Update Your Staircase: How to Remove and Install Carpet on the Stairs

Wondering how to remove and install carpet on the stairs in your home? Many of us have lived with tired, worn-out carpet on the stairs for too long. Staircases can be intimidating to tackle, which is why old carpeting tends to overstay its welcome.

If you’re ready to upgrade your carpeted staircase, you can learn how to remove and install carpet or a runner rug.

We hope you find this tutorial helpful, with its details and photographs to guide you. I’ll show you how to remove old carpet from your staircase, prep and paint the stairs, and install a runner rug. Freshen up your home with a new carpet on your staircase.

Of course, there are many types of staircases, and yours may be different from this example, but I’ll give you tips to solve any problems you might encounter. This project can save on carpet installation costs, and you can customize it to your liking. Ready?

Let’s get started.

DIY Level: Intermediate

Remove and Install Carpet on Your Staircase with These Materials

For removing the carpet:

– flat screwdriver & pliers

– crowbar & hammer

– gloves

– muscles & patience

For prepping and painting the stairs:

– medium (150-grit) sandpaper

– wood filler & putty knife

– caulk

– primer

– floor paint (or similar)

For installing carpet on the stairs:

To start this staircase overhaul, you’ll need a non-slip rug pad, runner rug(s), measuring tape (optional but recommended), heavy duty scissors, and a staple gun or electric stapler.

Below are photos of the staircase before carpet removal. The carpet is worn and dirty and needs a facelift. No pre-vacuuming was done prior to starting the carpet removal.

To remove carpet from a staircase, you’ll need to follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by removing any carpeting or padding on the stairs. Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into manageable sections and then pull it up from the bottom of the stairs.

2. Once the carpet is removed, you may notice staples or tack strips that were used to secure the carpet. Use pliers to pull out any staples or nails, being careful not to damage the wood underneath.

3. After removing the staples or nails, inspect the stairs for any damage or necessary repairs. Fill in any holes or cracks with wood filler and sand down the surface to create a smooth finish.

4. Next, decide if you want to leave the stairs uncovered or finish them with a new material. If you choose to leave them uncovered, you can paint or stain the wood for a fresh look. If you prefer to add a new material, consider options like hardwood, laminate, or tile.

5. If you decide to add a new material, measure the dimensions of each step and purchase the appropriate amount of flooring material. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, whether it’s adhesive-backed or floating.

6. Install the new flooring material starting from the bottom step and working your way up. Make sure each piece is secure and level before moving on to the next step.

7. Once the new flooring is installed, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Your newly renovated staircase will add a fresh and stylish touch to your home.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily remove carpet from your staircase and give it a renewed look.

Removing Carpet: Step One – Loosen the Carpet

Start by removing the carpet. Grab a corner of the carpet and pull until it loosens from one of the top staircase corners. Continue pulling to remove the carpet from the entire stair riser.

I suggest focusing on one section at a time, such as completing one riser before moving on to the adjoining tread.

TIP: Wear gloves and be careful. The staples are vicious and sneaky.

Removing Carpet Step Two: Loosen Staples From the Riser

After removing the carpet, use a flat screwdriver to loosen all staples from the riser. Be careful not to damage the wood, especially if your goal is to paint the stairs without adding a runner.

Removing Carpet – Step Three: Use Pliers to Pull Staples Out

Pliers can be used to remove staples from the wood. Before moving on, run your hand gently (while wearing gloves) across the riser surface to check for any remaining staples. You may find a few that were hidden and remove them.

Removing Carpet Step Four: Remove Tack Strips and Carpet Pad on Treads

Remove tack strips and carpet pad on treads. Tack strips are strips of wood with grippers (nails) that cling to carpeting. Use a crowbar and hammer to carefully remove them from the tread.

Tip #1: Removing Carpet

If the carpet pad is in good shape, you can leave some of it attached to the tread for cushioning beneath the runner rug. Remove only the sides of the carpet pad on each tread and leave the rest intact.

The carpet being removed here is the third carpet job these stairs have seen, judging by the remnants of shag I pulled up. There are plenty of nail and staple holes.

The risers and treads were prepared by removing staples, trimming the carpet pad, and removing tack strips.

Removing Carpet Step 5: Continue Down the Staircase

Continue removing carpet components down the entire staircase. I typically pulled off the carpet of two or three stairs, then cut it with a razor blade before removing staples.

Tip #2 for Removing Carpet

Keeping the carpet below you intact while removing staples from the stairs above provides you with a safe place to sit or work from.

Here’s a view of the staircase after removing most of the carpet from the straight stairs. Removing carpet from wedge-shaped treads is not a magical process. (Note: A staircase with a turn, like the bottom three steps here, is called a “winder.”)

