Installing Carpet on Stairs
The Waterfall Method
One piece of carpet covers each riser and tread.
Cap and Band Installation
The cap is a strip of carpet installed on the treads and the band is the strip that covers the risers.
Also see how to install carpet yourself
The Waterfall Carpet Installation for Simple Basic Stairs
To figure out how much carpet you need, calculate the width by measuring across the tread. If your stairs are open on one or both ends make sure to measure under the nosing to where it meets the riser and add it to the total width.
Total the length of your flight of stairs by measuring the tread and riser. If you are using pad make sure to add at least 3 inches per stair. If your steps have nosing add one foot to the total flight measurement.
Tools Needed:
*Always keep safety gear, glasses or goggles and a mask to wear when removing old flooring.*
Measuring Tape
Tack strips
Utility knife
Staples or upholstery nails
Knee kicker
Stair Tool
Hammer
Remove old carpet, pad and tack strips. Clean the area by vacuuming and washing the stairs. Allow time to dry.
Okay, let’s get started. Apply the tack strip to the back of the step at the riser. The carpet is tightened by tucking in using a knee kicker.
Using the knee kicker, stretch the carpet straight from the center of the tread and hook it to the tack strip located at the back. Once the carpet has been hooked then firmly attach it by sliding your carpet tool back and forth to compress the pins. Using your knife trim the excess.
A carpet knife is has two sides and kinda cool to use.
Do this on each side of the tread and prior to moving onto the next step make sure the carpet is smoothed out on the riser and then staple to the stair lip and staple at least every 2 inches and staple along the edge of the riser as well.
If the carpet didn’t go in smooth, pull it off and start again.
Carry on for the rest of the steps
If you run into any trouble give us a call at 905-802-4791, we will gladly answer your questions or come to your home and install the carpet for you.
You may also be interested in these other articles on carpet installation:
Why Install Carpet?
Installing Your Own Carpet Tips
DIY Carpet Installation
What to do Before Your Carpet Installer Arrives
For more information: (905) 802-4791
