General Info:
A stair carpet runner will add pizazz and style to your abode. They can be costly or nearly cost free depending on your needs and technical abilities. In fact, a runner is a fairly easy installation to perform when given the correct tools and a little direction. This is true for straight staircases. If you however, have a spiral staircase you may want to hire a professional.
It will also offer warmth in the cooler months as well as added protection against slips and falls in your home. Why not consider making your home warmer and safer?
And, you have so many options these days when it comes to carpet. Choose thrifty measures or indulge in pleasurable higher end purchases. It’s up to you. You can buy off of the bulk roll at the local hardware store, check eBay.com, Craigslist.org, Home Depot, and the like. You can save on carpet and spend on rods. Rods will protect your stair carpet runner while enhancing your safety by making sure the carpet is extra secure while adding some gleam.
Self installation of your stair carpet runner is a whiz. You can even check your local carpet store and see if they rent the tools to do the job. It’s a cost savings worth checking into. You can ask them if they have any of the following to complete your home stair carpet runner project:
1. Carpet Knife
2. Knee Kicker
3. 9/16″ Electric Staple Gun
4. Rubber Mallet
5. Carpet Tool
6. Hack Saw (for rod trimming)
7. Tape Measure
8. Framing Square
9. Sheet Metal Snips
10. Eye Protection Goggles
Then once you have the tools of the trade, it’s on! It’s time to prep your staircase for your rug. Even if you have a spiral or winding staircase you may be able to do most of the preparation work yourself. This may include removal of the old carpet runner, removal of any glue or unwanted paint, staining or painting the staircase and associated walls, and cleaning the area in general in preparation for your new stair carpet runner! As you can see, prepping may take quite a bit of time and patience is the name of the game.
Now that you have prepped your staircase and gathered all the necessary tools and supplies you can look forward to a smooth installation of your stair carpet runner. Here are, in general the main steps:
1. Laying out of the stair-runner strips
2. Fitting of the carpet pad
3. Securing the runner to the first stair
4. Attaching the runner to treads
5. Fastening the runner to riser
6. Installing rods
In my opinion the fitting of the carpet pad is crucial to the successful outcome of your rug. You will want it taught and undetectable. To ensure your stair carpet runner is perfect you may wish to start over if there are any buckles in the carpet pad. A smooth foundation guarantees a happy landing!