As you figure out how to measure stairs for carpet, start by selecting one stair tread. Building codes control the dimensions of treads and risers. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Carpet Seam Roller. If youre going to seam your carpets, you need both a seam iron and a seam roller! These are pieces of wood similar to yardsticks which use tacks to hold the carpet in place. If youre not going to use adhesives, you can consider using a carpet stapler instead! Step 7: Repeat the process until you reach the bottom of the staircase. This positioning tool is designed for use with low-profile carpet, and features teeth angled forward to help grip and hold the carpet. A carpeted stairway can make your home look elegant and lavish. The tool originates from Germany and is quite handy. Dispose of carpeting, tack strips, carpet padding, and any other debris according to your local waste disposal regulations. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The larger the pattern, the more waste you will have. Use an awl to push the carpet onto the tackless strip. Proper carpet disposal is an important part of the project. How to Determine the Age of a Persian Rug. They dont need to be a certain width, just whatever size is comfortable for you to grip during removal and that will fit into your garbage bags. Use a hammer to tap the pry bar under the tack strip, then pry the tack strip away. The best thing about this cutter in particular is how the 30 degree blade ensures a clean and precise cut. Put away the pliers. There are a number of tools that can help you install your carpet. Spread marble adhesive on the stairs using a caulking gun, if available. Or perhaps you are carpeting many rooms at the same time, or have many irregular shapes or stairways that mean your cost savings will be more substantial if you install the carpeting yourself. A Roberts Knee Kicker. As an Amazon Associate CarpetandRugWorld.com earns from qualifying purchases. Drill 116-inch pilot holes at each mark. Mark and cut rods to length with a tubing cutter or hacksaw. You can remove the carpet from the treads using the same method as the risers, or you can use a knee-kick tool to quickly release the tension on the carpet so that you can easily life it from the tack strip instead of prying it away. It has a built-in heat shield and Teflon coated base which helps it protect the floor coverings. Prepare your stairs for carpet installation by installing tack strips,thin pieces of wood resembling yardsticks with tacks pointing upward. Starting from the centre, move towards the edge to eliminate any air bubble. You will need only those tools which suit your installation method and aim. If thats the case with your carpeted stairs, you may be thinking of tearing up the carpet to give it an update or replace it with a new look entirely. If you dislike adhesives and the strong odor they bring in the home, you may be attracted to use a carpet stapler. Step 1: Fix the cracks and holes in the concrete steps. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. RS has a degree in Mass Communication and a passion for creative writing. Next up: Time to choose a carpet. NOTE! Near both ends of the tackless strip, staple the runner into the crease where riser meets tread. Cut the rest using a carpet cutter. Keep the padding within the inner perimeter formed by the strips. Another option for stairs is a blended carpet. The carpet installation process for concrete stairs isnt much different from that of a marble staircase. Knowing how to carpet stairs will help you save money by doing it yourself, and will leave you assured that you have done a good job in installing the new addition to your staircase. Carpet hammer tackers are becoming more popular amongst people who dislike the use of carpet glue. Sometimes people use a saw to cut this strip but that can be dangerous. Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. Carpet runner Marble adhesive Carpet cutter Measuring tape Chalk Caulking gun (optional) Straightedge (optional) Procedure Step 1: Measure the stairs to calculate the length of the carpet youll need. Tip: If runner bulges and doesnt lie flat against the tread, lift it straight up off the strip and begin again. This hemming process requires a special sewing machine used by carpet professionals, so youll need to hire a pro and provide full measurements (see Step 3) for a custom cut. 1/ Roberts Electric Staple gun. To install carpet on steps, you can measure the tread and riser for one step in inches and then multiply it with the total number of stairs. WebLay each piece in place, and secure it with a hammer stapler. WebTools Needed: Tack strips Staples or upholstery nails Measuring Tape Knee Pads Knee kicker (check your rental store) Stair Tool (check your rental store) Utility knife Hammer Safety glasses Obviously you'll need to remove all the old carpet. They are attached to the subfloor around the perimeter of the room to provide the anchor point for the edges of the carpeting to be gripped. These pads should not cover any of the tack strips, however. In case you fall, carpeted stairs will provide you with much better padding than the cold, hard marble, wooden, or concrete steps. You can use an awl or straightedge to push the carpet into the tackless strips and form clean lines between the riser and the floor. Then, using a tape measure and a straightedge, cut the carpet to template size. Step 4: Once the padding has been put in place, measure the stairs once again atop the affixed material, and cut the carpet accordingly. If the carpet padding is glued down, use a putty knife to scrape the glue and carpet padding off the stairs. Ill help you figure out the tools that you will need! Roll up the removed carpet, fasten