tools needed to install carpet on stairs

Find trusted local pros for any home project. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. This tool is called a carpet stair tool. This will save you time, money, and effort. Check end of runner with framing square. Your classy, comfy stairway is ready to make its grand entrance at your next celebration. WebUse a placer of two strips taped together to measure how high to place it. You can either mark this point on the top stair or on each step, depending on what seems more convenient to you. Tiny nails, tacks with wide tops, strips of adhesive and staples are usually used to keep a carpet in place on one of the high traffic areas of a home. 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. Make sure to wrap the padding around the nose of the treads perfectly and staple it in place before moving to the next step. Cut the rest using a carpet cutter. No bumps allowed! Undertaking a project like this requires patience, endurance, and forethought to ensure that you can achieve the results you want, and with the least amount of effort. 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. Step 1. Many installation teams will move furniture, remove and dispose of old carpet, install padding and new carpet, and move the furniture back in placeall within a few hours. The thin, dense pad helps to quiet and cushion footsteps, but it also prevents the runner from wearing out prematurely. Hold them in place and mark the locations of the screw holes. Step 6: Make sure to stretch your carpet and hold it taut as you fix it into the seam between the riser and tread. Step 4 Shape Pad to Step Wrap the carpet down the riser and down the front edge of the stair. In other words, anyone walking on the carpet will never slip and will hence be safer! With all the padding in place, its time to install the runner, working from the bottom of the stairs to the top. Compared to carpeting in other parts of the home, stairs can begin to look threadbare much sooner. They are also generally safer as you are less likely to slip and lose your balance while climbing carpet-covered steps. Use XFasten Carpet Tape if you wish to protect pets, elderly and children. Get rid of the tack strips and don't try to use the old padding. A cushion back carpet cutter can help you cut the carpet in a perfectly straight line through the backing! The kit has been designed for use on carpets with different thicknesses so the pins can penetrate at various depths. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. While it may be a little pricey, the Crain #905 is certainly one of the most respected seam irons out there. Learn more here: How to Clean Carpet on Stairs: Step-by-Step Guide. First, install the tread as described above. In other words, using this knee kicker ensures the carpet is taut when installed! Staple across the entire length of the pad. Dont worry about this happening to your precious floor coverings as the Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife is adored by professionals for a good reason. Step 7: Repeat the process until you reach the landing. The [amazon link=B07TSYW8BS title=Hoteche Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker/] is the perfect tool for your carpet installation project if you have a large area to cover. Smooth and stretch it to fit tightly. Use a tape measure to measure the stair and riser, and add around 4 inches to cover the edges. Step 4: Measure the width of the carpet or runner. 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. A stair that has a curved outside edge is referred to as a bullnose. Using a hammer stapler and starting in the center of each stair tread, staple the carpet pad in place. In carpeting projects, precision is important and the ROBERTS carpet stapler offers you just that. The ROBERTS Electric Carpet Stapler is another solid offering by the brand that will help you secure your floor coverings in no time. At top of last riser, cut runner tight to the underside of the nosing or molding. It has an incredible design with an ergonomic shape that ensures a firm grip. WebTools Needed: Tack strips Staples or upholstery nails Measuring Tape Knee Pads Knee kicker (check your rental store) Stair Tool (check your rental store) Utility knife Hammer Safety glasses Obviously you'll need to remove all the old carpet. Attach finials (if any) to outside of each rod bracket. If the padding overlaps, then youll have a fat lump around the edge of your carpetnot very attractive. Each tack strip should be 4 inches shorter than your runners width. Repeat steps 7 through 10 to continue installing carpet on stairs until completed. The Roberts 10-254V Power Carpet Stretcher is a wonderful tool that ensures you successfully install the carpet. In case your treads have a moulded edge, also known as the nose, add it to the total value as well. For example, if the total length of the carpet required for your staircase is 10 feet, then you should cut 12 feet for installation. This Carpet Seam Roller is another stunning offering by the reputable brand ROBERTS! The gap between the tack strips should be just a hair less than the thickness of the carpeting so that the tucked portion remains tightly wedged in place. There are different ways to install a carpet without tack strips, but we will show you how to use them. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. It is also a good idea to make sure your padding is of very good quality. How to Repair a Carpet With Carpet Patching, Filtration Soil: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It, available for lease at tool rental centers and home centers. They dont need to be a certain width, just whatever size is comfortable for you to grip during removal and that will fit into your garbage bags. There are two different ways to install carpet on stairs. To install carpet on stairs and landing, youll need these materials. Before getting started, be sure to learn the terms for the different parts of your staircase. The [amazon link=B000GOGHNO title=Crain #905 Heat Iron for Carpet Tape/] is a reliable tool that has an excellent performance. The tool operates by stretching the carpet in a way that pulls it closer to the wall. It is true that carpeting that is advertised as "free installation" is not really free, since the cost is actually slightly inflated to cover the labor of the team who will come to install it. 