Prepping & Painting Staircase Before Installing Carpet

When installing carpet on a staircase, it’s essential to properly prep and paint the surface beforehand. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth installation process and a finished look that will last.

Before you begin painting, it’s important to thoroughly clean the staircase. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Pay special attention to corners and crevices, as these areas tend to accumulate more dirt.

Next, fill in any cracks or holes in the staircase with a wood filler. This will help create a smooth and even surface for painting. After applying the wood filler, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Once the wood filler is dry, sand the entire staircase. Use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches or imperfections. Sanding also helps to promote adhesion between the surface and the paint.

After sanding, wipe down the staircase with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. This step is crucial for achieving a clean and dust-free surface before painting.

Now it’s time to prime the staircase. Apply a coat of primer to the entire surface, using a paintbrush or roller. Primer helps to seal the wood and provides a base for the paint to adhere to.

Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply the paint. Choose a high-quality paint specifically designed for use on stairs. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding.

This will ensure a durable and long-lasting finish.

After the paint has dried, inspect the staircase for any touch-ups or touch-ups. If you notice any imperfections or areas that need additional coverage, use a small brush to touch up the paint.

Finally, give the paint ample time to cure before installing the carpet. This will ensure that the paint is fully dry and won’t be damaged during the installation process.

In conclusion, prepping and painting the staircase before installing carpet is a crucial step in achieving a professional and long-lasting result. By following these steps and taking the time to properly prepare the surface, you can ensure a smooth installation process and a finished look that will stand the test of time.

Painting Staircase Step One: Use Wood Filler to Fill Holes

Fill all holes with wood filler. You could sand before this step to better identify the holes. I just vacuumed and started, as the only nail and staple holes I wanted to conceal were on the 4” sides of each riser and tread.

Wood filler recommendations include using a putty knife. This tool creates a smooth finish and is inexpensive.

In areas with wood damage, like splintering or chipping, the putty knife application was useful.

I used my finger to fill small holes, which was more efficient. Allow the wood filler to dry thoroughly (at least 2 hours).

Painting Staircase Step Two: Sand Down

Use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth dried wood filler. Sand all surfaces, including risers and treads, to achieve a smooth finish. Repeat wood filler application as necessary. (Note: I used two tubes of wood filler for this example.)

Painting Staircase Step Three: Caulk

After achieving the desired surface smoothness (which may take a day or two), you may need to caulk the edges of the stairs that were previously covered by carpet.

If you are installing a runner rug, you won’t need to caulk along the middle of the steps.

Caulk the edges of the risers, treads, and nosings, as well as where the tread meets the bottom of the riser.

Here’s the prepped staircase, which has been filled and sanded (multiple passes), and caulked. After the caulk dries, it will be ready for priming and painting.

Painting Stairs Step One: Prime the Stairs

I used an angled brush to prime the caulk and stair wood. I applied generous measurements on the sides, going further than the runner rug.

Primer dries quickly, and by the time I finished the edges, they were ready for paint. You could lightly sand if you wanted.

Painting Stairs Step Two: Paint the Stairs

(Note: I am not affiliated with Benjamin Moore paints, but this new product – BM Advance – is phenomenal for stairs. It’s easy to spread, self-leveling, and low-VOC – a trifecta of paint perfection for a staircase in the middle of your home. Plus, when it dries, the stuff is comparable to oil paints in durability. I can’t recommend it enough for a project like this.)

Stir it up. If you prefer, tape off your edges when you paint.

Spread the paint in the designated areas (around 4” on the sides of the stairs). Apply the paint liberally to ensure an even surface. The brush strokes will level out on their own, resulting in a smooth finish. Allow the paint to dry.

Lightly sand any areas that require it, then apply additional coats as desired. I personally applied three coats.

Installing Carpet: Step One – Measure

Calculate the amount of rug needed. Measure one tread, nosing, and riser. For a straight staircase, multiply this number by the number of stairs and add the height of one riser.

For a winder staircase, measure the longest distance on the wedge-shaped tread, plus nosing and riser. Repeat for all non-rectangular steps and add the totals.

For reference, my total for the staircase was 22.75’. I ordered three 8’ rugs, totaling 24’, which was almost enough. I had about 1’ left over.

Make sure you have some extra length in your rugs for any necessary seaming.

Installing Carpet Step Two: Prepare Your Non-Stick Rug Pad

Cut rug pad to fit each tread and nosing. To save on cost, I ordered a 5’ x 8’ rug pad and cut it down accordingly.

TIP: You don’t need to pad the risers.