it with a piece of duct tape to keep it from unrolling, and dispose of it in a contractor bag. While carpet installation will require many standard home-shop toolssuch as a hammer, utility stapler, tin snips, chalk line, and utility knifethere will be several carpet-specific tools you will need in order to do the work correctly. Step 3: Use chalk to mark the centre of each step and then use it as a guide to mark the outer edges where the carpet will lay. The narrow strip of carpeting is set on a pad and then attached to tackless strips nailed to each tread. Start with the ideal width of your runner. The tack strip is quite thick and a normal cutter will not be able to cut it neatly. The nose is the lip that extends out over the riser. Dont worry about this happening to your precious floor coverings as the Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife is adored by professionals for a good reason. If the dimensions of your stairs are not within these guidelines, you'll need to rebuild them for safety. The design of the roller helps it apply pressure on the seam. This way, you wont have to deal with any creases or bumps that may become evident once the carpet has been laid. You can use it comfortably without having to worry about the performance. Its thick and fluffy, feels great on your feet, and adds warmth and comfort to your home. They are also generally safer as you are less likely to slip and lose your balance while climbing carpet-covered steps. Grab a sharp utility knife and a measuring tape and get to work. There are different ways to carpet stairs, but well be discussing the ones that are easiest to follow, even for those who are new to the world of DIY home improvements. On the other hand, if you are in the process of renovating or remodelling your home, you can take a look at our comprehensive guides on the types and rates of wooden flooring as well as different types of tile flooring options in Pakistan. To make the template, measure each individual step and riser, as they may not all be built to the exact same dimension. When assessing any carpet seam roller for effectiveness, the ease with which it can be moved backward and forward is always considered. Fit the cut carpet to the stair. Once this happens, it is fixed to a tack strip. With the vintage rug, the room seems cozier. Smooth and stretch it to fit tightly. Pull the carpet off of the stair riser by hand. Using locking pliers, pry a small corner of carpet away from a riser to determine the material underneath and decide on renovation specifics. Wiggle the electric carpet tacker between the nap to hide the staple impressions. You will experience more waste with patterned carpet than with non-patterned carpet since cutting and seaming pieces requires you to match the pattern. If any hardwood floor is involved, there may be a need of tapping the staple with a hammer. 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. No bumps allowed! It will ensure you maintain the integrity of the carpet and cut through the backing with ease. The Economy Adjustable Knee Kicker is the perfect purchase if you need a flat carpet stretched to the corner and installed in a small space! Since you will probably be placing the seam together by hand, it may be too apparent. WebHow much does it cost to carpet 13 stairs? Another option is to carpet each stair individually where the foot lands. A carpet with an attached padded backing is easier to put down, but installing carpeting on stairs with this type of product isn't recommended, as they tend to wear quickly. When it comes to carpets, neatness is the most important factor. It has been designed with an extra wide head which ensures reduced dishing in the seam. Begin at the bottom step and staple the carpet to each tread, then stretch the carpet over the riser. Center the carpet at the bottom of the stairs, using an awl to push the carpet back into the tackless strip to create a clean line. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Install your pre-cut stair carpet starting from the bottom stair and work your way up. It is a superior product that has a slow setup time which means you can make small adjustments during the installation! When she is not working, you'll find her reading a comic book, browsing through Netflix, or planning her next travel adventure. Step 4: Spread the carpet adhesive on the treads and edges of the concrete stairs with a trowel. Tip: When using the waterfall method, clip 3 inches off the corners of the pad where it curves around the nosing. After all, the entire look of the carpet can be ruined due to a poor cut by an inferior product! Step 4: Measure the width of the carpet or runner. The thin, dense pad helps to quiet and cushion footsteps, but it also prevents the runner from wearing out prematurely. Each tack strip should be 4 inches shorter than your runners width. If you have larger wooden posts, you may have to trim some excess carpet around the base of each post. CarpetandRugWorld.com also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale and other sites. Step 1: Nail down tackless carpet strip to the back of each step (riser) of your wooden staircase. The durable chrome-plated steel stair tool is highly durable and uses heavy duty blades to set carpets in difficult crevices. Regardless of whether it is used on the edge of the stairs or the side of the walls to tuck the floor covering, the tool works perfectly! What Should You Do With Tools That You Dont Frequently Use? She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Cut the carpet carefully to fit the stairs. These wooden strips have small carpet tacks attached to them, which make installing carpet on wooden stairs much easier. Carpeting is a thick, heavy material that requires a lot