Laying a carpet

NT

Felt back will work to an extent on gripper - but most fitters will also use glue[1] to aid it staying in place.

Usually with gripper rod fitted at the back of the tread, and also at the bottom of the riser, with the nails pointing into the corner. The carpet can then be pushed into the corner with a stair tool (blunt bolster chisel type affair).

With felt carpet on a solid floor, then cut sections can be glued in place.

Generally with gripper, start by positioning the carpet before you start cutting. Check the pattern runs where you want, and does not appear "crooked" against walls etc. Usually working from the centre out with the carpet folded back on itself in the middle - positioning one end of the room while you can do it without having to stand on the new carpet, and then the other (where it becomes harder to shift it about). Once in place you cut it in, but leaving the edges a bit long (i.e. to the wall plus another cm or so). The edges are then tucked in between the gripper and the wall with a stair tool. When cutting a good supply of sharp stanley blades is essential. Don't be afraid to change the blade after every few meters of cutting if required - its much better to work with moderate force on a sharp blade, than straining against a dull one, and half a dozen blades are cheaper than the carpet or replacement fingers!

And use the hooked blades not the normal pointy ones. Far easier and you have less risk of cutting into the skirting or what ever is behind the carpet (fingers etc...).

Seconded! The hooked ones are much easier/safer to use. More control, and easier to see exactly what you're doing.

Thank you all for the advice. I will be attempting to put the carpet down this weekend. (it was delivered on Thursday).