How long does it take to install carpet on stairs?

Author: Prof. Antwon Deckow  |  Last update: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Installing carpet on stairs is a fairly quick job for straight stairs with no landings. For professional carpet installers, it usually only takes a few minutes per stair to complete the entire staircase.

Is installing carpet on stairs hard?

However, the task of laying carpet on stairs can be daunting, particularly for those who have not tackled similar projects before. While it demands precision and patience, the good news is that it's entirely possible to fit carpet on your stairs on your own, saving money in the process.

How long do carpet installers take?

Generally, carpet installation can take one to two hours per room. But there are other factors to consider that could lengthen this time frame. For instance, if the carpet installation team needs to remove existing furniture and the current carpet flooring, then you'll need to expect extra hours for this time.

Can carpet be installed in one day?

Most installers will tell you that it takes up to about a day, and no more. Others will say that they can get it done within two to four hours. If your room is just one square room without any nooks or odd-shaped walls, installing carpet in a day or less is feasible.

How long does it take to lay a carpet on stairs?

Skill level will dictate how long the process of carpeting your stairs and landing will take. If you hire a professional carpet fitter, which we always recommend, then the process will be much quicker and take around 30 minutes on average.

How to Install Carpet on Stairs - how hard is it?

How long do you have to stay off carpet after installation?

Waiting after carpet installation

Most adhesives need about 24 to 48 hours to fully cure. During this period, walking on the carpet could shift the adhesive, leading to uneven surfaces or weak spots. For best results, avoid heavy foot traffic and keep furniture off the carpet until the adhesive has completely set.

Do I have to empty the room for new carpet?

Typically, you want to remove as much from a room as you can, leaving it as empty as possible. If you have large or weighty items, you may need to hire a professional moving company to come and help you move these items before your carpet installation company shows up.

How quickly does Lowes install carpet?

We offer rapid installation of select flooring in some markets. In applicable locations, we can install the flooring in as little as 10 to 14 days after measurement and payment.

Who moves furniture when replacing carpet?

You or a pro should remove all furniture from a room prior to carpet installation. Most carpet installers will move furniture if necessary, but some charge for the service with a flat fee, by square foot, or per piece.

What carpet to avoid for stairs?

What carpet should you avoid for stairs? Avoid plush, high-pile, or thick carpets on your stairs because they can increase the risk of slipping and wear down quickly in busy homes. Also, ensure the carpet you install is stain-resistant, particularly if you select a light color.

Why are stairs so expensive to carpet?

High-Quality Materials

Quality stair treads are made from premium materials that are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear. Whether it's solid wood stair treads or durable carpet pads, the use of top-notch materials significantly impacts the overall cost of the product.

Do you put padding under carpet on stairs?

Yes, it is advised to lay a pad beneath carpet on stairs. It not only reduces noise and offers comfort, but it also lessens wear and tear on your carpet, extending its lifespan. The carpet on the hard edges of the steps can easily become worn and squeezed in the absence of a pad.

Does Home Depot install carpet on stairs?

If you'd like to have a stair runner but aren't able to tackle this project yourself, The Home Depot offers carpet installation services.

How long does carpet last on stairs?

On average, you can expect a well-maintained carpet to grace your stairs for about 5 to 15 years. Here are key elements that can extend or reduce this timeframe: Material Quality: Higher-quality carpets tend to last longer. Foot Traffic: The number of people using the stairs will impact wear and tear.

How long does it take one person to install carpet?

Installation. Installing carpet in one room takes one to two hours for a typical job, while installing carpet in multiple large rooms can take two to four hours or longer. A full house carpet installation can take four to six hours or longer, depending on the factors detailed below.

How fast does Home Depot install carpet?

It typically takes less than a day to install new carpet. before installation day, be sure that: The installation site is completely enclosed, with outside windows, doors and thresholds in place.

Can you walk on carpet right after installation?

Adhesive curing time matters

Typically, adhesives take about 24 to 72 hours to fully set. Walking on the carpet too soon can disrupt the bond, leading to bubbling or uneven areas. For light use, such as walking carefully in socks, you might be able to step on the carpet within 24 hours.

Can I sleep in room after carpet installation?

Children's rooms and play areas should have restricted access for 48-72 hours to ensure the carpet is fully settled. For bedrooms, you can sleep in the room after 24 hours, but try to minimize movement around the bed area.

Do you tip carpet installers?

Regardless, if you feel the installers have done a great job and gone above and beyond, it's up to you. You can give them a tip, or reward them with refreshments and snacks. At The Carpet Guys, our flooring installers/contractors work very hard in providing excellent, detail oriented work.

Do carpet installers remove old carpet?

Your installer will be responsible for removing and disposing of your old carpet. You will need to move your small items like lamps, televisions or any other breakables before the installer arrives. Your overall goal is to move any items that could get broken while making your installer's job as easy as possible.

Do I have to move furniture for carpet installation?

Q: How much furniture will I need to move out of the room to prepare for installation? A: All furniture must be moved out of the room to properly install carpet.

How long should you ventilate your house after having carpet installed?

Pass as much air as possible through the space during installation and for several days or weeks afterwards. If possible, ventilate the area directly to the outside, bypassing any ductwork where VOCs could accumulate.

What not to do with new carpet?

Heavy furniture may crush carpet pile so wherever possible use castor cups. Furniture should not be dragged across a carpet. Try to rearrange your furniture occasionally to avoid uneven wear. Regular vacuuming will help to alleviate flattening, bringing the pile back up to its normal position.

Previous article
Is cedar good for pest control?
Next article
Should shower doors be open or closed after shower?