How to Install Carpet on Wooden Stairs by the Waterfall Method

Center the carpeting at the top of the stairs. It is best to work going down the stairs for this project. Make sure the carpet is lined up straight and level with the end of the other flooring.

Roll the top edge of the carpet under and tack it into place. Pound in a strip of tacks with a hammer. Make sure they are seated firmly. Trim off the tack strip when you reach the edge of the carpeting.

Apply carpet adhesive with a paintbrush to the floor just underneath where you added the tacks and to the facing of the step. Do not over-coat, just a thin layer will be enough.

Pull the carpet very tight and then firmly place it on the adhesive. Make sure you have a good bond by kneeling on it once the carpet is down. Smooth it out and press with your hands on the facing before moving to the next stair.

Place adhesive on the next step area and facing, then unroll the next section of carpet. Keep the carpet rolled up to give yourself enough room to work. Pull tightly and press carpet into adhesive as you did in Step 4.

Continue applying adhesive and pressing the carpet until you reach the bottom of the stairs.

Trim the carpet to fit with a carpet knife. Leave yourself an extra half-inch for the bottom seal.

Roll the edge of the carpet under and tack it into place. Repeat the same process that you did for the top of the stairs.

Install carpet transition strips at the top and bottom of the stairs with a cordless screwdriver. Not only does this make the transition to other flooring seamless, but it also helps protect the edges of your carpet from fraying.

Screw in carpet transition strips at the top and bottom of the stairs. This will further protect the carpet's edge and provide a clean transition between the flooring.