Stair carpet should be wear and crush resistant. A good stain guard is also preferable for stair tread carpet.

When it comes to carpet, stair treads can be tricky. There are many different ways to learn about carpeting stairs. The method you choose should depend on your personal preferences, the type of stairs and a few other structural items.

One popular way to carpet stairs is to use narrow tacks strips like those used for wall-to-wall carpeting. With this method, begin at the bottom of the stairs, and start with a roll of carpet that is the right width to cover the stairs. Install the strips with the points facing up, so they bite into the carpet and hold it into place.

Another option for carpeting stairs is to use tack strips that are made especially for stairs. They’re like those made for wall-to-wall carpet except they have opposing barbs to hold the carpet in a corner from two directions at a time.

Decorative stair rods are an alternative to using the tack strips too. These stair rods are placed at each turn on the stair tread. You can staple or wedge the stair rods into the step/rise joint with a stair tool. Some people prefer them, because it eliminates the need for tack strips, but some people don’t like seeing the fasteners.

To install the carpet padding, you can just staple it to the tread and riser using a staple gun. Then the carpet can be laid using the tack strip or decorative stair rod method. Installing carpet on stairs can be a bit tricky. Placing the carpet up the riser from the tread without give or play in the carpet material is important, because the carpet the carpet must stay stable to prevent falls.

The same is true for the tread portion of your stairs. Laying the carpet on a flat tread is easier than placing it on a ninety-degree riser, but with a bit of practice, you should be able to do it. Even a moderately efficient do-it-yourselfer can get good results when they install carpet on stairs.

If you purchase a stair carpet runner for covering your stairs, the methods of placement are the same. The main difference in fully carpeted stairs and a carpet stair runner is that, with carpet runners, you’ll have exposed stairs on each side of the runner. Again, make sure the runner is secure and safe on all sides to prevent slipping and falling on stairs, and if you use carpet protectors for stairs, be sure they are secure as well.

Extra thick stair padding can cause falls too, when someone steps on the padded edge. Stair treads made of carpet are another option. Just think safety first, and choose your carpeting wisely!