Carpet runner installation
Installation tips for installing a carpet runner.
Just in case you are looking to buy a carpet runner for you laminate or wood stairs go here to get more information first -Stair runners
Back to installing a carpet runner
Tools needed will be a carpet knife, hammer, pencil, masking tape, staple gun, carpet stretcher. The last two should be rented because unless they are a higher quality they won't get the job done. You will also have to buy underlay or padding and enough tack strips for all the steps, these hold the carpeting tight agains the riser edges.
1. Lay out the runner and subtact the width of the carpet from the width of the stair. Divide by 2, this gives you the distance on each side of the runner. Mark this spot with a pencil mark or masking tape all the way up the stairs.
2. Cut and tack strips 2 inches shorter than the width of the carpeting. These should be about 3/8 of an inch from riser edge or the back of the step. Nail inplace so the tacks point inward.
3. Cut a piece of pad the same length of the tack strip and 3 inches wider than the stair tread. Staple this in place.
4. Cut a square end of the runner, it also must be sealed with a latex seam sealer so the ends don't unravel. Use a square to make a clean straight cut.
5. Roll the carpeting up about three stairs, following your lay out lines.
6. Staple the bottom in place, after you double check that it is inbetween your guide lines. If you are out even a 1/4 inch it will be misaligned at the top by about 2 inches.
7. Place over first tack strip and stretch with the knee kicker you rented. Start in center and work outward, you only need steady pressure you don't have to slam your knee into it.
8. Tuck the runner inbetween the tack strip and the riser. Use a carpet tool or very dull and blunt steel edge. On each side staper the runner into the corner where the riser meets the tread.
9. Now staple the carpet to the riser about 2 inches above tread (bottom), now after pulling up staple this to the underside of the top or stair nosing, every 3 inches.
10. stretch carpeting over the riser onto the next tack strip and repeat, stretching and stapling as you go.
The end or top piece can stop at the top of the last riser if you are connecting to more carpeting or continue a foot or so if meeting wood flooring. You still need to cut the end square and seal. Make sure you are checking your widths with your guide lines every couple of steps as you work your way up the stairs.
