tools needed to install carpet on stairs tools needed to install carpet on stairs

A carpet tack strip cutter is a tool that allows you to cut tack strips without exerting too much effort. How to Install Carpet on Stairs Staple each edge of the runner 2 inches above bottom of riser. Ill help you figure out the tools that you will need! Before removing the carpet, you need to find out what kind of flooring is underneath. The Delphin Carpet Knife is a favorite among professionals for its precision and performance. Covering these stairs with a beautiful carpet runner will only add depth to your dcor, along with making the steps safer for everyone in your home. Sometimes people use a saw to cut this strip but that can be dangerous. To Install Carpet TREADS on Hardwood Stairs Using the kicker, stretch the carpet over the side tack strips (if against a wall) by positioning the kicker to face the wall and stretching in that direction. For novice DIYers, the temptation is to shove the carpet tack strips (sometimes called "tackless strips") all the way against the wall or baseboard. If you plan on carpeting your stairs, then you might want to invest in a superior carpet stapler. A carpeted staircase can add a touch of comfort and softness to your home. Now, you can either cut the carpet for each step individually or use a long strip. Install a stair nose over the front edge of each tread and conceal the edges of the carpet with binding tape. Reach under a corner of the carpet and pull it across the tread to dislodge it. These are pieces of wood similar to yardsticks which use tacks to hold the carpet in place. By submitting your email, you agree to our, $28 to $33 per linear foot (synthetic runner); $30 to $100 (wool), 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, This Quick Tip Will Help You Space Balusters Evenly, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Therefore, I decided to share my experience and knowledge in this niche. While you can easily pull carpet padding away from tacks, it is an entirely different scope of work if the padding has been glued down. However, to achieve this at home, you need to understand how to install carpet on stairs. Hold them in place and mark the locations of the screw holes. The most attractive quality about this tool is how it allows you to avoid any mess. If you dislike adhesives and the strong odor they bring in the home, you may be attracted to use a carpet stapler. These combine the best of both worlds, being resilient yet warm and soft. Pull toward you to release the carpet from the tack strip. To do this a superior carpet seam iron is needed. Trent loves this utility knife for projects like this. Mark and cut rods to length with a tubing cutter or hacksaw. Proceed along the entire strip until it lifts away from the stair. They quieten footsteps by absorbing the sound, and they are significantly safer than harder-surface stairs. 3/ Roberts Carpet tucker. Wide Economy Knee Kicker The Economy Knee Kicker secures carpet during The Economy Knee Kicker secures carpet during installation and makes it easy to fix loose carpet. You can also send us your suggestions and feedback on blog@zameen.com. Before you get started installing your carpet, you first need to determine the look you want in your home. It has the ability to stretch up to 38 feet, making it suitable for use in the home. Carpet on stairs usually requires some sort of hardware. Dab edges and end with glue and staple into top of riser and along edges every 3 inches. After glue dries to touch, unroll runner up 3 or 4 treads, making sure its between the layout marks. (For upholstered installation, staple edges to riser, then staple runner to underside of nosing every 3 inches.). Place a scrap piece of strip flush against the riser. If you purchase an inferior carpet stapler, be ready to see it jam! How to Convert Carpeted Stairs to Hardwood How To Build a DIY Slide: Indoor & Outdoor Instructions, 7 Types of Rugs to Know Before Buying One. What Should You Do With Tools That You Dont Frequently Use? Kick back and relax now that the work is done. Choosing a new carpet for your home can be an exciting prospect. The Hoteche Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker is a carpet installation tool that will help you avoid the mess adhesives create and enjoy a successful project in little time! What You Need Tape measure Carpet knife Hammer stapler Straightedge Wall trimmer Stair tool Carpet Pad Tackless strips Hot melt seaming tape Seam sealer It is recommended to sit two steps below the stair you are covering so that you can properly lay down the carpet. Web4-1/8 in. Risers are generally no more than 7-3/4 inches tall. Wrap the carpet pad around the front edge of the steps and down the riser. Install Tack Strips With a Gap Between the Wall, For Patterned Carpet, Buy an Extra 5 Percent, Do Not Attach Padding Over the Tack Strips, Consider Carpet Pile Direction When Seaming, How to Get Wrinkles Out of Carpet Without a Stretcher, Carpet Installation: What to Know Before You Buy. It will ensure you maintain the integrity of the carpet and cut through the backing with ease. Two types of stretchers are essential to a good carpet installation: a long power stretcher that will brace against the walls to stretch the carpeting taut across the entire room, and a knee kicker that will help you push the edges into corners and over the tack strips around the perimeter of the room. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The Economy Adjustable Knee Kicker is the perfect purchase if you need a flat carpet stretched to the corner and installed in a small space! 4. If this is the style of your stairs, you still need to check whats underneath the carpet, as the underlying material could be different from what you can see. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For the tailored Hollywood look, also secure the runner to the underside of the nosing, spacing each staple three inches apart. Step 7: Repeat the process until you reach the landing. Start at the middle, and work your way to each edge to minimize any bubbles in the middle. The pad needs to be cut to precision to fit between the tackless strips and bottom of the riser. After all, the entire look of the carpet can be ruined due to a poor cut by an inferior product! It has excellent trowelability and a strong initial grab. Step 2: Measure the stairs (tread + riser) and cut the padding for each step. Whether you are planning to install or replace carpet on steps, here is a list of tools and materials youll need to get the job done. Drill 116-inch pilot holes at each mark. These are usually made from 80 percent wool and 20 percent synthetic material. Roberts Knee Kicker is an Industry Standard, there are others, but most of us Pro's use a 2. You can remove the carpet from the treads using the same method as the risers, or you can use a knee-kick tool to quickly release the tension on the carpet so that you can easily life it from the tack strip instead of prying it away. 18 Designs for Basement Stairs that Add Style and Function, Step 7: Begin Installing Carpet on Stairs, How to Paint a Staircase to Spruce Up Your Entryway, How to Pour Concrete Steps for a Porch or Outdoor Entryway, 38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh, How to Build Outdoor Wooden Steps to Spruce Up Your Entry, 34 Fun Window Treatment Projects to Add Personality to Any Room, How to Install Loose-Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring in a Few Hours, How to Build Storage Under Basement Stairs in Only a Few Hours, Your Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholstering a Chair, How to Build Wide Deck Steps for a Grand Backyard Entrance, How to Make a Pallet Potting Bench for Your Gardening Projects, How to Make Your Own Colorful Punch Needle Designs at Home. Take measurements of the stairs before selecting your runner area rug to be sure the rug will have sufficient length and width. Showcase the beauty of wood stairs without sacrificing the comfort of carpet with this clever compromise: a carpet runner. While the tool may look intimidating, it operates on a very simple principle. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. In this method of installing carpet, which is considered simpler but doesn't necessarily look quite as polished, the carpet is attached to the edge of the tread and then drops down to meet the back of the next stair tread without adhering it to the riser. Make sure to wrap the padding around the nose of the treads perfectly and staple it in place before moving to the next step. This tool is called a carpet stair tool. This creates a clean line between the bottom of the stairs and the flooring. Take these five things into consideration before removing carpet from stairs. If you want to install a carpet in the stairs, you absolutely need this stair tool! Professional installation by an experienced crew is now so inexpensive and quick that it's hard to justify doing this work yourself. Start at the bottom of the staircase and work your way up, unless the more difficult steps are at the bottom. Carpet seaming is a challenging procedure that is a part of carpet installation projects! Through this method the carpet finds solid support and doesnt find any room for movement. They may require that you dispose of your old carpet at a designated waste drop-off facility or that you schedule a bulk-trash pickup. 