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. (For upholstered installation, staple edges to riser, then staple runner to underside of nosing every 3 inches.). Weve discussed the carpet installation process for all three types of stairs in our comprehensive guide. The idea is to ensure the carpet staple is properly driven inside the floor! Hold down front knob with one hand, using the other hand to keep the kickers shaft level. Open the windows and doors for better ventilation, as marble adhesives are generally strong and can produce fumes. In case you fall, carpeted stairs will provide you with much better padding than the cold, hard marble, wooden, or concrete steps. Step 3 Staple Carpet Pad Use a hammer stapler and staple the carpet pad in place starting from the center of each stair tread. A carpet tack strip cutter is a tool that allows you to cut tack strips without exerting too much effort. The best thing about this cutter in particular is how the 30 degree blade ensures a clean and precise cut. Step 2: Measure the total length of the stairs (treads and risers) in inches and then divide the sum with 12 to get the value in feet. Measure the width of the stair and length. Use carpet tool and rubber mallet to pack runner tightly between the tackless strip and the riser. Step 5: Unroll the carpet so that its back is facing the top of the stairs and press it down on the adhesive. Stairways get heavy wear, especially along the tread nosing, so choose a durable and easy-to-clean carpet. The French cap method wraps the carpet around the edge of the tread, contouring the nosing to meet the riser, then coming straight down the riser. The Crain #905 Heat Iron is a fantastic tool that will let you finish your carpeting project in no time. These wooden strips have small carpet tacks attached to them, which make installing carpet on wooden stairs much easier. The best thing about this carpet knife is that it offers neatness and precision in cuts while still maintaining safety. Spread marble adhesive on the stairs using a caulking gun, if available. If any hardwood floor is involved, there may be a need of tapping the staple with a hammer. This is a disaster waiting to happen. You cant consider yourself a carpet connoisseur if you have never heard about Persian rugs. Place a bracket against either edge of the runner at the intersection of the tread and riser. Dispose of carpeting, tack strips, carpet padding, and any other debris according to your local waste disposal regulations. Carpet Installation: What to Know Before You Buy. Butt pad to front edge of tackless strip. Step 2: Measure the stairs (tread + riser) and cut the padding for each step. Once all the flaws have been fixed, and the steps look smooth, let the concrete set completely before moving onto the next step. They are strong cutters which provide increased cutting force. Finally, youll want to use a steam roller to press down your new carpet to make it stick to the adhesive underneath it. Next, to calculate the length of your stair runner, add your measurements for the depth of the stair tread and the height of the riser, then multiply this sum by the number of stairs. Through this method the carpet finds solid support and doesnt find any room for movement. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Tip: Push stapler through the pile and against the backing before pulling trigger. They add some charm to any style of interior design. You can do this with chalk, so its easy to remove. The [amazon link=B00336I62W title=Henry, W.W. Co. 5. If you plan on carpeting your stairs, then you might want to invest in a superior carpet stapler. 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. If you plan to have a runner custom cut (or if you need help visualizing how your stairs would appear partially covered with a carpet runner), try draping brown kraft paper or a flat sheet folded lengthwise to determine the right runner width. Step 7: Press the starting edge of the carpet on the top-most tread and then continue to press it down on the riser. While there are many carpet installation tools in the market, it is confusing to know which ones to get at the start. Here is a special comprehensive guide about thebest rooms to carpet! If you dislike adhesives and the strong odor they bring in the home, you may be attracted to use a carpet stapler. Measure each step and riser and create a template to cut the carpet to size, to know the size and how to lay it. Also, you need to know the importance of cleaning carpets on stairs. You can find this material in many shapes and sizes, but remember that high-quality stair padding is thicker than wall-to-wall padding. Use an awl to push the carpet onto the tackless strip. Step 3: Use chalk to mark the centre of each step and then use it as a guide to mark the outer edges where the carpet will lay. It is strong and durable making it perfect for heavy-duty use! Carpet tack strips are typically sold in lengths of about three to six feet and will be required around the entire perimeter of the room. Hit kicker with knee. Wrap the carpet pad around the front edge of the steps and down the riser. Drill 116-inch pilot holes at each mark. Its usually attached with stapleslots of them! Step 2. Center the runner so that there are equal amounts of wood on each side, thenpress it into the very first tack strip (at the bottom of the riser), using a carpet awl to get a clean look between the bottom of the stair riser and the flooring. Staple each edge of the runner 2 inches above bottom of riser. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Roll up the carpet, and lay it a few steps above the bottom. After you have measured and obtained the correct length of Stair Runner, you'll need some additional tools to complete the installation, including a. Carpet Stapler. 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. Use a placer of two strips taped together to measure how high to place it. They are attached to the subfloor around the perimeter of the room to provide the anchor point for the edges of the carpeting to be gripped. The narrow strip of carpeting is set on a pad and then attached to tackless strips nailed to each tread. 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! As you figure out how to measure stairs for carpet, start by selecting one stair tread. CarpetandRugWorld.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Carpets come in many different materials, ranging from natural fibers to synthetics such as polyester, nylon, and triexta. Step 1: Measure the stairs to calculate the length of the carpet youll need. 28 Tools to Remove and Install a Carpet You May try our User's Favourite Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit CAD $249.00 In Stock Milwaukee PACKOUT 2-Drawer Tool Box CAD $178.00 In Stock Milwaukee FASTBACK 6 in 1 Folding Utility Knife CAD $25.99 In Stock Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box CAD $179.00 In Stock Before you begin removing the tack strip, be sure to put on your safety glasses if youre not already wearing them. The most attractive quality about this tool is how it allows you to avoid any mess. Free In-Home Estimates. Combination square Dust mask Scissors Stick on carpet edge binding found at Home Depot by the carpet runner or try this product. Replacing Carpet on Stairs With Hardwood Tools Utility Knife Pry Bar Pliers Jigsaw Tape Measure Materials OSB (Oriented Strand Board) Construction Adhesive Nails Lint-Free Rag Stain View All Tools & Materials Note Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. And although I found some very helpful information, I hardly found anything regarding Carpets and Rugs. Using the locking pliers and the utility knife, cut the carpet into manageable sections and pull the carpet free of the riser. A carpet stretcher or a power stretcher is a specialized tool to use when youre installing wall-to-wall carpet. Nail one on each riser, centered, inch from the bottom, and one on each tread, inch from the rear, also centered. While you could use an ordinary utility knife, it wont give you the same level of control and precision a carpet knife can. Carpet seaming is a challenging procedure that is a part of carpet installation projects! If you have larger wooden posts, you may have to trim some excess carpet around the base of each post. Roberts Electric Staple Gun. Roll up the removed carpet, fasten it with a piece of duct tape to keep it from unrolling, and dispose of it in a contractor bag. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. In other words, you wont have to put in too much effort to cut the tack strip making the installation go smoother! Once this happens, it is fixed to a tack strip. These are expensive tools and it is much more economical to rent these tools rather than buy them unless you expect to install carpeting often. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Web4-1/8 in. If so, here are six tips to make DIY carpet installation go more smoothly. To provide each of your wooden steps with a little more cushion, lay down a base of carpet padding. You should have two for each step: one on the tread and the other on the riser. She is a writer and fact checker for TripSavvy, as well as a fact-checker for The Spruce. This hemming process requires a special sewing machine used by carpet professionals, so youll need to hire a pro and provide full measurements (see Step 3) for a custom cut. When she is not working, you'll find her reading a comic book, browsing through Netflix, or planning her next travel adventure. The [amazon link=B00A953Y8Q title=Delphin Dolphin Carpet Knife/] is a terrific investment if youre going to install a carpet. They work on the same principle as power stretchers but are made for smaller spaces! For an 8 foot runner, they can cost anywhere from $175 to $450. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You need to measure each step very carefully and cut a carpet pad to fit onto each step and riser. To do this a superior carpet seam iron is needed. 10 Tools you will need To Install a Stair Runner Like a Pro. 1. Begin at the bottom step and staple the carpet to each tread, then stretch the carpet over the riser. 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! Drill 116-inch pilot holes at each mark. Step 10: Allow the marble adhesive to dry completely as per the manufacturers instructions. You can use it comfortably without having to worry about the performance. While carpet staplers take more effort to use, the hammer tacker makes it easier to get the job done without exerting too much effort. What Makes Islamabads Sparco Tower an Ideal Investment Choice? Carpeting is now often sold with installation costs included since so few consumers want to go through the headache of DIY installation. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Using a pair of pliers, grip a piece of carpet on the riser, which is the vertical part of a stairnot the part you step on. Power stretchers have a lever and a pole which apply tension on the carpet across the room. 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. The tool originates from Germany and is quite handy. The die cast handle is also a wonderful feature of this carpet seam roller. Why Does My Washing Machine Smell When I Use It? Therefore, you should only get a specialized carpet knife which has a sharp and durable blade that allows you to swiftly cut the carpet as desired. Even cheap carpeting will perform much better if the underlying padding is of good quality, such as high-density memory foam. