Carpeting a Stairway

To carpet stairs, you can use a strip left over from carpeting an adjoining room or you can purchase a runner. If you opt to use a carpeting strip, use tackless stair strips to anchor it. Make sure the pile of the carpet runs down the stairs (that is, it feels smoother when you run your hand in the downstairs direction).

If you decide to use a runner, the best way to secure it is with rods. Stair rods are work to install, but add a decorative touch and are easy to maintain. To install rods, first lay padding in one strip from top to bottom and tack it temporarily at the top. Tack the runner face down to the bottom tread next to the second riser; then stretch the runner under the nosing at the top of the first riser and tack it in place. Then attach the rods as described on the next page.