Installing a carpet runner using tackless strips adds color and comfort to stairs and can be accomplished by a DIYer of any skill level. How to Install Carpet Tiles Install carpet tiles in your home with our simple instructions. Installing a stair runner on a straight staircase is a relatively easy project, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. Winder stairs that turn corners are more challenging, but still doable with our expert instructions.
Add a touch of elegance, texture and color to your home's interior staircase by installing a carpeted runner. The narrow strip of carpeting is set on a pad and then attached to tackless strips nailed to each tread.
The thin, dense pad helps to quiet and cushion footsteps, but it also prevents the runner from wearing out prematurely. Don't use standard foam padding; it's too soft to provide the necessary support. Installing a stair runner on a straight staircase is a relatively easy project, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. Winder stairs that turn corners are more challenging, but still doable with our expert instructions. Stair runners are priced by the linear foot, and available in two widths: 27 inches and 32 inches. They're made of synthetic fibers, wool, or a combination of both. Visit a carpeting outlet to see samples of the patterns and colors available.
Installing Stairs In A House
Subtract the width of the runner from the width of the staircase (between baluster and skirtboard) and divide by two. Lightly mark that distance out from the skirtboard and from the balusters on every tread where it meets the riser. For each tread, use sheet-metal snips to cut a tackless strip 2 inches shorter than the width of the runner. Be sure there's a nail within a couple of inches of each end. Place a scrap piece of strip flush against the riser. Center the cut strip—pins angled toward riser—between the layout marks. Butt it against the scrap and nail.
Floor Runners Rugs
Check end of runner with framing square. If not square, mark, then cut along backing with carpet knife. Dab cut edges with latex carpet glue to prevent fraying. After glue dries to touch, unroll runner up 3 or 4 treads, making sure it's between the layout marks. Push end of runner against floor at bottom of first riser. Line up runner between the layout marks.
Staple end of runner to bottom of riser every 3 inches. TIP: Push stapler through the pile and against the backing before pulling trigger.
Use carpet tool and rubber mallet to pack runner tightly between the tackless strip and the riser. Near both ends of the tackless strip, staple the runner into the crease where riser meets tread. Staple each edge of the runner 2 inches above bottom of riser.
Installing Stair Runners With Rods
(For upholstered installation, staple edges to riser, then staple runner to underside of nosing every 3 inches.) Repeat Steps 4 and 5 up to last riser. At top of last riser, cut runner tight to the underside of the nosing or molding. Dab edges and end with glue and staple into top of riser and along edges every 3 inches. TIP: Staple carpet directly to stairs, never through the pad.