of effort and strength to remove. Use XFasten Carpet Tape if you wish to protect pets, elderly and children. This padding is easily available at hardware stores as well as carpet stores. The [amazon link=B00336I62W title=Henry, W.W. Co. Use a placer of two strips taped together to measure how high to place it. Once you are satisfied with the runners position, use a carpet awl to push it tightly into the seam between the tread and the riser, and into your tack strips. It is true that carpeting that is advertised as "free installation" is not really free, since the cost is actually slightly inflated to cover the labor of the team who will come to install it. You can also use a grinder to level the surface if needed. Step 2: Measure the total length of the stairs (treads and risers) in inches and then divide the sum with 12 to get the value in feet. Foam-backed rugs: Avoid pinless rods entirely on spiral staircases. Keep carpet pile consistent from piece to piece. Start at the bottom of the staircase and work your way up, unless the more difficult steps are at the bottom. If you plan on carpeting your stairs, then you might want to invest in a superior carpet stapler. WebStep 1. Carefully place tackless strips on the riser and back of each tread as shown. Some contractors will charge per step, and that ranges from $10 to $45 per step. In other words, you wont have to put in too much effort to cut the tack strip making the installation go smoother! Are you excited about decorating your home? Cut the carpet to fit the bottom of each stair, the area where the foot will fall. Since the glue tends to dry quickly, it is recommended that you tackle one stair at a time. Typically, carpet technicians install the riser of the bullnose separately from the tread to make it easier to wrap the carpet around the curve. Center the carpet on the bottom edge of the steps. For novice DIYers, the temptation is to shove the carpet tack strips (sometimes called "tackless strips") all the way against the wall or baseboard. Before you get started installing your carpet, you first need to determine the look you want in your home. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. This importance is not lost if the stairs have a carpeted surface. Is this a good reason to schedule a house re-warming? Tip: Staple carpet directly to stairs, never through the pad. Measure each step individually and cut a quality carpet pad to fit each step and riser as shown. The Carpet Power Stretcher is another tool that could come in handy during a carpet installation project! Step 2. Dont do this. The tread is the top surface of the step. Before removing the carpet, you need to find out what kind of flooring is underneath. To ensure your carpet is even, use a carpet stretcher so that it wont move once its installed. The design of the tool ensures comfort as it has a cushioned slip-resistant handle. With this goal in mind, here are some things to consider before ripping up your carpet: As tempting as it may be to just grab a loose corner of carpet and start pulling, preparing ahead of time and following a proper sequence of steps will get you the best results and help you avoid wasted effort. The thick and fluffy pile becomes hard and compacted, while stains and discolorations may be visible reminders of household spills and mishaps. There are different ways to install a carpet without tack strips, but we will show you how to use them. The amount of carpet you remove from your stairs may be small enough to be included with your household waste pickup, but if you are unsure about whether your garbage service will take the carpet, contact your local waste pick-up service and ask. Staple end of runner to bottom of riser every 3 inches. When you finally reach the top riser, fold the carpets upper edge back on itself and staple it just underneath the overhanging lip of the flooring. Before you get started, there are a few simple tools you will need to install carpets on stairs: There are DIY tool kits for carpeting stairs available, but a few of the simple tools should be enough to help you complete your project with little fuss. You'll need to make a template and cut the carpet to fit when all the padding is attached. Install replacement rugs at 75mm intervals on the bottom of the riser, fold them, and secure them. Roberts Knee Kicker is an Industry Standard, there are others, but most of us Pro's use a 2. Equipment / Tools Stapler Knee kicker Cutting tools Flat-head screwdriver When youre installing a carpet, the finesse and precision of a cut can significantly impact the appearance of the carpet. Weve discussed the carpet installation process for all three types of stairs in our comprehensive guide. Once all the flaws have been fixed, and the steps look smooth, let the concrete set completely before moving onto the next step. It offers strong adhesion which wont disappoint you. If the French cap method of installing carpet seems a little overwhelming or the carpet is too thick, use the waterfall method. She has written nearly 100 articles for The Spruce, mainly covering everything having to do with carpeting from colors and filaments to runners to area rugs. Step 5: Unroll the carpet so that its back is facing the top of the stairs and press it down on the adhesive. Once youve finalized a stunning carpet, you have to get it installed at your home. Using the locking pliers and the utility knife, cut the carpet into manageable sections and pull the carpet free of the riser. Carpet Adhesive /], [amazon fields=B00336I62W value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Adhesive], [amazon link=B00A953Y8Q title=Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife /], [amazon fields=B00A953Y8Q value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Knife], [amazon