Stair Carpet Calculator

Stair Carpet

The stair carpet calculator is designed to assist you in determining the appropriate dimensions of the carpet required to cover a set of stairs. Having an accurate measurement of the amount of carpet required can assist you in determining the appropriate quantity to buy and prevent overspending.

A guide to installing carpet on stairs

1. Cut Carpet Pad

Individually measure each step and precisely cut a high-quality carpet pad to fit each step and riser as depicted. It is recommended to cut the pad with precision to fit between the tackless strips that will be affixed to the back of the tread and the bottom of the riser.

In cases where the staircase exhibits curvature or the walls lack verticality, the utilization of a template for the purpose of cutting carpet pieces to fit each step would be rendered impracticable. Conversely, it is imperative to measure each individual step and subsequently tailor the carpet to conform to the dimensions of said steps.

2. Apply Tackless Strips

Methodically affix tackless strips onto the riser and back of each tread in the manner depicted. In order to establish the appropriate height for the tack strips, it is recommended to employ a spacer composed of two strips that have been affixed together using tape.

3. Staple Carpet Pad

To affix the carpet pad, utilize a hammer stapler and commence the process from the midpoint of each stair tread. Apply staples along the entire extent of the notepad. Affix the notepad immediately preceding the tackless strip using a stapler.


4. Shape Pad to Step

Apply the carpet pad by encircling the front edge of the steps and extending it downwards to cover the riser. The recommended procedure involves manipulating the pad to achieve a taut fit against both the tread and riser, followed by securing it to the riser using staples. In order to properly install the carpet with padding, it is necessary to create a template and precisely cut the carpet to fit the designated area.

5. Measure for Carpet and make template

In order to create the template, it is necessary to measure each step and riser individually, as there may be variations in their dimensions. Subsequently, employing a tape measure and a straightedge, proceed to trim the carpet to the size of the template.

6. Begin Installing Carpet on Stairs

Position the carpet at the center of the lower edge of the steps. Employ an awl tool to apply pressure on the carpet and affix it onto the tackless strip. The aforementioned action results in the establishment of a distinct demarcation between the lowermost step of the staircase and the surface of the floor.


7. Staple Carpet

Once satisfied with the positioning of the carpet, proceed to affix it onto the riser, situated just below the tread, by means of stapling. It is advisable to exercise caution and avoid stapling through the fold. Manipulate the electric carpet stapler in a back-and-forth motion within the carpet fibers to conceal any visible indentations caused by the staples.

8. Push Carpet Into Seam

Employing a knee kicker, proceed to extend the carpet into the seam that lies between the tread and the riser. Commence the task from the center and proceed horizontally.

9. Crease Carpet and Repeat

Manipulate the edges of the carpet around the step and employ a stair tool and a rubber mallet to create a fold in the carpet at the seam and fasten it to the tackless strip. Iterate through the process delineated in steps 7 to 10 in order to proceed with the installation of carpet on stairs until the task is finished.