Q&A for How to Carpet Stairs

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Is it OK to hammer the tack nails down if they're sticking up through the rug?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Absolutely. Hammer down the nails or try and bend them over so they don't stick up through the rug.

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How can I re-tack carpet that pulled away from one step?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Try to reattach the carpet to the tack strips. If they are bent, they are no longer good. Use glue to affix the carpet in place at the step.

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Question

I've read the tackless strip instructions twice and still do not understand how to install them. Do the hooks go a certain way?

Community Answer

The pins should face into the angle of the stair. So those on the tread face to the back and those on the riser face "down".

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Question

Should I start at the top or the bottom when carpeting stairs?

Community Answer

Most fitters start from the top, purely because it is easier (you can hold the roll in your knee area). However, you can start from the bottom if you wish.

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Question

My house has many electrical cables below the stairs. Could the nails pass through the cables?

Community Answer

No! That would cause an electrical short. You either need to map out where they are and nail elsewhere, or use short enough nails/staples so there is no chance of hitting the wires.

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Should I do the trim around the stairs and wall before having carpet installed?

Community Answer

No, this would best be done afterwards.

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Can I install a temporary carpet over an existing carpet on stairs?

Community Answer

No. This is a serious tripping hazard, as there is likely nothing there to hold the second layer down and out of the way.

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