Alternate Ways to Install a Stair Runner

Add a touch of elegance to your home by installing a carpeted runner along your staircase. Stair runners are ideal for providing extra color and decor to your stairs without completely covering them with carpet. While installing stair runners may seem like a daunting task, even the most novice do-it-yourselfer master is capable of performing the job. Read on to learn one of the many ways to safely and reliably install stair runners in your home.

Prepare your stairs first

Before you begin, it is imperative to measure the tread of your steps as well as the width of each riser. You then want to cut a piece of tackless strip, the length of which is just a bit shorter than the carpet, and hammer it to the staircase about an inch from the bottom of each riser. Next you want to add tackless strips on each tread about an inch from the back of each tread. With the tackless strips in place you are ready to add your carpet pads, which are the same length as your tackless strips, against the back of each tackless strip, wrapping around the nose of the tread.

Install the carpet

Now you are ready to install the carpet runner to your stairs. Start at the top of your staircase beginning under the nose of your top step. Tuck your carpet under the nose and secure it using carpet tacks (around one every four inches). Smoothing the carpet flat as you go, push the carpet firmly against the tackless strips, using a hammer whenever necessary. Carefully work your way down to the bottom of the staircase until you have installed the carpet runner.

A stunning carpet runner can enhance the look of your house in many ways. Its elegance and beauty are sure to garner countless compliments from friends and family alike. Do yourself a favor and seriously consider installing a carpet runner in your home.