Discover how I successfully fit a carpet for stairs and landing in Dubai, sharing my personal experience, tips, and mistakes to avoid. Learn how to choose the right stair carpet, install stair runner carpet, and more.

Fitting a carpet for stair and landing areas is no easy task, especially when attempting it for the first time. However, after years of postponing the renovation of my staircase and upper landing, I finally decided to take the plunge. What started as a daunting project turned into one of the most rewarding DIY experiences of my life. In this post, I will share my journey step-by-step — from choosing the right stair carpet landing to the final trimming of the stair runner carpet. If you're based in the UAE like I am, and specifically looking for the best carpet for stair in Dubai, this guide will provide insights, recommendations, and practical advice.

Stairs and landings are high-traffic areas, often the first and last thing you step on every day. My previous stair covering had become worn, discoloured, and loose. This not only looked unappealing but also posed a safety hazard. Slips were becoming more frequent, especially for the kids and our elderly parents when visiting.

Moreover, I longed for a warmer, softer, and more elegant aesthetic in our hallway. Hardwood stairs may look sleek, but they often lack the comfort and warmth that stair carpet in Dubai can offer — especially during the cooler desert evenings when tiles and wooden floors retain the cold.

As someone without much prior experience in carpeting, I began with extensive online research. From Pinterest boards to interior design blogs, I quickly found myself overwhelmed by the choices. Should I go for a full-width stair carpet or a stair runner carpet? What material would withstand daily wear and tear?

Eventually, I focused on three main criteria: durability, safety, and style.

Living in Dubai, I was fortunate to have access to a wide variety of suppliers. I visited multiple showrooms offering carpet for stairs in Dubai, including well-known names in Al Quoz and Satwa. One helpful tip I received was to always take home samples. This allowed me to test how the carpet looked in natural light and against my existing interior décor.

I finally chose a dense, short-pile nylon carpet. It was not only resistant to dirt and crushing but also provided excellent grip — a crucial factor for safety.

Once the carpet choice was finalized, the real work began. The first step was preparation. Transitioning from planning to action, I realized that thorough prep would make or break the project.

Stripping the old, tired carpet from the stairs was both satisfying and exhausting. I used a pair of pliers, a pry bar, and a utility knife to remove staples and tack strips. If you’re planning to reuse the underlay, be very careful during this step — but in my case, it was too far gone and had to be replaced.

After everything was stripped bare, I vacuumed and wiped down the stairs. Any protruding nails were hammered down, and uneven surfaces were sanded. This crucial stage ensured that the stair carpets landing would lie flat and securely.

I cannot stress enough the importance of accurate measurements. I measured each stair tread and riser separately, as their sizes varied ever so slightly. This helped prevent waste and ensured a snug fit.

When it came to the landing, I measured the entire surface and added a couple of extra inches on each side for trimming. I also marked the centre line of each step for aligning the stair runner carpet, since I wanted a symmetrical look.

Before fitting the carpet itself, I laid down a high-density rubber underlay. This added an extra layer of comfort underfoot and improved insulation. The underlay was cut to size for each stair tread and fixed using a strong carpet adhesive.

For the landing, I installed the underlay across the entire surface area and secured it with double-sided carpet tape along the edges. This ensured it would not move during the carpet installation.

This was perhaps the most nerve-wracking yet satisfying part of the process. The stair runner carpet I had chosen was a beautifully woven piece with a subtle geometric pattern — a modern yet classic look.

I began at the bottom step and worked my way up. This is important because starting from the bottom allows you to pull the carpet tight and ensures a neater finish. I used a knee kicker to push the carpet into the stair creases and a stair tool to press it firmly into place.

Each section was stapled at the bottom of the riser and at the back of the tread. I took special care to ensure that the pattern lined up from step to step — this made the result look professional even though I was a beginner.

For the landing, the process was a bit more straightforward. I rolled out the carpet from the last stair and continued it seamlessly onto the landing. After trimming the excess with a sharp utility knife, I used a carpet stretcher and glued down the edges. I made sure to press the edges firmly to avoid any future curling or fraying.

Once the carpet was in place, I went over it with a vacuum to remove any loose fibres. I also installed stair rods at the base of each riser. While this is optional, it gave the staircase an elegant finish and added extra security by holding the runner more firmly in place.

To finish off the landing area, I added carpet edge trims to ensure durability and prevent fraying where the carpet met other flooring materials

Reflecting on the journey, I realized how transformative carpeting can be. My staircase now feels safer, looks more luxurious, and adds a welcoming vibe to our home. However, I also learned several valuable lessons:

Plan for extra material: Always purchase more than your measurements suggest. It’s better to have extra than run short midway.

Invest in good tools: A knee kicker and stair tool made all the difference in achieving a tight fit.

Pattern matching takes patience: Aligning the stair runner carpet correctly requires time, but it’s worth the effort.

Consider professional help if unsure: While DIY is fulfilling, professional installers can save time and ensure a flawless finish.

If you’re considering upgrading your stair carpet landing or looking for a quality carpet for stair in Dubai, I hope my story offers both inspiration and guidance. It’s a project that blends aesthetics, functionality, and craftsmanship. Though challenging at times, the satisfaction of walking up a beautifully carpeted staircase that I fitted myself is unmatched.

In conclusion, fitting a stair carpet in Dubai is more than a home improvement task — it’s a step towards redefining your living space. With the right materials, preparation, and a bit of courage, you too can transform your stairs and landing into a stunning centrepiece.