Once you’ve chosen the carpet and decided to go for the full-stair installation, it’s time to begin laying the carpet on wood stairs. Installing carpet on wood stairs isn’t rocket science, but it does require time and patience. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a carpeted And beautiful staircase in no time.
Before you start to install, you’ll need to do a thorough check-up and down your stairs to find old tacks, staples, nails, or anything else that might be sticking out of the wood. This is very important; make sure there aren’t any dangerous sharp objects that could hurt people walking up and down the stairs. Also, if your stairs have previously been carpeted and you’re replacing the carpet, make sure to remove all the tack strips and nails.
Now you’re ready to measure. Carefully measure the linear carpet according to the depth of each stair height and runner. Once you’ve secured your measurements, mark the center of each runner so it’s easy to locate when you’re ready to cover them with the carpet.
Now it’s time to attach the tack strips. Start from the top of the stairs and work your way down securing each runner. Take a nail and hammer and attach the tack strip from the center of the runner and secure it towards the back of each stair. Leaving a gap of about ¾ of an inch from the side of each stair. Measure the center of each riser and secure the tack strip to the front of the riser at the very top. Also, leave the same ¾ inch gap.
To keep the carpet in place, you’ll need to staple an underlay to the risers and runners. Cut a strip of underlay for each stair and tack each piece to the risers and runners. Secure the underlay using a staple gun and leave each staple about 6 inches apart.
Now start to lay the length of the carpet. Starting from the bottom, work your way up and lay the carpet over the lowest riser and onto the next runner. Tug tightly and use a knee kicker to stretch the carpet into the tack strip on the second stair. Finish by using the carpet tool and hammer to press the carpet into the tack strip.
Once you reach the top of the stairs, use a tackless strip to secure the edge of the carpet to the top of the riser. Tack the carpet with tacks about 3 inches apart to ensure it stays in place. If you need to join the piece of carpet to one already on the stairs, use a utility knife to make a clean cut so that the two carpets can be blended seamlessly.
Congratulations, the carpet installation is complete. Now, admire your handiwork and enjoy a beautiful and comfortable carpeted staircase. Keep in mind, carpets require regular vacuuming and cleaning to stay in tip-top condition, so don’t forget to take good care of it.
