How to Install a Carpet Runner on Your Stairs
You will first need to measure your staircase to determine the length of carpet you will need to purchase. To get an accurate measurement, first measure the rise and depth of your stairs then multiply this figure times the number of stairs in the staircase. This will give you an idea of the length of carpet you will need. Add an extra couple of feet just to be safe. The width of carpet runners can vary but are generally between 23 and 30 inches wide. Check the average width of your stairs. Notice that depending on where the banister begins, some stairs will most likely be wider than others. Choose a length that will compliment both your widest and your narrowest stairs.
The next step is to purchase the carpet runner. There is a wide variety of carpet runners available ranging from solids, to prints, to tone on tone. Your selection is completely up to your own personal taste and budget. If you can afford to, spend a little extra to purchase a good quality carpet runner. Stairs get a lot of traffic and you will want your runner to hold up for many years. So, keeping in mind the width you would like, your taste, and your budget, make your carpet runner selection. While making this purchase, you should also purchase carpet padding. You will need less carpet padding as it will not run the entire length of your staircase. The carpet pad is cut to fit each stair tread with enough to fold over the lip of the stair. The carpet padding can easily be cut with ordinary scissors to fit the exact size you need for each step.
For our installation we will not be using carpet tack strips. Instead we will be using carpet tacks or nails. This makes for a much easier installation. To be certain that your carpet runner is attached securely, be sure to purchase long carpet tacks (about 1″ or longer) or nails about that long that have a large flat head. You will also need a staple gun and staples for attaching the carpet padding.
Now that you have purchased your carpet runner and other supplies, you are now ready to begin the installation of your carpet runner. Starting at the top of the stairs, cut a piece of carpet padding to fit the first stair. It should be a total of one inch shorter than the width of your carpet runner. This is so the padding will not be visible on either side of the carpet runner. The length of the padding should be cut so that the padding covers the step and extends just enough to fold over the lip of the stair. Use your staple gun to staple the padding into place.
Next you will begin to attach the carpet runner starting at the top of the staircase. Before starting, run your hand over the carpet to determine which direction the nap flows. You will want the nap to flow downward so that walking down the stairs will flatten the nap in its natural direction. Once this has been determined, affix the carpet under the lip of the upper floor above the first step by hammering in the carpet tacks (or nails). Use several carpet tacks in a row about 4 inched apart. Next, hammer in more carpet tacks at the bottom of this riser. Next pull the carpet down over the carpet padding and down to the next step making sure that it is straight. Attach with more carpet tacks at the bottom of the next riser. Continue in this way attaching the padding and the carpet runner all the way down the stairs making sure to check that the carpet runner is straight and pulled tightly between each step. When you get to the bottom you will need to cut off any excess carpet length. Then affix the bottom edge of the carpet with a row of carpet tacks.
Now give yourself a pat on the back, you have installed your own carpet runner. Your staircase is now safe, comfortable, and elegant. Perfect for an accomplished do-it-yourselfer like you!