Take the tread plus nosing measurement; this will be the depth of your cut rug pads. Cut the width of the pad to be 2” less than the width of your runner rug (or, in other words, 1” spare on each side).

Installing Carpet: Step Three – Non-Stick Rug Pad Installation

Staple the rug pad in place. Position it in the center of your stair using a measuring tape as a guide, then secure it with staples.

TIP: You can eyeball this if you’re confident.

Place staples in the pad’s corners on the tread and three on the underside of the nosing – two on the sides and one in the middle.

Tip for Installing Carpet

The wedge-shaped steps also received the same rug pad treatment, but with triangular pieces.

Installing Carpet Step Four: Lay Your Runner Rug

Place your runner rug on the staircase to ensure you have enough material. Check if any extra is available after your calculations.

(Note: In this example, the runner rugs were slightly wider than advertised. Make sure your rugs are the correct size for your staircase before starting the project.)

Knowing your rug situation before placing it permanently is helpful. This includes identifying the location of the seams. Here is a photo of the runner rug(s) loosely positioned on my stairs.

Installing Carpet: Start at Bottom of Staircase for Runner Rug

Start installing the runner rug at the bottom of the staircase. If you have a straight staircase, skip ahead to Step 9 for easy and quick installation, unlike those with tricky winder staircases.

Installing Carpet Step Six: Measuring

Center your runner rug on the staircase by using a measuring tape. Staple the bottom of the rug to the first riser.

To keep the runner rug straight and taut, staple along the bottom edge every 2″ to 3″.

Don’t be alarmed about the visible staples. They can be seen if you look for them, but overall they are not noticeable enough to worry about.

Installing Carpet: Step Seven – Attaching the Rug to the Riser

Attach the rug to the riser, directly under the nosing. Ensure the runner rug is straight and pull it taut before firmly securing it to the top of the riser. I recommend using staples, placed every 2″ to 3″. The number of staples may vary depending on the type of rug and your personal preference.

These staples will be hidden by the nosing.

There, that wasn’t so hard, right? It’s about to get a bit tricky, but you already have some experience, so you’ll do fine.

Installing Carpet on Wedge-Shaped Treads

To install a runner rug on the wedge-shaped treads, measure the desired distance from the wall in the farthest corner of each tread.

Pull the rug taut along this edge, then place one staple on the bottom of the riser in this corner.

Installing Carpet Step Nine: Working on the Corner

Pull the rug taut along the other, nearest corner of the wedge-shaped tread, ensuring the runner rug is parallel to the walls. Place a staple in this corner. Smooth the rug face over this wedge-shaped tread, pull it taut, then staple along the edge.

TIP: Place the staples on the bottom of the riser, close to the tread.

Measure the wall-edge distance up the riser and at the nosing of the far corner above your wedge-shaped tread. Place a staple under the nosing here.

Gently pull your rug along the widest part of the next wedge-shaped tread to meet up with the next riser at the same wall-distance measurement.

Place a staple on the bottom of this riser to keep the rug in position.

Keep in Mind When Installing Carpet Runners on Your Stairs

You’ve noticed a mess near the short end of the wedge-shaped stair’s riser. Don’t worry, you can take care of these extra rug inches shortly. Depending on the severity of the angle of your winder staircase, you may end up with too much rug to secure on the riser.

That was the case with this example. If so, pull the edge of the runner rug up the riser near the wedge tread’s short corner.

(Note: This will NOT make a perpendicular rug line up the riser.) Carefully determine where you can cut the runner rug to omit excess bulk. You will fold the runner rug down over this rug flap, over the riser, and secure a folded edge of the folded-over rug to the bottom of the riser.

It is imperative that you practice folding the runner rug several times to ensure its proper placement and required length before cutting. Once cut, you cannot undo the action.

Installing Carpet Step Ten: Cut a Triangle

Cut out a triangle of rug carefully. The folding will thin out the bulk. In the photo above, fold the piece of the rug I’m holding under and secure it to the bottom of the riser directly below the orange triangles.

This will make the rug lie vertically perpendicular up the riser.

Secure the first flap under the nosing.

Work with the hanging-over runner rug so that it lies perpendicular along the nosing.

Installing Carpet Step Eleven: Staple in Place

Staple the corner of the rug in place, directly over your first loosely stapled flap. Make sure the rug is perfectly perpendicular to the floor. Staple it into the underside of the nosing.

Ignore the bubbled appearance of the rug at the bottom of the riser for now.

To secure the runner rug, staple it every 2”-3” on the underside of the nosing, keeping it taut and perpendicular.

