DIY Carpet Runner Installation on a Turning Staircase

Moments in this video

1. 1:15–3:04 Create Template for First Winder Step From How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs, Step 2: Create a Template for Each Tread

   Begin by taking a roll of kraft paper and unrolling it onto the second winder step (the first winder step to be templated). Line up one straight edge of the paper along the back edge of the tread, against the riser of the next step. Use an electric stapler to secure the paper in the middle of the riser, making sure the paper is flat and conforms to the step's shape. Fold the paper neatly around the nosing (the front edge of the step) and along the side edge of the winder. Secure it again with staples in the middle, ensuring staples are placed where they will be covered by the finished carpet runner and do not damage the visible part of the stairs if they were real finished stairs. Use a utility knife to carefully cut along the edges of the step, forming the exact shape of the winder tread and riser. This creates the first paper template. The presenter mentions that on actual stairs, the nosing would be thicker than the demo stairs, and emphasizes care when using the knife to avoid damaging the stairs.

2. 4:33–5:37 Create Template for Second Winder Step From How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs, Step 2: Create a Template for Each Tread

   Repeat the templating process for the next winder step using a fresh piece of kraft paper. This involves aligning the paper, securing it with staples, folding it around the nosing and side edges, and cutting it to the exact shape of the step. As with the previous template, mark the runner's width, center line, and straight edges. Crucially, ensure that the measurements (e.g., 28 inches wide) for the runner remain consistent across all winder steps to maintain a uniform appearance.

3. 6:52–8:08 Transfer Templates to Carpet Backing From How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs, Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads from Templates

   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.

4. 8:08–9:23 Cut Carpet Pieces From How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs, Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads from Templates

   Using a sharp utility knife and a T-square or long straight edge, carefully cut the carpet pieces along the marked lines. Ensure your cuts are precise and clean. For the connecting edges between steps, a perfectly straight cut is essential for seamless joins. For other edges, maintain the extra inch of material you marked earlier. The presenter demonstrates cutting the carpet pieces, emphasizing the importance of accuracy for a professional finish.

5. 8:08–9:23 Cut Carpet Pieces From How to Install Carpet Treads on Covered Porch Steps, Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads

   Using a sharp utility knife and a T-square or long straight edge, carefully cut the carpet pieces along the marked lines. Ensure your cuts are precise and clean. For the connecting edges between steps, a perfectly straight cut is essential for seamless joins. For other edges, maintain the extra inch of material you marked earlier. The presenter demonstrates cutting the carpet pieces, emphasizing the importance of accuracy for a professional finish.

Guides that use this video

• How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs
• How to Install Carpet Treads on Covered Porch Steps