Fitting a stair carpet NOT using gripper rods

[Craig]

All fitters seem to want to use gripper rods these days. Having spent much time and money repairing the damage on the stairs from previous carpets, we wish to fit it just using rods.

What are the problems with doing this?

Are there any tips we should follow for a successful installation?

Many thanks
Craig

 

[vicky whitworth]

I had the same issue about not wanting to use gripper as it prevented my stair rods sitting flush to the stairs but the carpet fitter was adamant that stair carpet without gripper is dangerous as it can slide (and rods aren't sufficient to secure it) as you walk on it. Since I know two people who were killed falling down stairs I erred on the side of caution. Perhaps you could nail the carpet to the stairs instead of using gripper (although that in itself would damage the stairs)?n Vicky

 

[Nigel]

We have stone steps and our carpet fitter was able to come up with a suitable adhesive (forget details now but I was satisfied at the time it could be removed easily later if needed). That coupled with brass rods did the trick.

 

[biffvernon]

Carpet tacks.

 

[Craig]

Yes, we wondered about that. Does seem like an option though maybe one way or another we end up nailing something to the stiars.

A "tackless strip" it seems, is a gripper with velcro on the top rather than pins - but its stil nailed or glued down.

 

[DaveBrigg]

Our stair carpet was nailed down. I broke a claw hammer trying to remove one of 8 inches. A recent bedroom carpet was glued onto the hardboard which had to be fitted over some very rough boards. The adhesive was spray on, and only used around the edges. We have also been assured that it will come off if necessary, although a test on a piece of underlay showed that the underlay was weaker than the glue.

 

[Edwardia]

Could you glue on some velcro ?

 

[Flyfisher]

Our stair carpet was nailed down. I broke a claw hammer trying to remove one of 8 inches.

8-inch nails for a carpet? :shock:
What did the former owners use for anything that needed some real strength?

 

[DaveBrigg]

What did the former owners use for anything that needed some real strength?

The landing halfway up the stairs must have creaked at some point. The solution was to add a steel girder to the existing wooden joist beneath the stairs. I think it should be good for a couple of tons.

 

[Edwardia]

Walking upstairs on our stairs makes me feel seasick they creak so much, I wouldn't mind a girder underneath !

 

[Penners]

Our stair carpet was nailed down. I broke a claw hammer trying to remove one of 8 inches.

8-inch nails for a carpet? :shock:
What did the former owners use for anything that needed some real strength?

 

[Flyfisher]

Have you been searching for that photo for the last 4 days ?

(well worth the wait though :lol: :lol: :lol: )

 

[Penners]

Have you been searching for that photo for the last 4 days ?

Found in just a couple of minutes (with the help of my assistant, Mr Google).

 

[Moo]

The original question is a real sign of the times, isn't it? As far as I know, ever since someone had the bright idea of covering stairs the carpet has been held in place with stair-rods. A sensible and versatile method, enabling the carpet to be moved to even out wear and allowing for all sorts of aesthetic variations.
Then along comes Elf'nSafety.

Does anyone know how much of a threat to life and limb has been posed by stair rods during their history?

 

[Penners]

Does anyone know how much of a threat to life and limb has been posed by stair rods during their history?

My wife once threatened to beat me soundly with one. Not one H&S Officer threw himself between us.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

What did the former owners use for anything that needed some real strength?

The landing halfway up the stairs must have creaked at some point. The solution was to add a steel girder to the existing wooden joist beneath the stairs. I think it should be good for a couple of tons.

We had something similar - 2x15 foot lengths of narrow gauge railway in place of the original beam, all neatly boxed in. No wonder the floor heaved when you walked across it. Think the lengths of track may have originally come from one of the local limestone quarries.

 

[Penners]

You think the floor heaved when you walked across it? You wait until the 11.47 from Wrexham comes through.