Installing Carpet Step Twelve: Fold Over and Staple

Carefully fold the bottom edge of the rug so that it touches the tread top; staple every 2”-3”.

Installing Carpet Step Thirteen: Repeat

Repeat this method for the subsequent wedge-shaped steps. First, secure the proper alignment of the widest edge of the runner rug by stapling a “holder” underneath the nosing. Then, align the rug with the next step and place a “holder” staple in the bottom of the next riser at both the wide wedge-edge corner and the narrow corner…

Installing Carpet Step Fourteen: Smooth Out

Smooth the rug on the tread by working backward to the previous nosing and bottom of the previous riser – carefully cutting out excess while leaving enough for folding under.

Installing Carpet: Align the Runner Rug

Align the runner rug for straight stairs with the end of the rug for wedge-shaped stairs. (Note: It’s acceptable to do a victory dance when the wedge-shaped stairs are completed. That was not easy.) The straight staircase will be easy after those.

Installing Carpet Step Sixteen: Install the Runner Rug Up the Straight Staircase

To install the runner rug on a straight staircase, staple it securely across the bottom of the riser every 2-3 inches. Ensure that the rug is perpendicular and taut. Then, pull the rug upwards and staple the center directly under the nosing.

Staple the rug outward on one side, maintaining tension and vertical alignment until reaching the edge. Return to the center and staple in the opposite direction towards the opposite edge. Smooth the rug around the nosing and onto the next tread, then staple it to the bottom of the next riser as close to the tread as possible, working from the center towards the sides.

When a seam is needed, cut and fold the end of the used-up rug a few inches above stapling it to the bottom of the riser. Staple the folded edge wherever it falls on the riser.

Place the next runner rug over this folded end so the new rug is lying along the riser and touching the top of the tread; staple this end to the bottom of the riser every 2”-3” then continue.

Installing Carpet Step Seventeen: Finishing the Process

Finish off the rug. When you reach the top riser in your staircase, cut the rug with 2”-4” of excess.

Fold the excess to create a neat edge.

To make the content more concise, eliminate redundant words or phrases, and enhance readability and clarity, you can use the following revised text:

Pull the folded end of the runner rug under the flooring’s “nosing”.

Review: Staple it securely in place.

Installing Carpet Step Eighteen: Congratulations – Your Work is Done!

Admire your new and improved staircase.

I love the fresh feeling of this runner rug on the stairs compared to the tired shag carpet that was here a few days ago.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do You Install Carpet?

If you want to save money on a home renovation, you can install the carpet yourself. Alternatively, hiring a professional is generally easier since they have all the necessary tools for the job. The tools needed can be purchased or rented, saving more money.

Use tackless strips against the walls to hold the carpet in place when installing it in a full room. A knee-kicker is a helpful tool to jam the carpet into the edges of a room or stairs. To ensure an even carpet, use a stretcher to prevent movement after installation.

Lastly, use a steam roller to press down the new carpet and make it stick to the adhesive underneath.

Cost of Carpet Installation

The carpet installation cost depends on the room where the carpet is being changed. The price range is between $3.50 and $11 per square foot and includes both carpet materials and labor. However, the final cost will vary depending on the company and carpet quality.

While a large carpet fitting project can be expensive, many homeowners find it more convenient than doing it themselves.

Tipping Carpet Installers

Tipping carpet installers is a personal choice, and around 50% of homeowners do tip. If you have a team of installers working in your home, consider tipping them between $10 and $40 each. If the job is extensive or challenging, you may want to increase the tip accordingly.

To install carpet on stairs, lay the carpet down and stretch it between the walls. Hammer it onto the tackless strips placed on each wall. Stretch the carpet to the stair riser and back wall, then hammer it down.

Finish by placing the transition piece on the landing, stretching it, and hammering it into place.

Installing carpet alone is possible.

Carpet can be heavy and challenging to move, so depending on the project size, it’s best to have someone assist you and carry the carpet into place. Most carpet fitters use tools like a stretcher, which makes the process easier alone or in a small team. While you may save money by installing the carpet alone, incorrect installation can waste time and money in the long run.

Wait at least twenty-four hours before putting furniture back on new carpet. Moving heavy furniture too soon can damage the carpet and undo the work of your carpet fitters.

In conclusion, it is crucial to take into account the weight and difficulty of moving carpet. Having assistance and using proper tools can make the installation process easier. Additionally, waiting for new carpet to settle before placing furniture is essential to prevent damage.

While there are many steps in the process, most of them are easy to complete. We hope you enjoy renovating your home with this DIY project, and the upgrade to your staircase will bring new life to one of the most used parts of your house. For more DIY ideas, check out our tutorial on removing and installing a bathroom faucet!