Installation Details for Carpet Rods on Stairs

Carpet rods are metal rods available in the same finishes as curtain rods, such as brass, antique brass, polished brass, bronze and pewter. Like curtain rods, they often have decorative finials at the ends. Unlike curtain rods, carpet rods do not serve any functional purpose, such as holding the carpet runner in place. The runner is installed with tackless carpet strips and staples. The carpet rods merely add an elegant finishing touch to your carpeted staircase.

Tape measure
Pencil
Hacksaw or jigsaw with metal-cutting blade
Electric drill
1/16-inch drill bit
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of your stair runner. Stair runners are generally 27 or 32 inches wide. Select carpet rods that are the appropriate size for your runner. Your carpet rods should be at least 4 inches longer than the stair runner is wide if they are 1/2 inch in diameter, 5 inches longer if the carpet rod is 5/8 inch in diameter and 6 inches longer if the carpet rod is 3/4 inch in diameter.
- 2
  Place the mounting brackets on each side of the carpet runner, making certain that they are centered on the runner. The carpet rod is installed at the intersection of the bottom of a riser and the back of a stair tread. Make a mark at each screw hole in the carpet rod bracket. One screw goes into the stair tread and one into the riser.
- 3
  Remove the mounting brackets and drill a 1/16-inch pilot hole at each mark you made.
- 4
  Confirm that your carpet rod will fit between the brackets. If it is too long, trim it with a hacksaw or a jigsaw fitted with a blade for cutting metal.
- 5
  Slide the mounting brackets over the ends of the carpet rod and attach the finials.
- 6
  Put the mounting brackets back in place and use the screws provided to affix them to the stair.

Carpet Removal Instructions

Installation of Carpet Edges

Carpeting