How to Install an Oriental Carpet Stair Runner

Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the riser and the back of the stair tread on every step. Total the measurement of one tread and riser, and multiply this number by how many steps you have on the staircase. Use this measurement to cut your oriental carpet runner.

Mark the center of each step with a pencil. You will use this center line to position the oriental carpet runner.

Subtract 2 inches from the width of each stair tread, and cut the tackless strips according to these measurements. Place a scrap piece of wood up against the back of the stair tread. Make sure this scrap piece of wood is 1 inch in length, keeping a space of 1 inch between the back of the stair tread and the tackless strip.

Center one tackless strip on each stair tread, butted against the scrap wood. Keep the tacks on the tackless strip facing back toward the riser. Use a hammer to secure the tackless strip to the stair tread. Repeat this process until all the steps have a tackless strip.

Measure the length of each stair tread, starting at the tackless strip and continuing to the underside of the tread nose. Cut carpet padding using these measurements. Make sure the width of the carpet pad is the same as the tackless strip. Repeat for each step.

Place the carpet pad so it is butted up against the tackless strip. Staple the carpet pad in place, spacing the staples every 3 inches. Wrap the carpet pad around the nose of the tread, and staple the padding to the underside of the tread nose. Cut the excess padding hanging down from the nose with scissors.

Brush latex carpet glue onto the cut edges of the carpet runner, if needed. Allow the glue to dry for one hour before installing the oriental carpet runner. The glue will keep the cut edges from fraying and looking unsightly over time.

Unroll the carpet runner upward at least four steps, keeping the center of the carpet runner over the marked center line on each step. Staple the bottom of the carpet runner to the bottom of the first riser every 3 inches.

Pull the carpet runner to the first tackless strip, and tighten the runner onto the strip by using the knee kicker, starting at the center of the runner and working outward. Repeat upward for each step.

Pack the carpet runner into the space where the bottom of the riser meets the top of the tread, or stair crotch, using the carpet tool and rubber mallet. Staple both side edges of the carpet runner at the stair crotch. Staple the carpet runner 2 inches up from the bottom of the stair riser on each side. Repeat for each step.

Cut the very top of the carpet runner so it fits tight against the underside of the last stair nose. Brush all cut edges and ends with the latex carpet glue. Staple the top of the carpet runner to the top of the last riser every 3 inches.