How to Install Stair Runner Carpet

Would you like something new for your stairs so that they do not become worn out from over use? Do you want to keep them at the most pristine condition you possibly can? Would you like to stop having to worry about scratches or damages done to your stairs? Stair runner carpet might be the perfect solution so you no longer need to worry about your stairs. They are also perfect if you don’t want to completely cover up your stairs. These babies are located in the center of these stairs and depending on you, can leave a foot of space between the ends or almost touch the ends of the stairs. They will also become a great addition for you and will make a bold entrance.

Before you begin, be sure to buy a stair runner carpet that is longer than your stairs. Measure the width of your treads and your risers, making sure that these are the same. You will also need the following materials, purchasable at any well stocked hardware store:

tackless strips
hand saw
gloves
measuring tape
utility knife
knee kicker
awl
straightedge
hammer
hand stapler
chair tool

1. Cut tackless strips 2 inches shorter than the measurements of your carpet. Attach a piece to the back of every stair tread. Next, place the strips centered on each tread, with the tacks facing the riser, keeping an inch between the strip and the back of the tread. Now hammer the tactless strips to your staircase.

2. Now do the same with your risers. Place a piece of tackless strip on every riser with tacks facing towards the tread, keeping a one inch gap between that strip and the bottom of the riser.

3. Cut pieces of the carpet to size, with the pad the same width as the tactless strip. Each piece should butt up against the tackless strip, on the back of a tread, wrapping around the nose of the tread and extend to the edge of the riser strip. Hammer a nail into every back corner and every 6 inches down and over that rise. Note that while you are installing you should always keep check of the length of the runner. If it is running out, make it a little lose on the tackless strip, if it is too long, put it up farther where your tread meets the riser. Make sure you are ok with all the positions before you hammer in anything permanently.

4. Now you are ready to install the stair carpet runner. Begin at the top of the stairs, under the staircase landing. Tuck the end of the carpet under the nose. Secure it using carpet tacks, one on every corner, and every 4 inches. Make sure to smooth the carpet as you go. Push the carpet firmly to the tackless strips in the corner and hammer. Repeat until you get to the bottom, and tuck the bottom edge of the runner carpet up under the bottom riser and secure it like you did the top. You have now installed stair runner carpet for your stairs!