How to Install a Carpet Runner on Marble Stairs

Measure the rise and tread of the bottom step, add them together and multiply by the number of stairs that you need to cover. For instance, if your bottom step is standard, the rise is 7 inches and the tread -- the combination of the run and nose -- is 12 inches. Add these together to get 19 inches. Multiply by the number of steps. In our example of standard stairs we will use 13 steps, to get 247 inches.

Add the length for the landings at the bottom and top of the staircase to the stair measurements. Use inches to combine like measurements.

Convert the total measurement in inches to feet by dividing by 12 to reach the number of linear feet you need for your stairs runner. Add on a couple of feet to make sure you have enough in the event you cut wrong.

Roll the carpet stair runner inside out, starting with the bottom end of the runner. As you work your way down the stairs, you will slowly unroll it, one step at a time.

Apply a 1/4-inch bead of the marble glue to the top riser. Place the glue where the carpet starts, then at the top edge of the nose and along the sides in a straight line. Continue the glue along the sides of the riser, at the top and bottom of the riser and then an S-line to the center area of the riser. Repeat this pattern of glue for the first three steps from the top.

Lay the carpet over the glue, pressing it firmly in place as you slowly unroll the carpet. Keep the carpet straight and press it into the corners of the steps for a close fit.

Apply glue to the next three stairs as before and press the carpet into the glue. Work slowly down the stairs, being careful not to walk on the carpet after you install it.

Trim off any excess carpet once you get to the bottom of the last riser, using a sharp utility knife. Press the carpet into the bead of glue on the stairs.