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you want the Hollywood style of carpeting, youll need a little extra length in order to have enough give to fasten the runner completely; add one inch for each nosing and at least 18 extra inches for spare. link to How to Determine the Age of a Persian Rug. Carpet glue is necessary for one of the most 2. It has a heat-treated hammer mechanism which will let you shoot staples according to your needs. Since youre probably a beginner, the fact that this adhesive gives you a bit of wiggle room is great. If youre certain that its time for that old stairwell carpet to go, follow these steps to do the job right. Once we cut the pad, we attached the pad to the stair tread using a hammer stapler. Before you get started installing your carpet, you first need to determine the look you want in your home. Line up runner between layout marks on first tread. A carpeted staircase can add a touch of comfort and softness to your home. Step 7: Repeat the process until you reach the bottom of the staircase. The best features of this stapler include its 85 staple capacity and intelligent design that enables fast reloading. A carpet seam roller has two small axles and a metal wheel which can be described as toothed. CarpetandRugWorld.com also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale and other sites. It has excellent trowelability and a strong initial grab. When youre installing a carpet, the finesse and precision of a cut can significantly impact the appearance of the carpet. A carpeted stairway can make your home look elegant and lavish. Tip: When using the waterfall method, clip 3 inches off the corners of the pad where it curves around the nosing. While some carpet seam irons can end up harming the fibers, this one is designed to never do so. It minimizes deflection and cuts the tack strip neatly! Knee kickers apply tension to the carpet by utilizing a kick of the knee to the tool which gives it the unique name. These will grip the carpet backing and hold it in place. Of course, covering your steps with a carpet or a runner can be a little heavy on the pocket since youll have to spend a considerable sum on purchasing the material as well as pay a professional to do the job for you. You wont have to exert a lot of pressure on the Delphin Knife to cut the floor covering. Smooth and stretch the pad, so it fits tightly against the tread and riser, then staple it to the riser. Proper stretching is 90 percent of good carpet installation, and if you're not prepared to learn this skill, it's best to hire pros. Continue across the riser until all of the carpet has been removed. It is an ingredient for a successful carpeting project! Measure the size of each stair and cut the carpet to fit. Step 6: Press the material on the treads and risers using your hands or a straightedge. However, dont forget to put a thick layer of cardboard between the tackless strip and the baseboard to protect the surface from any damage. Tack strips are strips of wood with sharp pointed tacks. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. We know how important a tool like this can be so we only recommend the best! Refold and track the carpet for the next rod. I am a fan of home decor, I devote all my free time to this activity. Install a stair nose over the front edge of each tread and conceal the edges of the carpet with binding tape. If you dont pay attention to your carpet and dont use a good stretcher, youre going to face the formation of wrinkles on the carpet over time! Center the carpet on the bottom edge of the steps. 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. Over time, carpet can become loose, You can re-stretch the carpet with a carpet stretcher to pull it taut. Repeat the process as you work your way down the stairs. RS has a degree in Mass Communication and a passion for creative writing. Carpet Seam Iron. Never opt for an inferior carpet knife. But after years of use, carpeting just doesnt look or feel the same. If you decide to cut out separate pieces, add about 5 inches to the measured width, so you have enough material to cover the corners. The tape is highly appreciated by consumers and is said to be safe for delicate surfaces like wood and vinyl. When installing a carpet in the stairs, you need a tool to help you drive the carpet in some areas to improve the overall look. After all, the entire look of the carpet can be ruined due to a poor cut by an inferior product! WebStep 1. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. To determine how high to set the tack strips, use a spacer made out of two strips taped together. Reach under a corner of the carpet and pull it across the tread to dislodge it. Moreover, it has a checkered head which prevents the hammer from slipping when securing the carpet to the floor. Use the pliers to grab the carpet pile of the carpet on the top stair riser. It is a strong performer that rarely ever jams. Once you have brought the carpet around the posts, wrap it around the side of the stair and fasten it underneath the side nosing. Carpeting on stairs is usually priced differently because of the specialized skill needed and additional tools. The ROBERTS brand is trustworthy and so is this product which will amaze you with its brilliant performance! It has the ability to stretch up to 38 feet, making it suitable for use in the home. WebLay each piece in place, and secure it with a hammer stapler. Ensure there arent any air bubbles trapped under the surface of the carpet and that it has been fitted tightly against each step. If the stair is open on the side with railing posts, the carpet must be cut around each post and re-joined on the other side. You can also send us your suggestions and feedback on blog@zameen.com. You need high-quality carpet glue if you choose the glue down carpet installation method! 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. Trim the pad where the nosing and the top of the riser meet and, if using the waterfall method, clip the corners so you wont see the pad. The tread is the top surface of the step. Treads are typically 10 to 11-1/2 inches deep; the deeper the tread, the more comfortable the climb. 3/ Roberts Carpet tucker.