Transfer Templates to Carpet Backing

What happens in this clip

Lay your carpet pieces face down on a flat surface. Align the straight edge of your cut paper template with a pre-straightened edge of the carpet backing. Trace the entire outline of the template onto the carpet backing using a marker, ensuring the carpet pile direction is correct (it should 'flow' down the stairs like water, meaning the fibers point downwards). Repeat this for all templates, making sure to leave approximately an inch of extra material beyond the marked lines on the carpet backing. This extra material allows for fine-tuning and tucking during installation. The presenter demonstrates that the marks on the template allow for a precise outline on the carpet, even for complex shapes.

What's used

Tools

• Carpet Material
• Marker Sharpie
• Paper Templates

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 3 of 8: Cut Carpet Treads from Templates

Unroll the carpet tread material and position your templates onto the back of the carpet. Carefully align each template with the carpet's backing and use a marker to trace the outline. Ensure that the grain or pattern of the carpet, if any, is oriented consistently across all treads. Using a sharp utility knife or heavy-duty scissors, cut precisely along the traced lines, following the curves and angles of the template.

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 (this video)
   • 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