How to Install Carpet Runner on Basement Stairs

Things to keep in mind while installing:

  • the carpet and the rods should be centered properly on each step
  • the carpet should be very well stretched
  • you need a solution for both ends of the carpet runner but this really depends on your particular situation

There are a number of steps to follow:

  1. Calculate the distance between the carpet edge and the wall(s):
    (stairs_width - carpet_width) / 2
  2. Mark each step on the run to help you guide the carpet straight down. You can mark in such a way that the carpet will cover the marks to avoid cleaning or staining the paint on the stairs.
  3. Calculate the distance between the rod end and the wall(s):
    (stairs_width - rod_length) / 2
  4. Mark each run to help you center the rods.
  5. Cut all pieces of underpad at the proper size.
  6. Install the underpad between the marks on each run with staples; be sure to run the underpad around the overhang and keep it in place with staples.
  7. Be sure the upper end of the carpet is cut as perpendicular as possible on the runner edge
  8. Start from the top of the stairs. It is easier to pull down in order to stretch the carpet properly.
  9. For each run and raiser install the carpet in place between the marks. Pull hard to stretch the carpet and fix it in place with staples.
  10. Tip - make sure to make some space for the staple to avoid catching tufts of yarn under the staple. For this use your fingers and the stapler head. This will make the whole thing look better in the end.
  11. Stretch the carpet around the overhang and fix it in place with staples.

    12. Rod in place

  12. On each run install a rod with the brackets and the screws; don’t over tighten to avoid bending the rod. Fancier rods and brackets have spacers to account for the carpet’s width. If you have a thick carpet you will need those.

    13. Rod mount view

  13. Install a rod on each step as you go down otherwise you cannot stretch the carpet properly.

    14. Rod mount detail

  14. When you finish the last raiser cut the end of the carpet and mask it as you need in your specific situation.

Carpet runner

The whole thing should take you about 10 minutes per step:

  • 1 minute to cut the underpad
  • 1 minute to mark the run for centering the carpet and the rods
  • 3 minutes to install the underpad
  • 5 minutes to install the carpet

If you add 30 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cleanup at the end you should finish this job in under 3 hours for an average 12 steps stairs.

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Category Basement, Carpet, Stairs

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