Define Initial Perimeter with Tape
From how to install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs · Step 1 of 3 · Video by Oak Valley Designs

Showing 0:30–0:48 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
Take painter's tape and place it along the edge where the carpet will begin on the landing. Extend this tape in a straight line, making sure it goes past any obstacles such as a newel post. Crucially, the tape must maintain a minimum distance of 2 inches from the post or any turning point. If this clearance is less than 2 inches, it can complicate the manufacturing process for the custom carpet landing.
Goal: Use painter's tape to mark the first straight edge of the carpet landing, extending it past any architectural features like a newel post, ensuring a minimum clearance of 2 inches.
What's used
Tools
- Painter's Tape
About the full video
This video details the specialized method of accurately measuring a stair landing for carpet installation. It involves using painter's tape to define the carpet's perimeter, ensuring precise cuts and a neat finish that aligns with existing stair treads and accounts for architectural features like posts.
What's said in this clip
go from the left side to the right side. After you do that, you're going to take your painters tape and you're going to bring it straight out this way past your post. Make sure you clear this turn. This cannot be less than 2 in or it starts to get a little weird when we manufacture the landing. Okay, so this has to be longer than 2 in. Make the turn, go straight down, and you go all the way to the far side of this stair
Automatically transcribed from the source video.
Step 1 of 3: Step 1: Precise Measurement for Your Landing
It's crucial to remember that your landing isn't a typical stair tread; it's a distinct, flat piece of carpet designed to create a seamless transition and bring warmth and elegance to your home. For a perfect, custom-made fit, meticulously measure its complete width and length as a single, rectangular platform. If your landing features turns or angles, we recommend thoughtfully dividing it into smaller, manageable sections. Measure each section individually, paying close attention to every corner and curve to capture all dimensions precisely. This meticulous approach ensures your custom landing piece will fit beautifully and safely. For peace of mind and optimal functionality, confirm that your measured landing width is at least as wide as your stairway and that its depth in the direction of travel is a minimum of 36 inches. And, of course, for a stable and secure installation, ensure your landing surface is perfectly level.
Other videos for this step
how to install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs
Ready to transform your staircase? This DIY-friendly guide empowers you to achieve a beautiful, professional-looking result by detailing how to measure and install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs. We'll clarify that the landing requires a distinct, custom-sized carpet piece, not a standard stair tread, and walk you through accurate measurement techniques for all landing shapes, including tricky angles. Learn the essential dimensions and the correct installation sequence – securing the landing first, then your individual stair treads – to ensure a seamless, stylish, and safe transition for your family.
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