Prepare the Stairs

What happens in this clip

Begin by thoroughly preparing the staircase. Use a hammer to carefully remove any existing carpet tack strips, old carpet, padding, or staples. Employ a scraper or chisel to remove any remaining adhesive or stubborn debris from the wooden stair treads and risers. The goal is to create a clean, smooth, and even surface for the new installation.

Goal: Ensure a clean and smooth surface for new carpet installation.

What's used

Tools

• Claw Hammer
• Tack puller
• nails
• and staples.
• Scraper/Chisel
• Floor scraper
• Utility Knife
• Carpet knife

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide to installing carpet runners on a staircase. It covers preparing the stairs by removing old materials, installing new tack strips and padding, precisely positioning and securing the carpet runners using a staple gun and stair tools, and finally trimming and finishing the edges for a professional look.

Step 4 of 8: Prepare Stair Surface

Vacuum each stair tread to remove all loose dirt, dust, and debris. If there is any old adhesive or residue, use a scraper and an appropriate adhesive remover to clean the surface completely. For wood stairs, ensure the surface is smooth and free of splinters. If necessary, lightly sand any rough areas. The surface must be clean, dry, and smooth for proper adhesion.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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