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Utility knife
Hammer
Safety glasses
Obviously you'll need to remove all the old carpet. Get rid of the tack strips
and don't try to use the old padding. Make sure any nails and staples are
removed and sweep down the area to be carpeted.
Before you get started you're going to have to figure out how much carpet you'll
need. To calculate the width simply measure across the tread. If your stairs are
open on one or both ends make sure to measure under the nosing to where it meets
the riser and add it to the total width. Figure the total length of your flight
of stairs by measuring the tread and riser. Assuming your going to use carpet
pad make sure to add at least 3 inches per stair. If your steps have nosing add
one foot to the total flight measurement.
Okay, let's get started. Apply the tack strip to the stair crotch location. Next
you'll need to tighten the carpet by tucking in the crotch. You can do this by
using a knee kicker. It is a tool used to install carpet in small areas and
stairs. It consists of a piece of metal tubing with a pin plate attached to it.
On the other end it has a padded cushion where you can position your knee to
apply pressure to the carpet. You should be able to find one at your local
rental store. Simply place the padded end several inches above your knee and add
pressure.
This is where you will use the knee kicker:
To attach to the tack strip you need to use the knee kicker to stretch the
carpet straight from the center of the tread and hook it to the tack strip
located at the crotch. Once the carpet has been hooked to the tack strip you
need to firmly attach it by sliding your carpet tool back and forth to compress
the pins. Using your utility knife or carpet knife trim as needed. A carpet
knife is better as it has two sides and is sharper than a utility knife. Repeat
this process on each side of the tread. Before going to the next tread make sure
the carpet is smoothed out on the riser and then staple to the stair lip. I
would recommend you staple about every 2 inches. Don't forget to also staple
along the edge of the riser.
Make sure to step back and take a look at your work before going on to the next
tread. Is the carpet smooth? Did you kick it in evenly? It is also a good time
to give your knees and back a rest. If everything looks good the continue onto
the next tread. If not you'll have to pull the carpet off and install it again.
Repeat this process until you are finished.
Once finished stand back and admire your work and give yourself a pat on the
back. You now have a beautiful looking staircase.
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