Prepare Stairs and Measure

What happens in this clip

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the stairs. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, pet hair, or debris. Then, use a damp cloth with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down each stair tread and riser, ensuring they are free of dirt and grime. Allow the stairs to dry completely. Next, measure the width and depth of each stair tread. It's common for stairs to have slight variations, so measure each one individually. Decide on the placement of the carpet treads, typically leaving a consistent reveal on the sides and front of each stair. This will help determine the ideal size of your treads if you are cutting them, or guide placement if using pre-made ones. The video starts by showing the finished carpeted stairs, implying these preparatory steps have already been completed.

Goal: Ensure stairs are clean and accurate measurements are taken for tread placement.

What's used

Tools

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Broom

Materials

• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Damp Cloth

About the full video

This DIY project provides a comprehensive guide to installing carpet treads on existing stairs. The goal is to enhance safety and comfort, particularly for pets like dogs, by providing increased traction and cushioning. The process involves preparing the stairs, selecting appropriate treads, and securely attaching them, resulting in a more pet-friendly and aesthetically pleasing staircase.

Step 1 of 4: Your DIY Journey Begins: Count Your Treads and Gather Your Toolkit

Every successful DIY project starts with the right preparation! First, take a moment to count the number of treads on your straight staircase. (A little pro tip: you'll always have one more riser than treads!) Once you've got your count, it's time to gather your essential toolkit. For precision and professional-looking results, you'll want a rigid tape measure for truly accurate readings, a carpenter's square to keep your lines perfectly straight, a level to ensure everything is spot-on, masking tape for clear markings, and a trusty pencil for noting down those crucial measurements. Having these ready will make your measuring process smooth and stress-free.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Measure and Mark Stair Tread Placement
• Measure and Mark Tread Placement