How does Hollywood carpet work?
The Hollywood method tightly wraps the carpet over the edge the tread and around the nosing (or the front edge) of each step, then fastens it down on the riser for a clean and contoured appearance. Its tailored look makes this a popular choice for the most visible stairways in the home, such as those leading up from the living room or foyer.
What is waterfall carpet?
The waterfall method, on the other hand, offers a simpler installation, in which the carpet is adhered to the edge of the tread, then dropped straight down to meet the back of the next tread—all without securing it to the riser. This more casual, cascading style is often reserved for basement stairs or projects involving thick, nubby carpet that is harder to manipulate.
How far apart should staples be on a nosing?
For the tailored Hollywood look, also secure the runner to the underside of the nosing, spacing each staple three inches apart.
Can you cut a carpet runner from a roll?
Of all of the options available to you, a machine-hemmed, prefabricated stair runner is the most convenient choice for easy installation. Carpet runner can, however, be cut and hemmed from any wall-to-wall carpet roll; just know that each side must be stitched with a border to prevent fraying before you start. This hemming process requires a special sewing machine used by carpet professionals, so you’ll need to hire a pro and provide full measurements (see Step 3) for a custom cut.
Is stair padding thicker than wall to wall padding?
You can find this material in many shapes and sizes, but remember that high-quality stair padding is thicker than wall-to-wall padding. Good padding is worth the investment, because it can extend the life of the carpet on this highly trafficked corridor.
What is the best way to install carpet on stairs?
Waterfall Technique. Waterfall is considered to be the faster method of installing carpet on stairs and uses only one strip of carpeting. After cutting a strip of the carpet the width of the stairs, you start at the bottom and work upward. If you know what a stair runner is, it's much like this—a continuous strip of carpet.
How deep is carpet on stairs?
#N#Carpet shrinks stair tread depth. Stair treads are, by code, 10 inches deep, minimum. Carpet on stair risers shrinks stair tread depth by up to 1/2-inch. This can present a slight trip hazard since your foot has less area to rest on.
What is the difference between carpeted and uncarpeted stairs?
Uncarpeted stairs have crisp lines that your eye can immediately identify. The edge is clear, and it's this edge that your foot needs to meet. Carpeted stair treads tend to visually merge, making the target difficult to identify. Every stair has the same color and texture.
Why do carpet stairs make noise?
Where carpeted stairs really excel is in houses that have noisy stairs. This noise is often caused by young children. And once young kids learn all about the staircase, they will use them relentlessly. Or it might be that the stair materials are too thin to adequately absorb sounds.
Why are stairs so hard to carpet?
On a per-square-footage basis, stairs are more difficult to carpet than floors because of the cutting, tucking, and tacking required to get the carpeting tight on the stairs. The offer to carpet the stairs usually represents an extra fee.
What is a cap and band carpet?
Cap-and-band is also called wrapped nose. Each stair receives two separate sections of the carpet: one for the tread, another for the riser. The tread carpet butts up against the tread and then wraps down and around the stair nose. Then another piece is added for the riser.
Can you clean carpet stairs with a handheld vacuum?
Cleaning carpeted stairs usually means using a handheld vacuum. Still, it is difficult to completely clean carpeted stairs. Reaching into the corners is hard with smaller vacuums. Larger, floor-mounted vacuums with attachments do an excellent job of cleaning carpeted stairs.