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Carpet Adhesive /], [amazon fields=B00336I62W value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Adhesive], [amazon link=B00A953Y8Q title=Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife /], [amazon fields=B00A953Y8Q value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Knife], [amazon link=B000GOGHNO title=Crain Heat Iron for Carpet Tape/], [amazon fields=B000GOGHNO value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Seam Iron], [amazon link=B000COXP1K title=Roberts Carpet Seam Roller/], [amazon fields=B000COXP1K value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Seam Roller], [amazon link=B000M34S08 title=Roberts Electric Carpet Stapler/], [amazon fields=B000M34S08 value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Stapler], [amazon link=B0141L81GS title=XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape/], [amazon fields=B0141L81GS value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Tape], [amazon link=B000CP2LLO title=Roberts Carpet Tools Stair Tool/], [amazon fields=B000CP2LLO value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Stair Tool], [amazon link=B000COXP2O title=Roberts Kit Power-Lok Carpet Stretcher/], [amazon fields=B000COXP2O value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Power Stretcher], [amazon link=B00107M76M title=Economy Adjustable Knee Kicker/], [amazon fields=B00107M76M value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Knee Kicker], [amazon link=B00BC1ZCK4 title=Crain Cushion Back Carpet Cutter/], [amazon fields=B00BC1ZCK4 value=thumb image_alt=Cushion Back Carpet Cutter], [amazon link=B07TSYW8BS title=Hoteche Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker/], [amazon fields=B07TSYW8BS value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Hammer Tacker], [amazon link=B00BC1ZIL2 title=Crain Deluxe Carpet Strip Cutter/], [amazon fields=B00BC1ZIL2 value=thumb image_alt=Carpet Tack Strip Cutter], The second type binds raw edges on floor coverings. CarpetandRugWorld.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. In other words, the floor covering stays securely put and wont buckle. Both carpet staplers and hammer tackers allow people to evade hassle but the latter is more useful when you need to install a carpet in a larger area. In other words, you wont have to put in too much effort to cut the tack strip making the installation go smoother! Step 3: Attach padding to the stairs by using a hammer stapler. These wooden strips have small carpet tacks attached to them, which make installing carpet on wooden stairs much easier. A cushion back carpet cutter can help you cut the carpet in a perfectly straight line through the backing! If you are replacing old carpet, leave the tack strips in place for reuse with the new carpet. Once this happens, it is fixed to a tack strip. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Near both ends of the tackless strip, staple the runner into the crease where riser meets tread. Dont do this. The [amazon link=B00A953Y8Q title=Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife/] is a terrific investment if youre going to install a carpet. It also makes the carpet feel soft under your feet. To contour the 90-degree angle where the side of the stair meets the front of the stair, make a slit in the carpet diagonally from the corner to the outside of the carpet. 2/ 9/16 Electric Gun Staples. Place front edge of knee kicker on center of the runner about 2 inches from the riser. A Carpet Tack Strip Cutter does exactly what the name suggests, it cuts tack strips! Once you have selected your carpet, measured, and prepped your stairs, you are ready to begin installing your new carpet. You will need the extra space in order to tuck the edges of the carpet over the strips. The end result wont appeal to you and youll be upset by the imperfections, in such a case, you should get this tool. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. 3. Your classy, comfy stairway is ready to make its grand entrance at your next celebration. link to How to Determine the Age of a Persian Rug. The Henry #663 Carpet Adhesive is a terrific glue that will amaze you with its performance. Step 2. Use a placer of two strips taped together to measure how high to place it. It is also a good idea to make sure your padding is of very good quality. With the vintage rug, the room seems cozier. Be sure theres a nail within a couple of inches of each end. Open the windows and doors for better ventilation, as marble adhesives are generally strong and can produce fumes. So, if you wish to enhance the beauty of your stairway with a stunning carpet, here is all you need to know about installing carpet on wooden stairs. A hammer tacker is a tool that differs from carpet staplers in the way it operates! Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Foam-backed rugs: Avoid pinless rods entirely on spiral staircases. No bumps allowed! Step 4: Spread the carpet adhesive on the treads and edges of the concrete stairs with a trowel. Measure each step and riser and create a template to cut the carpet to size, to know the size and how to lay it. Installing Carpet Resist the urge to jump in and just start ripping. If you follow our DIY guide on how to install carpet on stairs, you can upgrade your entire home dcor and give your staircase a stylish makeover all by yourself. Slide a putty knife under the tack strip to help protect the stair, then place the edge of a pry bar on top of the putty knife and under the edge of the tack strip. Ensure there arent any air bubbles trapped under the surface of the carpet and that it has been fitted tightly against each step. Stairways get heavy wear, especially along the tread nosing, so choose a durable and easy-to-clean carpet. Measure each step individually and cut a quality carpet pad to fit each step and riser as shown. Use carpet tool and rubber mallet to pack runner tightly between the tackless strip and the riser. If so, here are six tips to make DIY carpet installation go more smoothly. WebPlace the grab bars directly on the spiral stair rungs. WebMeasure the Stairs. Knowing how to carpet stairs will help you save money by doing it yourself, and will leave you assured that you have done a good job in installing the new addition to your staircase. Continue across the riser until all of the carpet has been removed. Next, make a slit directly in line with each post to the edge of the carpet away from the stair. RS has a degree in Mass Communication and a passion for creative writing. Carpet Tools Each tack strip should be 4 inches shorter than your runners width. If thats the case with your carpeted stairs, you may be thinking of tearing up the carpet to give it an update or replace it with a new look entirely. You cant consider yourself a carpet connoisseur if you have never heard about Persian rugs. Line up runner between layout marks on first tread. Move the electric carpet tacker between the edge to fix the staple impressions. Since marble and wooden stairs are replacing concrete staircases in homes, the most budget-friendly way to upgrade your living space is by covering the steps with a stylish carpet. If this is the case, plan for a lot of scraping to get the old glue off and the possibility of damage to the underlying floor. 10 Tools you will need To Install a Stair Runner Like a Pro. 1. Center the cut strippins angled toward riserbetween the layout marks. The thick and fluffy pile becomes hard and compacted, while stains and discolorations may be visible reminders of household spills and mishaps. You can mix a small batch of concrete and fill these gaps with a trowel. If the carpet padding is tacked on, simply pull it up and dispose of it in a contractor bag. Cut your tack strips into lengths that are four inches shorter than the width of your chosen runner, then count out two strips for each stair. You should have two for each step: one on the tread and the other on the riser. Weve discussed the carpet installation process for all three types of stairs in our comprehensive guide. Its usually attached with stapleslots of them! Hold them in place and mark the locations of the screw holes. The thin, dense pad helps to quiet and cushion footsteps, but it also prevents the runner from wearing out prematurely. Repeat steps 7 through 10 to continue installing carpet on stairs until completed. The [amazon link=B00336I62W title=Henry, W.W. Co. Make sure the carpet forms a tight fit against the marble stairs. The end result is an elegant and neat carpet that you can install with confidence! Repeat the process as you work your way down the stairs. It has a brilliant performance and deserves your trust! Screw each bracket to tread and riser. To make the template, measure each individual step and riser, as they may not all be built to the exact same dimension. Padding should touch the edge of the tackless strips but should not overlap them. When you finally reach the top riser, fold the carpets upper edge back on itself and staple it just underneath the overhanging lip of the flooring. Also, carpeted stairs are safer than hard-surface stairs, as they lessen your chances of slipping and pad your fall if you lose your balance. Tools However, XFasten Carpet Tape has been designed to eliminate this problem for good. Press rod into crease where tread and riser meet. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. How to Install Carpet Runner on Stairs This importance is not lost if the stairs have a carpeted surface. Use a knee kicker (can also be done without a kicker, using a heavy tool) to stretch and push the carpet into the seam in between the riser and tread. How to Install Carpet on Stairs Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. However, dont forget to put a thick layer of cardboard between the tackless strip and the baseboard to protect the surface from any damage. Purchase it if the grace of the carpet is important to you! Grab toward the upper left or right corner of the riser. This helps hide the pad. