How to Cover Up the Sides of Carpet Stairs
- 1). Choose a molding style for your stair edges. Molding is a shaped long plank of wood that holds down and accents the edge of your carpeting at the walls (the stair sides in this case). The pieces for stairs are sometimes called shoe molding. In any case, look for molding that is finished at the ends for a clean, attractive look.
- 2). Measure the depth of each step from the back of the step forward to the edge in inches to determine what size molding you need. Look for a molding with two finished edges that is at or slightly bigger than the width times two. So for instance, if your stair depth is 15 inches, look for a piece that is 30 inches or slightly more.
- 3). Cut the molding according to the required width with a miter saw. Remember that you need two pieces of molding per step — one for each side. So if you have a molding at 30 inches cut it in half with your miter saw then use these two halves for each step.
- 4). Place the first molding piece flush with the intersection between the wall and floor on the first step (left or right side). Make sure that the unfinished end is flush with the back of the step while the finished end shows at the front.
- 5). Hammer two nails into right and left side of the molding to keep it in place. Repeat these steps for each step in your staircase.
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