Create Template for First Winder Step

What happens in this clip

Begin by taking a roll of kraft paper and unrolling it onto the second winder step (the first winder step to be templated). Line up one straight edge of the paper along the back edge of the tread, against the riser of the next step. Use an electric stapler to secure the paper in the middle of the riser, making sure the paper is flat and conforms to the step's shape. Fold the paper neatly around the nosing (the front edge of the step) and along the side edge of the winder. Secure it again with staples in the middle, ensuring staples are placed where they will be covered by the finished carpet runner and do not damage the visible part of the stairs if they were real finished stairs. Use a utility knife to carefully cut along the edges of the step, forming the exact shape of the winder tread and riser. This creates the first paper template. The presenter mentions that on actual stairs, the nosing would be thicker than the demo stairs, and emphasizes care when using the knife to avoid damaging the stairs.

What's used

Tools

• Electric Stapler
• Kraft Paper Roll
• Butcher paper
• Utility Knife

About the full video

This project provides verbose, step-by-step instructions on how to accurately create paper templates for winder stairs, transfer those templates to carpet material, cut the carpet pieces, and then securely install the carpet runner using tack strips and staples. It emphasizes precision in measuring and cutting for a neat and safe finish on complex stair designs.

Step 2 of 8: Create a Template for Each Tread

For each stair tread, create a paper or cardboard template that mirrors its exact dimensions, including any curves and angles. This can be done by carefully tracing the shape of the tread onto the template material. For curved treads, it is essential to mark the different depths along the curve as well. These templates will serve as guides for cutting the carpet treads.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs

1. Step 1: Measure Tread Dimensions

   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 0:29–1:33 Prepare Stairs and Measure Grippers

2. Step 2: Create a Template for Each Tread

   • 1:15–3:04 Create Template for First Winder Step (this video)
   • 0:59–1:36 Creating Custom Templates for Each Step
   • 4:33–5:37 Create Template for Second Winder Step

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads from Templates

   • 8:08–9:23 Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 6:52–8:08 Transfer Templates to Carpet Backing
   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces

4. Step 4: Prepare Stair Surface

   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:17–0:34 Prepare the Stairs
   • 0:00–0:05 Prepare Stairs and Treads

5. Step 5: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs

6. Step 6: Attach Carpet Tread to Stair

   • 0:11–0:43 Install Remaining Carpet Stair Treads
   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive

7. Step 7: Secure Edges and Trim

   • 3:53–7:38 Trim Excess Carpet and Prepare Final Riser
   • 2:25–3:45 Position and Secure Carpet Edges
   • 2:42–3:56 Secure the First Section with Staples

8. Step 8: Inspect and Clean Up

   • 3:59–4:29 Final Trimming and Inspection
   • 16:47–18:07 Final Review and Cleanup
   • 0:46–0:57 Final Inspection and Cleanup