Install Final Riser and Top Landing

What happens in this clip

With the carpet trimmed for the final riser, position it correctly. The 'kick' from the shorter binding should help it fit snugly against the top landing. If the fit is too tight, pull the carpet out and shave an eighth of an inch off the trimmed edge with scissors. Once fit, secure the top edge of the riser with staples, splitting the pile. Then, use a carpet tucker to push any excess or loose fibers tightly into the gap between the riser and the wall, ensuring a clean, finished look. If any edges appear like they might fray, apply a small amount of hot melt glue to seal them. Finally, secure the runner to the top landing with additional staples, again ensuring the pile is split to conceal the staples. For angled cuts at the side, staple those edges firmly and tuck them in with the stair tool as well.

Goal: Securely attach the final riser and the top of the stair runner to the landing

What's used

Tools

• Carpet Tucker
• Scissors
• Staple Gun Unknown (pneumatic)

Materials

• Hot Melt Glue
• Staples

About the full video

This project provides step-by-step instructions on how to install a carpet stair runner on a set of three stairs. The process involves precise measuring, securely stapling the runner, tucking and shaping the carpet around the stair nosing, and trimming excess material for a clean, professional finish.

Step 6 of 8: Secure Edges (if applicable)

Some carpet treads come with integrated loops, ties, or require small staples or adhesive strips along the edges for extra security. Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for securing the edges. For spiral staircases, ensure these edge attachments do not create a tripping hazard.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on a Spiral Staircase

1. Step 1: Measure and Mark Tread Placement

   • 0:10–0:16 Measure and Mark Stair Tread Placement
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread
   • 0:05–0:18 Measure Each Stair Individually

2. Step 2: Clean Stair Treads

   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads
   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:36–0:41 Clean and Smooth Stairs

3. Step 3: Position and Align First Tread

   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread
   • 0:10–0:18 Place and Secure First Tread

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive (if required)

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

5. Step 5: Press Carpet Tread into Place

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 0:21–0:26 Press Down Firmly

6. Step 6: Secure Edges (if applicable)

   • 1:19–1:59 Lay and Secure Carpet Sections (Repetitive)
   • 0:30–1:07 Secure Carpet with Staples
   • 7:38–8:56 Install Final Riser and Top Landing (this video)

7. Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Treads

   • 0:18–0:24 Install Remaining Treads
   • 0:13–0:21 Install Remaining Treads
   • 1:01–1:15 Install Remaining Stair Treads

8. Step 8: Inspect and Clean Up

   • 0:02 Final Touches and Inspection
   • 0:31–0:38 Inspect and Finish Installation
   • 0:13–0:17 Complete Installation and Final Inspection