Do you have to allow for extra length when cutting for the carpet width?

Question

I have the padding and tack strips down on 2 small staircase ( walls on both sides, 5 steps). My widest step is 33 5/8. Do I need to cut extra, and trim later, or will the exact width cover the job with stretching

If so, how much extra?

Answer 1

It's better to cut the extra and trim later....carpets vary GREATLY on how much they will stretch...then you could be slightly short and really in a jam.

1- 2 inches over should give you enough to work with in case your knife slips.

Answer 2

First of all since it's very likely you have to pay for a YARD, you might as well USE it. Obviously if the cuts/walls are straight, you only have to worry about one side. On stair tread and Rise carpet is usually tacked anyway,,, and with no offense I've NEVER used tack strip and padding on stair carpet.

If the carpet goes BLIND to the wall with no molding and your concern is a tight fit; start with a sample strip at least,,,as a DIY, and test all the theories about STRETCH and/or CUT first. Your only talking about a minor waste to do the research.

With no offense at all to you... Our advise here may not be what works best in the final install.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

carpet will only stretch about in inch in most cases. it is always best to cut a little extra because you should be doing each step individually. this way if you make any wrong cuts you will h ave room for error.

Answer 4

Allow some room for stretching! The amount of stretch varies depending on the type of carpet. Better to have more than enough than not enough!

Answer 5

if you didn't there would be no need for cutting.
most carpet stores do free fitting, why fit it yourself..?