How to Put Carpet on Stairs in 10 Steps for a Perfect Fit
You need carpet that won’t shift underfoot, which means choosing between waterfall installation, where the runner flows continuously over each step’s nose, or cap-and-band style, which wraps individual treads and risers separately for a tailored look that holds up in high-traffic areas exceeding 100 daily trips.
Your first move is measuring every tread’s depth, typically 10 to 11 inches, and each riser’s height, usually 7 to 8 inches, then adding a 6-inch waste allowance per step and accounting for seam placement every 12 to 15 feet of runner length.
The right pad, such as 3/8-inch rebond foam with 6- to 8-pound density, taped with double-sided acrylic adhesive rated for 5-year minimum hold, determines whether your installation lasts 5 years or 15.
What most guides skip is the critical tension sequence that separates professional results from callbacks.