link=B000GOGHNO title=Crain Heat Iron for Carpet Tape/], [amazon fields=B000GOGHNO value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Seam Iron], [amazon link=B000COXP1K title=Roberts Carpet Seam Roller/], [amazon fields=B000COXP1K value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Seam Roller], [amazon link=B000M34S08 title=Roberts Electric Carpet Stapler/], [amazon fields=B000M34S08 value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Stapler], [amazon link=B0141L81GS title=XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape/], [amazon fields=B0141L81GS value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Tape], [amazon link=B000CP2LLO title=Roberts Carpet Tools Stair Tool/], [amazon fields=B000CP2LLO value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Stair Tool], [amazon link=B000COXP2O title=Roberts Kit Power-Lok Carpet Stretcher/], [amazon fields=B000COXP2O value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Power Stretcher], [amazon link=B00107M76M title=Economy Adjustable Knee Kicker/], [amazon fields=B00107M76M value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Knee Kicker], [amazon link=B00BC1ZCK4 title=Crain Cushion Back Carpet Cutter/], [amazon fields=B00BC1ZCK4 value=thumb image_alt=Cushion Back Carpet Cutter], [amazon link=B07TSYW8BS title=Hoteche Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker/], [amazon fields=B07TSYW8BS value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Hammer Tacker], [amazon link=B00BC1ZIL2 title=Crain Deluxe Carpet Strip Cutter/], [amazon fields=B00BC1ZIL2 value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Tack Strip Cutter], The second type binds raw edges on floor coverings. These combine the best of both worlds, being resilient yet warm and soft. Fasten the carpet underneath the nosing of the tread with staples and wrap the carpet around the nosing and over the tack strip at the back of the tread. We think so. By Timothy Dale | Updated Dec 14, 2022 5:31 PM. Step 5: Unlike installing carpet on marble and concrete stairs, it is recommended to start carpeting a wooden staircase from the bottom-most step and then work your way up. The ROBERTS brand is trustworthy and so is this product which will amaze you with its brilliant performance! While there are many carpet installation tools in the market, it is confusing to know which ones to get at the start. Runner should engage tackless strip and become taut. Apart from that, the swivel head does a wonderful job in stretching angles or corners. Safety equipment should include safety goggles/glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris, gloves to keep your hands safe from sharp tacks, and a face mask to protect your lungs from dust and air particles. Carpet Seam Iron. When installing a carpet in the stairs, you need a tool to help you drive the carpet in some areas to improve the overall look. Refold and track the carpet for the next rod. Wrap the carpet around each post. You need high-quality carpet glue if you choose the glue down carpet installation method! Tools Needed for a Smooth Stair Runner Installation. Slice into the carpet, starting in the back corner of the tread and continuing across it. The best carpet tape in the market is undoubtedly XFasten Double Sided Tape! Of all of the options available to you, a machine-hemmed, prefabricated stair runner is the most convenient choice for easy installation. It has a heat-treated hammer mechanism which will let you shoot staples according to your needs. Learn more here: How to Clean Carpet on Stairs: Step-by-Step Guide. Step 3: Use a measuring tape to locate the centre of the stairs width and mark it with chalk. While the tool may look intimidating, it operates on a very simple principle. Hold them in place and mark the locations of the screw holes. Line up runner between layout marks on first tread. Use a hammer stapler and staple the carpet pad in place starting from the center of each stair tread. However, XFasten Carpet Tape has been designed to eliminate this problem for good. Since youre probably a beginner, the fact that this adhesive gives you a bit of wiggle room is great. Still, there may be instances where your budget is so tight that saving on installation costs is critical. Apply a 12-inch strip of adhesive to the step and lay the carpet over the step, smoothing it out by hand. Large rolls of old carpet can be a big hassle to remove from a home and may present a problem for your local garbage collection. link to How to Determine the Age of a Persian Rug. The first step in installing carpet tack strips is to decide how many will be needed for the project. Check end of runner with framing square. Fold the edges around the step and use a stair tool and a rubber mallet to crease the carpet into the seam and secure it to the tackless strip. Jillian is a freelance journalist with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. Secure both ends in the brackets. They are easy to clean, less likely to stain, and of course, they give your living space a modern and luxurious look. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You need to measure each step very carefully and cut a carpet pad to fit onto each step and riser. Recenter the runner, then push the carpet back over the nosing and toward the next tack strip. Installing stair treads on carpeted surfaces is simple, but it's important to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure your stair treads are secure and will stay put. Use a tape measure to measure the stair and riser, and add around 4 inches to cover the edges. Make sure to hold the carpet straight and keep it taut. Removing the carpet is just part of the jobonce the carpeting is gone, youll still need to pry up the carpet padding and tack strips. Ensure there arent any air bubbles trapped under the surface of the carpet and that it has been fitted tightly against each step. In other words, anyone walking on the carpet will never slip and will hence be safer! The best thing about this carpet knife is that it offers neatness and precision in cuts while still maintaining safety. This will save you time, money, and effort. A carpet knee kicker is another type of stretcher that your carpeting project could use! The idea is to ensure the carpet staple is properly driven inside the floor! