Tuck and Staple Carpet Edges

What happens in this clip

After kicking the carpet into place, use a stair tool and a hammer to tuck the carpet tightly into the crease where the tread meets the riser and where it meets the skirting board. This creates a clean, finished edge. Then, use an electric tacker (staple gun) to further secure the carpet, particularly along the underside of the nosing and any loose edges. This provides additional reinforcement and prevents the carpet from lifting.

Goal: Finalize carpet installation with clean edges and secure fastening

What's used

Tools

• Electric Tacker Roberts
• Hammer DeWalt
• Stair Tool
• Staples Duo Fast Gold

About the full video

This DIY project provides a detailed guide on how to install carpet on a staircase, covering all necessary steps from preparing the stairs with tack strips and underlay to precisely cutting and securing the carpet. The process involves measuring, cutting, stapling, stretching, and tucking the carpet for a professional finish.

Step 5 of 5: Trim Edges and Secure

Once the treads are in place, inspect the edges. If there is any slight overhang or unevenness, carefully trim it with a sharp utility knife. For extra security, especially on spiral stairs where edges can be more prone to lifting, consider using small, discrete carpet tacks or staples along the very edge of the tread, driven into the metal. Ensure these fasteners are not a tripping hazard.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on Metal Spiral Stairs

1. Step 1: Clean Metal Spiral Stairs

   • 0:16–0:24 Clean and Prepare Staircase Substrate
   • 3:28–4:20 Rinse and Dry Stairs

2. Step 2: Measure and Cut Carpet Treads

   • 7:20–9:07 Measure and Cut Carpet
   • 6:25–8:58 Measure and Cut Carpet Sections
   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread

3. Step 3: Apply Adhesive to Treads

   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive
   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive

4. Step 4: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive
   • 0:05–0:18 Install New Self-Adhesive Carpet Stair Treads

5. Step 5: Trim Edges and Secure

   • 0:43–1:28 Position and Secure Carpet Runner
   • 4:16–5:03 Tuck and Staple Carpet Edges (this video)
   • 22:17–35:01 Repeat for Remaining Treads and Final Checks