Plan and Cut Carpet Pieces

What happens in this clip

Carefully plan out your carpet cuts to maximize material usage and ensure a consistent look. Draw a detailed diagram of your stairs on graph paper, labeling each tread and riser with its exact dimensions. Then, use this plan to cut your carpet roll into individual pieces using a utility knife and a long, sturdy straight edge. Cut from the back of the carpet for cleaner edges and to protect the pile.

Goal: Cut carpet into precise pieces for each stair component

What's used

Tools

• Carpet
• Graph Paper Notebook Buffalo Grobe
• Pen
• Straight Edge
• Metal straight edge
• Utility Knife
• Work Gloves

About the full video

This project provides a comprehensive guide on how to install carpet on a set of stairs. It covers initial stair preparation, precise measurement and cutting of tack strips and underlayment, and the meticulous process of fitting and securing the carpet to ensure a professional and durable finish. The video also highlights techniques for handling complex stair geometries like winders and bullnoses.

Step 3 of 6: Cut Carpet Treads

Using a sharp utility knife or a heavy-duty carpet cutter, carefully cut along the marked lines on the back of the carpet treads. Employ a metal ruler or straight edge as a guide to ensure clean, straight cuts. Make multiple shallow passes with the knife rather than trying to cut through the entire thickness in one go, especially for thicker carpet materials.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on Concrete Basement Stairs

1. Step 1: Clean Concrete Stairs

   • 1:19–2:05 Cleaning the Concrete Surface
   • 1:13–1:50 Apply Cleaner to Stairs
   • 0:00–0:01 Prepare Concrete Stairs

2. Step 2: Measure and Mark Treads

   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 7:20–9:07 Measure and Cut Carpet

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads

   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 3:07–3:56 Plan and Cut Carpet Pieces (this video)
   • 0:37–0:59 Measure and Cut Carpet

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:09–0:25 Apply Flooring Adhesive
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs

5. Step 5: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs

6. Step 6: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 3:06–3:19 Project Completion
   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 0:31–0:38 Inspect and Finish Installation