How to Install a Stair Runner on Winding Stairs

Carpeting stairs makes sense for several reasons: lessening interior noise, preserving wood finish and reducing the dangers of falling are all good arguments for carpeting stairs. Straight staircases welcome "waterfall" carpeting; a single continuous length of carpet flowing from one step to the next. Winding staircases present more challenges and are best covered using the "cap-and-band" method, in which pieces of carpet are cut for each tread and riser, accommodating turns and angles and providing durable, fitted covering.

Carpet
Carpet-cutting knife (not an all-purpose utility knife)
Measuring tape
Yardstick or metal straightedge
Marker or chalk
Tackless carpet strips
Hammer
Small saw
Small box of carpet tacks

Instructions

- 1
  Beginning at the top of the stairs, measure a stair tread or landing and transfer the measurement to the back of a piece of carpet with marker or chalk. Measure so that the carpet will be flush to the wall and curve completely over the tread. Cut carpet using a carpet knife, not an all-purpose utility knife, and a metal straightedge for the best results.
- 2
  Measure, cut and secure tackless carpet strips to the back, sides and front of the tread with a hammer. Attach the carpet to the tackless strips.
- 3
  Measure and cut the piece needed for the riser below the carpeted tread. Some do-it-yourselfers prefer to carpet all the treads, then all the risers. If your carpet has some bulk to it, this system will work better than proceeding tread-riser-tread-riser.
- 4
  Measure, cut and secure tackless carpet strips to hold the band piece to the stair riser. Go on to the next tread or riser.

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