Custom Carpeted Staircases: 7 Tips for Top Quality Installations

There are a few factors that need to be considered prior to
any carpet installation on stairs. Now add the complexity
of a custom designed & fabricated installation & you have
an even bigger challenge. Are you up for it?

Follow these tips for a smooth & fearless custom carpeted
staircase installation. First a hypothetical.

I'm going to predict that you have successfully designed &
bid the project. Your client loved your design & can't wait
to have it installed. You're also getting paid very well
for this installation because you're one of the few highly
trained rug fabricators in your area. Your client expects
to pay for your expertise & you'll probably earn every
penny!

Tip #1. Team up with a qualified carpet installer. Nearly
all staircase projects will be brokered through a carpet
dealer. There will likely be a full carpet install & the
staircase is just a part of the whole project. Sit down
with the carpet dealer & installer & iron out the strategy
for the install.

A) What type of staircase is this? Box stairs, side wrap,
spiral, bullnose or is it a custom staircase?

B) Depending on the type of staircase & the design you've
created, You may have a simple 'waterfall' installation
where you are installing 3-5 or more steps in 1 piece. This
only works if the design is simple & straight forward -
like a border design - or a stair runner install.

C) When installing a custom staircase, a spiral staircase,
or your design needs precision placement - lets say you
have a rose on each side that falls exactly on the
tread/step. You'll then need to install each step
seperately.

Tip #2. Make an exact template of each step. Ideally you
would use the exisiting stair carpet & trace directly onto
the new piece of carpet - remember to have face fibers down
- working from the back. Of course this implies that your
client has approved of your strategy and has allowed you to
'borrow' their existing staircase carpet.

The other method is to use heavy brown paper. You can buy a
roll from your local home improvement store - you'll find
it in the paint section. You can then create stair
templates using the paper and a roll of tape to piece
sections together.

Either method you choose, you'll need to MARK EACH STEP -
first step is #1, next step is #2 & so on.

Tip #3. Prefabricate the whole staircase prior to
installation, most improtantly any & all carving &
beveling. You won't have any fun trying to bevel your
design after the carpet is installed, in fact, it's darn
near impossible.

Tip #4. Give yourself an extra 1 inch of carpet all around
the perimeter of each side. This will give you a little
breathing room in lining up your step during the install.
This excess carpet will be trimmed off during the
installation.

Tip #5. Be there for the install. Be prepared for any last
minute additions or adjustments. Have extra carpet on hand.
Have all of your tools available.

Tip #6. Avoid design elements on the pivot point of the
tread & riser. Horizontal seams can open & 'grin' - it's
not very attractive. Center your designs on the tread & on
the riser. Random designs are fine too, just be aware of
where they land during the install.

Tip #7 Use double-wide tackless strip on the treads. This
can help anchor down the carpet if you have a stubborn
piece to work with.

Yes, some staircase projects are easier to install than
others. Ultimately you are in the drivers seat during the
design phase. If you're thinking ahead during the design
phase & you have a strategy in place, then you can avoid
unnecessary surprises.

Let's recap: Plan your design with ease of installation in
mind. Avoid any horizontal seams on the tread and riser
pivot points. Create templates for each step and number
sequentially. Prefabricate your stairs prior to install, do
as much work off site as you can. Work with the best
installation crew that you can. Be prepared for any last
minute adjustments during the install.

In the end, if you've focused on creating a quality
product, you're client will, no doubt, be amazed and
impressed with their new custom carpeted staircase.

----------------------------------------------------
Russell Webb, your friendly expert Custom Carpet Maker. If
you're ready to launch your own creative and exciting home
based business as a custom rug fabricator, and have fun
doing it, subscribe to my FREE 4 part minicourse at
http://www.erugmakers.com