Measure and Cut Carpet

What happens in this clip

A large piece of carpet is rolled out on the floor. The width of each stair step is carefully measured using a tape measure. A straight edge is then aligned with the measurement, and a utility knife is used to precisely cut the carpet to the required size for each step. This ensures that each carpet piece fits snugly across the width of its respective stair.

Goal: Prepare custom-sized carpet pieces for each stair

What's used

Tools

• Straight Edge
• Metal bar
• Tape Measure
• Ruler
• Utility Knife
• Razor knife

Materials

• Carpet

About the full video

This project details the step-by-step process of installing carpet on a set of stairs. It begins by preparing the concrete stairs with tack strips and applying flooring adhesive for underlayment. The carpet is then precisely measured and cut, followed by securing it to the stairs using a staple gun and a specialized stair tool to ensure a tight, professional finish.

Step 3 of 6: Cut Carpet Treads

Using a sharp utility knife or a heavy-duty carpet cutter, carefully cut along the marked lines on the back of the carpet treads. Employ a metal ruler or straight edge as a guide to ensure clean, straight cuts. Make multiple shallow passes with the knife rather than trying to cut through the entire thickness in one go, especially for thicker carpet materials.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on Concrete Basement Stairs

1. Step 1: Clean Concrete Stairs

   • 1:19–2:05 Cleaning the Concrete Surface
   • 1:13–1:50 Apply Cleaner to Stairs
   • 0:00–0:01 Prepare Concrete Stairs

2. Step 2: Measure and Mark Treads

   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 7:20–9:07 Measure and Cut Carpet

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads

   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 3:07–3:56 Plan and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 0:37–0:59 Measure and Cut Carpet (this video)

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:09–0:25 Apply Flooring Adhesive
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs

5. Step 5: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs

6. Step 6: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 3:06–3:19 Project Completion
   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 0:31–0:38 Inspect and Finish Installation