How to Install Carpet on Stairs? Comprehensive Guide 

How to Install Carpet on Stairs?

Do you want to know how to install carpet on stairs to make them look beautiful and prevent slipping? Installing carpets over the stairs differs from installing them on the floor. Most people find the task of installing the stair carpet very complicated and challenging. If you are one of them, there is nothing to worry about. 

In this blog by Royal Carpets, we will let you know about the step-by-step guide on how to install carpet on stairs easily without any hassle. Additionally, we will also enlist the tools that you will require for the process. So, let’s start learning the steps for installing the carpet on the stairs. 

Tools Required To Install The Carpet On Stairs 

Before understanding the installation process, it is necessary to know the tools and equipment required to install the carpet on the stairs. Make sure to gather them at a place before the installation to avoid hassle. 

  • Seam sealer
  • Tape measure
  • Stair tool
  • Carpet knife
  • Straightedge
  • Hammer stapler
  • Wall trimmer
  • Carpet
  • Underlay Pad
  • Hot melt seaming tape
  • Tackless strips

How To Install Carpet On Stairs? Step By Step Guide 

Here are step-wise guides to install the carpet on stairs easily without any hassle and complication. Read them carefully so that you can make your stairs elegant by installing the carpet on the stairs. 

  • Measure The Stairs And Cut Carpet Pad

The first step is to use a measuring tape and measure each step carefully. After measuring the steps, cut the carpet pad carefully with a sharp knife or cutter. Make sure to cut the pad precisely to fit between the tackle strips. 

  • Apply Tackless Strips

The second step is to carefully apply the tackless strips on the riser and back of each tread. If you want to know how high to set the track strips, you can use a spacer of two taped strips. 

  • Staple The Carpet Pad 

After applying the tackless strips precisely, the next step is to staple the carpet pad. You can use a hammer stapler to address this concern. Start from the center of each stair tread to the corner. Make sure to staple the pad in front of the tackless strips. 

  • Shape The Pad According To The Step 

After stapling the carpet pad, you now have to round the carpet pad at the front edge of the stairs and down the risers. Now, stretch and smooth the pad. By doing this, it will tightly fit against the tread and riser. Staple it to the riser now. After this, you have to make the template. It will allow you to cut every type of carpet including sisal carpet so that it can cut the carpet and fit it when the padding is attached perfectly.

  • Measure The Carpet 

To make the template, measure every step individually with great attention. The reason is sometimes the steps are designed in different dimensions. So, use a tape measure and straightedge to cut the carpet to the template size. 

  • Choose The Installation Method 

Now, it’s time to choose the installation method for the stair carpet. Two installation methods are commonly used. Let’s check these two thoroughly. 

1-Waterfall Method 

During this method, you lay the carpet over the edges of the stairs and straight down the vertical risers. Then, you need to tuck the carpet into the crotch of the next step and fasten it precisely. This procedure creates a seamless, flowing look, which is why it is known as the waterfall method. This method is commonly used for stairs with square steps. 

2-Hollywood Method

The next method is the Hollywood installation method. In this method, the carpet is wrapped over the front of the stairs and fastened under the lip of the tread on the next step. With this method, you will get a more defined crip and edges for a clean look. This method is best for stairs with visible risers and treads. 

  • Start Installing Carpet On Stairs 

The seventh step is to install the carpet on the stairs. Center the carpet on the bottom edges of the steps. This process creates a line between the bottom of the stairs and the flooring to allow hassle-free installation. 

  • Staple The Carpet 

When you are done with the carpet installation, you have to staple it onto the riser, which is just below the tread. Make sure that you have not stapled through the fold. Additionally, you can wiggle the carpet tacker between the nap to hide the staple impression and provide a more elegant view. 

  • Push Carpet Into Seam

You can stretch the carpet into the seam between the tread and riser with a knee kicker. Moreover, it’s better to start in the middle and work side to side without hassle. 

  • Crease The Carpet

The last step is to crease the carpet. You can do this by folding the edges around the step. For this concern, you can use a stair tool.  Additionally, a rubber mallet is used to crease the carpet into the seam. Now, secure it to the tackless strips until it is completed.   

Final Words 

That was all about how to install carpet on stairs. We hope now you can do it without any confusion. Installing carpet on stairs is time-consuming, so if you cannot manage the time, it’s better to hire professional installers for this work.