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How to Install a Carpet Runner on Stairs

JHKersey | Jan 28, 2010 |

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Stairs can take a beating as people move up and down them all day long. Carpet runners installed on your stairs will help to protect the floor finish and add a layer of safety for your family and friends by providing a non-slippery surface while providing additional comfort. It is easy to install carpet on your stairs by following a few simple instructions.

Things You Will Need

Tape measure, Razor knife, Carpet Stretcher, Square, Hammer, Staple Gun (an electric staple gun is recommended), Pencil, Work Gloves, Carpet Padding, Carpet Runner

Step 1

Remove any old runners and make sure the stairs are clean.

Step 2

Measure the length of the stairs. Most steps use an average of 18 inches per step. I prefer to measure each step, as not all steps are equal. Measure the riser and the tread, including the nose, to see the amount of carpet needed for each step. If all the steps are the same size simply multiply by the number of steps and add one additional step. If the steps are not the same size, measure each step individually and add them together and again add one step.

Step 3

Measure the width of the runner. Next measure the width of the stairs and subtract the width of the runner. Divide the remaining amount by two and that is the measure on each side of the runner.

Step 4

Mark each stair from the stair edge the measure determined in step three for the position of the runner. Make another mark one inch inside that line for the placement of the carpet pad.

Step 5

Cut the carpet padding two inches less in width than the runner and the length of the tread including the nose. Place the pad on the inside mark and one inch from the rear riser. This will allow the pad to wrap around the nose. Staple in place.

Step 6

Use a straight edge to cut to end of the runner square. Starting at the bottom step. Place the runner on the edge marks and staple near the floor on the first riser. Place a row of staples along the top of the riser where it meets the tread above.

Step 7

Using the carpet stretcher, pull the carpet tight against the next riser making sure the edges of the runner are on the marks and staple near the bottom of the riser as before. Repeat the process for each step.

Carpet runners will help to protect the floor finish and add a layer of safety for the family by providing a non-slippery surface while providing additional comfort.