Changing the look of a stair case is an easy and inexpensive home improvement project, if you simply install a new stair carpet.
Installing a new stair carpeting is an easy thing to do, it does not cost a lot of money and does not require out of the ordinary skills, but it can provide a whole new look and level of comfort to your interior.
If your staircase ends on a landing or hallway, most do, you will want to choose a motif or colors that will reflect the atmosphere of the area. You might also choose a design that allows you to show your individuality and sense of style. Installing a new carpeting on your stairs can hide defects or damages in the steps, however, it has more than just esthetic benefits. An old staircase will look new again and will last many more years without needing replacement, carpet is cheaper than replacing a staircase. In addition noises from traffic on the stairs will be greatly reduced, thus making your home a more pleasant place.
If you are going to install carpet you will need a few basic things. Carpet (of course,) when buying your carpet pay attention to the thickness. If your stairwell receives much traffic, it might be more economical to choose a better and thicker quality that will last longer. You need to calculate how much carpet to buy to ensure that you have enough to finish the job. Then you will need a few common tools, small nails and a hammer, a strong pair of scissors or a cutter (preferably on the larger side,) carpet glue and an adhesive spreader, you will also need a large sheet of paper.
There are three steps to install stair carpet. The first is the preparation of the surface where you will install your carpet. The steps should be smooth and thoroughly cleaned. Then you need to gather all you materials and make a pattern. If your stairs are straight and even you will only need one pattern, if however your stairs curve or have steps different from others, then you will need to make a pattern for each step. You make the pattern with the sheet of paper, you measure the width of the step and the going, you add the nosing and the rise, as shown on the image below.
Once you have your pattern use it to cut the carpet with the cutter or scissors. Cut one piece for each step. If you steps are uneven, I would advise to number the pattern and the pieces as soon as they are cut. An important note: add an extra 1/2 inch on each side where the carpet will meet the wall. Finally you are ready to install the carpet on the steps. Start by spreading glue with the adhesive spreader ($5.40 at Amazon), then lay the carpet on the step, fix the carpet in place with small nails, and wait until the glue dried completely. If you see loose threads it is normal simply cut them with scissors. Repeat this process with each step.
When finished your new stair carpet might look something like this.
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