Top 10 Tools Needed to Install a Stair Runner Properly

This is the workhorse of the job. Keith recommends the Roberts electric gun as a great entry-level tool that delivers professional results without the massive price tag of industrial pneumatic guns.

Essential for creasing the carpet into the "crotch" of the stair. Use this with a hammer to get those crisp, sharp angles that make the runner look like it was installed by a pro.

Don't use the wrong size. 9/16" staples provide the perfect depth to hold through the runner and into the wood without pulling through the backing.

As Keith mentions in the video, you don't always have to "kick" it. Use it to apply pressure and ensure the runner is pulled tight and aligned perfectly before you staple.

A professional double-sided knife for clean cuts. If you're a beginner, a standard heavy-duty utility knife works, but a dedicated carpet knife offers better control on bullnose steps.

The fastest way to secure your underpad. Pro Tip: If you're doing a one-off job, you can use your electric staple gun or even tuck tape for the pad to save money and avoid extra holes in the wood.

Used primarily at the top riser to seal the cut edges of the binding. This prevents fraying over time and can help secure the top edge without visible staples.

Check your margins! Keith checks every stair to ensure that if it's 4.5 inches on the left, it's 4.5 inches on the right. This keeps the runner straight all the way up.

Better than a knife for course-correcting your riser cuts. Mark your line with a pencil and use these for a perfect, fray-free fit.

Used to drive the tucker home and flatten any staples that didn't go in all the way. A basic household hammer is all you need.