How to Carpet the Top of Stairs

Measure the stair, and then cut the padding to cover the top of the stair.

Cut a piece of tackless strip to fit the stair or piece of carpet, and attach it to the back of the top of the stair. Repeat this for each stair in the staircase.

Cut another piece of tackless strip the same length as the first, and attach it to the front of the top of the stair, about an inch from the edge. Alternatively, you can place the tackless strip just underneath the edge of the stair on the top of the riser so that the carpet covers the edge of the stair.

Cut the carpet pad to fit each stair top, attach each pad to the tackless strip at the back, and secure each with a staple in the back corners and then every 6 inches, parallel to the strip.

Pull each pad down tightly to the next strip, and secure it with staples in the same manner.

Cut your carpet with a carpet knife so that it is about 1/2 inch longer on all sides than the carpet pad, if the stair is showing. If the stair will be covered completely, cut the carpet to fit the whole stair.

Lay the rug over the pad and make it fit tightly in the back, securing it with a carpet tack at the corners first and then every 4 inches across the back, down the edges and towards the front.

Continually smooth the carpet in place as you go.

Tuck the edge of the carpet underneath, if possible, before securing it on the riser. If securing on the front edge of the top of the stair, do not tuck it as this could cause a tripping hazard.