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. WebTo install carpet on stairs without tack strips you can use carpet adhesive, magnetic flooring, or staples; adhesive is the most common method. It is recommended to sit two steps below the stair you are covering so that you can properly lay down the carpet. 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. Proper stretching is 90 percent of good carpet installation, and if you're not prepared to learn this skill, it's best to hire pros. To make the template, measure each individual step and riser, as they may not all be built to the exact same dimension. Move the electric carpet tacker between the edge to fix the staple impressions. It also makes the carpet feel soft under your feet. Professional installation by an experienced crew is now so inexpensive and quick that it's hard to justify doing this work yourself. The name of the tool itself is pretty self-explanatory. The tape is highly appreciated by consumers and is said to be safe for delicate surfaces like wood and vinyl. With all the padding in place, its time to install the runner, working from the bottom of the stairs to the top. How To: Install Carpeting on Stairs. You should have two for each step: one on the tread and the other on the riser. What You Need Tape measure Carpet knife Hammer stapler Straightedge Wall trimmer Stair tool Carpet Pad Tackless strips Hot melt seaming tape Seam sealer 18 Designs for Basement Stairs that Add Style and Function, Step 7: Begin Installing Carpet on Stairs, How to Paint a Staircase to Spruce Up Your Entryway, How to Pour Concrete Steps for a Porch or Outdoor Entryway, 38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh, How to Build Outdoor Wooden Steps to Spruce Up Your Entry, 34 Fun Window Treatment Projects to Add Personality to Any Room, How to Install Loose-Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring in a Few Hours, How to Build Storage Under Basement Stairs in Only a Few Hours, Your Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholstering a Chair, How to Build Wide Deck Steps for a Grand Backyard Entrance, How to Make a Pallet Potting Bench for Your Gardening Projects, How to Make Your Own Colorful Punch Needle Designs at Home. At top of last riser, cut runner tight to the underside of the nosing or molding. Either method works, but the knee-kick will make removal much easier. Slide a putty knife under the tack strip to help protect the stair, then place the edge of a pry bar on top of the putty knife and under the edge of the tack strip. Once you are happy with the carpet placement, secure the carpet down with staples. It is found most commonly at the very bottom of the staircase as the first stair. You need to fold the edges around the step, using a rubber mallet and stair tool to crease the carpet into the seams and attach it to the tackless strip. Take these five things into consideration before removing carpet from stairs. If you dont pay attention to your carpet and dont use a good stretcher, youre going to face the formation of wrinkles on the carpet over time! Hold down front knob with one hand, using the other hand to keep the kickers shaft level. Some stairs have carpeting that runs up the center with edges that are bare hardwood. Resist the urge to jump in and just start ripping. Carpeting is now often sold with installation costs included since so few consumers want to go through the headache of DIY installation. Butt pad to front edge of tackless strip. If you want an elegant staircase that has a perfectly installed carpet, you need a carpet stair tool! You cant consider yourself a carpet connoisseur if you have never heard about Persian rugs. Web4-1/8 in. When you're satisfied with the carpet placement, staple the carpet onto the riser just below the tread. Tamp it down to hold in place, or as an alternative secure it with staples. Step 6: Keeping in mind the pattern of the carpet, unroll the material so that its back end is facing the steps. Make sure the carpet forms a tight fit against the marble stairs. The [amazon link=B07TSYW8BS title=Hoteche Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker/] is the perfect tool for your carpet installation project if you have a large area to cover. The width of the carpet depends on whether you want to cover the width of the entire step or want to leave some marble peeking out from both sides and only cover the centre part of the 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. How To Build a DIY Slide: Indoor & Outdoor Instructions, 7 Types of Rugs to Know Before Buying One. Carpeting on stairs is usually priced differently because of the specialized skill needed and additional tools. Free In-Home Estimates. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. If so, here are six tips to make DIY carpet installation go more smoothly. The carpeting should be even with the floor, but if not, just trim the edge with a carpet knife. Make certain that the strips angle in toward each other, so that the points of the tacks will come close to touching. For the tailored Hollywood look, also secure the runner to the underside of the nosing, spacing each staple three inches apart.