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Regardless of whether it is used on the edge of the stairs or the side of the walls to tuck the floor covering, the tool works perfectly! The width of the stairs depends on how much of the area you want to cover. Carpet Stapler. While carpet installation will require many standard home-shop toolssuch as a hammer, utility stapler, tin snips, chalk line, and utility knifethere will be several carpet-specific tools you will need in order to do the work correctly. To begin, use a utility knife to cut the padding into rectangles that are the same width as the length of each tack strip (to ensure that the padding wont stick out under the carpet), and three inches longer than the depth of the tread. If the carpet padding is glued down, use a putty knife to scrape the glue and carpet padding off the stairs. There are a few carpet installation tools that you need to have. If the dimensions of your stairs are not within these guidelines, you'll need to rebuild them for safety. With this tool, you can be confident that your carpet will never suffer a poor cut! The die cast handle is also a wonderful feature of this carpet seam roller. It is a superior product that has a slow setup time which means you can make small adjustments during the installation! The best thing about this cutter in particular is how the 30 degree blade ensures a clean and precise cut. Starting from the centre, move towards the edge to eliminate any air bubble. Lightly mark that distance out from the skirtboard and from the balusters on every tread where it meets the riser. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. Are you excited about decorating your home? The narrow strip of carpeting is set on a pad and then attached to tackless strips nailed to each tread. Although the process to install carpet on steps may take more than a few hours, the end result will definitely be worth all the hassle. Secure one end of the pad just in front of the tack strip on the tread, using a hammer tacker and stapling every three inches across. The best features of this stapler include its 85 staple capacity and intelligent design that enables fast reloading. We think so. Step 6: Make sure to stretch your carpet and hold it taut as you fix it into the seam between the riser and tread. You'll likely only need to replace any strips that have been damaged by the removal or show signs of other damage. You can also use a grinder to level the surface if needed. This way, you wont have to deal with any creases or bumps that may become evident once the carpet has been laid. You can then fold the carpet over and bring it together to cover the entire step. The tool operates by stretching the carpet in a way that pulls it closer to the wall. Stair Can You Install New Carpeting Over Old Carpeting? Most newly constructed homes in Pakistan boast marble or wooden staircases, while older constructions have concrete steps. Step 4: Once the padding has been put in place, measure the stairs once again atop the affixed material, and cut the carpet accordingly. Nail more than one tackless strips to the risers as needed. Carpeting is now often sold with installation costs included since so few consumers want to go through the headache of DIY installation. Push end of runner against floor at bottom of first riser. Using a tape measure and a straightedge, cut the carpet to template size. Lets take a look at some of the things you need for carpet installation. Compared to carpeting in other parts of the home, stairs can begin to look threadbare much sooner. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $600 to carpet stairs, including new carpet for the landing. to Install Carpet on Stairs Without You'll need to make a template and cut the carpet to fit when all the padding is attached. Large rolls of old carpet can be a big hassle to remove from a home and may present a problem for your local garbage collection. If your staircase curves or the walls aren't plumb, you won't be able to use a template to cut the carpet pieces for each step. Carpet adhesives are a crucial part of the glue down installation method. Carpeting is a thick, heavy material that requires a lot of effort and strength to remove. Power stretchers have a lever and a pole which apply tension on the carpet across the room. Meanwhile, you can check out ways to get rid of stains from your carpet, so your stairs will always look clean and well-maintained. As an Amazon Associate CarpetandRugWorld.com earns from qualifying purchases. A seam roller is a handy tool that enables you to bring the carpet pile together thereby showing as little of the seam as possible. Once all the flaws have been fixed, and the steps look smooth, let the concrete set completely before moving onto the next step. Secure both ends in the brackets. Carpet Knife. While it may seem a little odd to use at first, you will get comfortable when you use the carpet stapler for a while and get the hang of it.