There are many ways that you can revamp your home’s interiors, and one of them is installing carpets on stairs.
Let’s be honest—stairs can look a bit boring, and this makes sense since they’re more about function than form. But by wrapping them up with a nice-looking carpet, you can also make your stairs look so much better!
Not only does installing carpets on stairs make them look good, but it can also make your stairs safe, add some warmth to them, and reduce noise. Now, installing carpets in general can be a real chore, but with the right guidance, it can be done pretty easily. You could also just call a professional carpet installer to help if you don’t have the time
So let’s take a look at how you can carpet your stairs and when and how you should look for a professional carpet installer if you can’t do it yourself.
Prepping for the project
First things first, you need to prepare your stairs before carpeting them if you want to get the best results. This means cleaning the stairs, removing old carpeting (if they were already carpeted), and taking off any loose nails. During this time, make sure to check the condition of your stairs and see if there are any repairs needed—don’t forget to be careful when making repairs!
After this, you need to measure your stairs carefully. Measure the width and depth of every step. You need to do this to make sure that you purchase just the right amount of carpet and padding, without any excess.
Speaking of padding, you’ll want to go for quality here. Good padding can help extend the overall lifespan of your carpet and also make your stairs more comfortable to walk on.
Choosing your carpet
When choosing a carpet, you need to think about the wear and tear your stairs are probably going to experience. Look for a durable and stain-resistant carpet—this is usually the best choice if you have children and pets. Also, don’t forget to think about the color and style of the carpet and try to get it to complement your home’s interior.
1. Durability
Stairs get used a lot in your home, so you’ll want to choose a very durable carpet. Keep an eye out for carpets that are made from very durable materials, such as polyester, wool, and nylon. Also, carpets made from high-density fibers tend to be exceptionally durable.
2. Thickness and pile
Thick, plush carpets may feel very comfy and luxurious, but they’re not great for stairs. If the carpet is too thick, it can become a tripping hazard and it can also make it difficult to wrap the carpet securely around the edge of the stairs. Opt for a medium-pile carpet.
3. Style and color
Think about the overall style and color scheme of your home when you’re picking carpets for your stairs. Lighter colors can brighten up your stairs, but darker colors can help hide dirt and damage. Also, if your stairs are near an entrance, think about how the color of the carpet will match the flooring in adjacent rooms.
4. Stair design
The design of your stairs will play a big role in the carpeting you choose. Depending on the shape and size of your stairs, you’ll need to choose carpets that are made from materials that can accommodate the design.
5. Safety
Loop or textured carpets may increase traction, preventing slipping and fall accidents from occurring. Another thing to take into account is the fire resistance of the carpet, especially if the stairs are a part of the escape route in the case of an emergency.
6. Maintenance
Another important thing to consider is the maintenance and cleaning of the carpet. Carpets can be harder to clean, unlike floors, so make sure to choose carpets that are easy to clean.
7. Cost
Your budget is super important. High-quality carpets are more durable than their cheaper counterparts, but they can be more expensive. So think carefully about the cost and compare it with your budget.
Installing the carpet
So here’s the main feature—how to install your carpets! Here’s what you need to do:
1. Cutting the padding
First, cut the padding to fit each thread, making sure to leave a small gap around the edges. This will ensure that the carpet is properly secured.
2. Attaching the tack strips
Make sure to install tack strips at the back of each thread along the bottom of each riser. What these strips do is they help your carpet in one place.
3. Laying the carpet
When laying the carpet, start from the top of the stairs, making sure to secure it to the tack strip of the first riser. By using a knee kicker, stretch the carpet over the tread and onto the next riser, securing the thread as you go.
4. Finishing touches
Once all of the carpet is installed, just trim the excess pieces and use a stair tool to tuck the carpet into the crevices to make it look tidy.
Calling in the pros
Here’s when to consider making that call:
1. Complex stair layouts
In case your stairs have a lot of curves, landings, or unusual shapes, a professional installer can fit the carpet correctly and make it look show-stopping.
2. High-quality carpet
In case you’ve invested in a high-end carpet, you might want to consider having a professional install it. They’ll make sure that your carpet is installed without any damage.
3. Time and tools
Installing carpets on stairs will require the right tools and the expertise to boot. If you don’t have the tools and the know-how to get the job done, you should call a professional instead.
Choosing the ideal carpet installer
Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a carpet installer:
1. Research online
Begin searching for carpet installers by searching online for them in your area first. Sites such as Yelp or Google My Business may offer a list of installers accompanied by clients’ opinions and ratings.
2. Ask for recommendations
Start by asking your friends, relatives, and acquaintances if they can provide you with any leads regarding carpet installers. Personal recommendations almost always point you to trustworthy professionals.
3. Check their experience
Experience is very important, so make sure to gauge the level of experience of the carpet installers and choose from installers who have been in the business for several years.
Installing carpets on stairs isn’t easy
Carpets can make your home’s stairs look great but carpeting stairs can be a little difficult to do on your own. So if you want a flawless carpet installation for your home, get in touch with a reliable professional in your area today!