This is a follow up comment that came for our article with Tim in Cambridge, NY.
Q: We are doing the opposite. Our steps are set for hardwood but the hardwood is not installed yet. Now we have changed our mind to do carpet as they are not as slick. How do we do this when the steps are “framed” for hardwood. What adjustments are necessary?
Valerie
A: As long as you have a solid tread and riser area to install the carpet and pad you should have little issue. The one problem you may have is lacking the nose to the tread area of the stairs. That small overhang is helpful when installing and anchoring the carpet in place smoothly. Beyond that you should be ok to install your carpet, though I would suggest contacting a local carpet installer to make sure you have everything ready and are not missing anything.
