How to Install Carpet on Stairs

Ever noticed the echo of footsteps on a bare staircase? It's not just noise; it disrupts the tranquillity of your home. One simple yet effective way to reduce this noise is to carpet your stairway.

Not only do carpets soften footsteps, but they also absorb sound waves, significantly quietening your living space. What’s more, carpeted stairs offer additional safety measures. They reduce the likelihood of slipping and provide much-needed cushioning in case of a loss of balance, making them a safer choice for homes with young children or elderly residents.

However, the task of laying carpet on stairs can be daunting, particularly for those who have not tackled similar projects before. While it demands precision and patience, the good news is that it's entirely possible to fit carpet on your stairs on your own, saving money in the process.

Curious to know how you can transform your stairway into a quieter, safer, and more visually pleasing space? Keep reading as we walk you through simple, step-by-step instructions on how to install carpet on stairs, ensuring you achieve professional-looking results without the professional price tag.

What You'll Need for Fitting a Carpet on Stairs

So, how do you install carpet on stairs? Well, starting off on the right foot - with all the necessary tools and materials. Here's a list of everything you'll need to get started:

• Carpet, ensuring additional length for potential adjustmentsCarpet gripper rods for securing the carpet
• A utility knife with extra blades for precise cuts
• Underlay, to provide cushioning and support beneath the carpet
• A knee kicker tool for stretching the carpet
• Staple gun designed for heavy-duty use, along with suitable staples for carpets
• Hammer, for various uses such as securing gripper
• Measuring tape, critical for accurate measurements
• A hand chisel to tuck the carpet neatly
• Duct tape, useful for adjoining pieces of underlay
• Carpet seam strip, if the carpet connects to another carpeted area

Preparation for Staircase Carpet Installations

To achieve a seamless and professional result, you’ll need to ensure your staircase is ready for carpet installation. Here are some preparatory steps to follow:

• Remove Existing Carpeting: Ensure any old carpeting is entirely removed from the staircase. This initial step is crucial for a clean start.
• Clear Old Underlay and Fasteners: Remove all remnants of old underlay, nails, tacks, and staples. These objects can interfere with the smooth laying of the new carpet.
• Clean Each Stair: A thorough cleaning of each stair is vital. Vacuum to remove dust and debris, then wipe down each stair tread using warm water and mild soap. This ensures a clean surface for the new carpet to adhere to.
• Calculate Carpet Requirements: Accurately measure the staircase to determine the amount of carpet needed for the project. It’s recommended that you add extra to your calculations to account for any mistakes or adjustments.

10 Steps for Installing Carpet on Stairs

Step 1: Cut Gripper Rods

Measure the width of your stairs. On a straight flight it is usual for them to be all the same width. Count the number of the stairs you have and cut the corresponding amount of gripper before you start installing. Winding steps and landing steps will need to be measured individually. Cut your gripper 10mm short of the size you need. This will leave you a 5mm tuck space upto the stair stringer once the gripper is installed.

Step 2: Fix Gripper Rods

Now you have everything cut to size, it's time to secure the gripper. Install the tread grippers first with an average gap from the riser of 10mm, this may need to be adjusted depending on carpet thickness, Instal the riser gripper 10mm away from the tread gripper once you have installed all the treads. Make sure the gripper pins are pointing towards the riser on the tread and towards the tread on the riser. This will ensure the carpet is gripped securely once installed.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Underlay

Before initiating the installation, custom-cut the carpet underlay for each step. The pad should cover the width or the tread, with a 5mm gap upto the stair stringer, same as the gripper, and fit from the treat gripper to the riser gripper. This ensures a cushioned, even surface which contributes to the longevity and comfort of your carpet.

Step 4: Staple Carpet Pad

Secure the cut underlay to each step using a staple gun or staple hammer. Place staples approximately 3 inches apart along the inner edge of the gripper rods. Ensure the underlay is flat and smooth across the surface of each tread.

Step 5: Measure Steps and Risers

Measure each step and riser individually for carpet cutting. While stairs may appear uniform, variations are common, which could affect the fit of your carpet. Add between 3mm - 5mm to the width of your stair piece to add a nice tuck finish on the edges, allow 10% extra when measuring the length for each step to allow for tucking. 

Step 6: Make Template for Winding or irregular Steps

For complex stair designs, consider making a template of heavy paper for each step and riser. You may need to make multiple templates if you have multiple irregular stairs.

Step 7: Begin Installing Carpet on Stairs

Starting from the top step, align the carpet piece according to your measurements and secure into the gripper with your carpet bolster. Press the carpet into the gripper with the bolster, by hand at first, starting in the middle of the stair then working out to each side.  Once in place, use your hammer and bolster to firmly secure the carpet into the grippers. Move on to the next step making sure that you firmly stretch the carpet over the riser and into the gripper with your bolster. Once in place, tap home with the hammer and bolster, and repeat on each stair to complete the job.

Keeping Your Stairs Clean

Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can go a long way in preserving the appearance and lifespan of your carpet. For detailed advice, be sure to check out our guides: "Guide on How to Clean Carpets" and "How to Get Different Stains Out of Carpet." These guides provide tips and tricks on removing common stains and keeping your carpet looking new.

Start Your DIY Carpet Fitting Today

In this guide, we've walked through the essential steps explaining how to fit carpet on stairs, transforming them into a sleek and comfortable feature of your home.

Starting with the initial preparations, including removing old carpets and fixing any imperfections, to detailed measurements and the importance of making a template for complex designs. We've also covered the critical steps of aligning, securing, and ensuring a tight carpet fit on each step to achieve a professional-looking finish.

Now that you know the steps needed for DIY carpet installation on stairs, it's time to begin your project. With some patience and attention to detail, you'll have a stunning staircase that adds value and comfort to your home in no time!

Browse our high-quality carpet collection to find the perfect solution before you begin your installation project. Or discover how to fit carpet in other spaces within your home, ensuring every room benefits from the warmth, comfort, and style that a well-chosen carpet can provide. Not sure if carpet is right for you? Explore our in-depth comparison between carpet and laminate flooring to decide which is the best choice for your home.

With a range of textures, colours, and patterns available, you're sure to find an option that complements your home's interior and meets your practical needs. Start exploring today to transform your space with the perfect carpet.