Carpeting your stairs is a brilliant way to add warmth, safety, and style to your home. Whether you're updating tired flooring or tackling a full home renovation, knowing how to lay carpet on stairs properly will ensure a long-lasting and professional finish. At Direct Carpet Centre, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you tackle this DIY job with confidence.
Not into DIY? We also offer installs for customers in the Portsmouth area!
What You'll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and materials:
-
Carpet of your choice (cut to size)
- Carpet underlay
-
Carpet gripper rods
- Staple gun
-
Hammer
-
Carpet knife
-
Knee kicker
-
Stair tool (or bolster chisel)
-
Measuring tape
-
Double-sided carpet tape (optional)
If you’re unsure which carpet is best for stairs, reach out to our team for quick support on any enquiries!
Step 1: Measure Your Stairs
Accurate measurements are crucial. Measure each stair individually, especially if your staircase is older and has some variation. You’ll need the depth (tread) and the height (riser) of each step.
Tip: Don’t forget to account for the stair nose (the edge that overhangs the riser).
Step 2: Prepare the Stairs
Clean the stairs thoroughly and remove any old staples, nails, or adhesives. Smooth out any bumps or uneven surfaces to ensure the carpet lays flat.
Step 3: Fit Gripper Rods
Install gripper rods at the back of each tread and the base of each riser, leaving about a half-inch gap from the edge. These will hold the carpet securely in place.
Safety Note: Make sure the angled pins on the rods point towards the stair riser to grip the carpet backing effectively.
Step 4: Cut and Lay the Underlay
Cut the underlay to fit just within the gripper rods. Secure it in place using a staple gun or carpet tape. Avoid overlapping pieces of underlay – a flat base ensures a better finish.
Step 5: Cut the Carpet to Size
Measure and cut the carpet for each step, allowing a little extra to tuck in securely. If using a stair runner, cut one long piece. If fully carpeting each stair, cut individual pieces.
You can also follow this detailed carpet cutting guide by Carpetright for extra visuals.
Step 6: Fit the Carpet Using a Knee Kicker
Start from the bottom stair. Use the knee kicker to stretch the carpet over the tread and into the space between the gripper rods. Press it firmly into place.
Then use the stair tool (or bolster chisel) to tuck the carpet tightly into the crease where the tread meets the riser.
Step 7: Secure the Carpet
Staple the carpet at the base of the riser and under the nose (edge) of the tread. Repeat the process step-by-step until you reach the top of the staircase.
Ensure each section is tight and smooth to avoid wrinkles or sagging over time.
Step 8: Trim Excess and Tidy Up
Use a sharp carpet knife to trim any excess. Double-check that the edges are neat and safely tucked in. Finish by vacuuming the stairs to remove any fibres or loose threads.
Final Tips
-
For complex staircases or patterned carpet, consider professional fitting for the best results.
-
Always wear protective gloves when working with sharp tools.
-
If you're short on time, Direct Carpet Centre offers expert fitting services across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas – just ask in-store or contact us here.
Ready to Start?
Now that you know how to lay carpet on stairs, you can transform your staircase into a cosy and stylish feature. Whether you’re doing it yourself or looking for support, Direct Carpet Centre is here to help with top-quality carpets, expert advice, and local fitting services you can trust.
Visit our showroom in Portsmouth or browse our carpet selection online.