Waterfall vs. Hollywood (upholstered) stair carpet compared

Waterfall drapes straight off the nosing (rounded, faster, cheaper); Hollywood/upholstered is pushed tight into each tread-riser joint (tailored, more durable, pricier). Both use the same carpet length per step.

Two stair cross-sections comparing how carpet wraps a step. In the waterfall method the carpet drapes straight down from the tread nosing to the next riser without being pushed into the joint, giving a rounded edge that is faster and cheaper to install. In the Hollywood or upholstered method the carpet is pushed tight into the crotch where each tread meets its riser and fastened there, so it hugs the exact shape of the step for a tailored, more durable, more expensive look. Both methods use the same running length of carpet per step — about one tread plus one riser. — Source: Carpet & Rug Institute stair-installation practice

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Two stair cross-sections comparing how carpet wraps a step. In the waterfall method the carpet drapes straight down from the tread nosing to the next riser without being pushed into the joint, giving a rounded edge that is faster and cheaper to install. In the Hollywood or upholstered method the carpet is pushed tight into the crotch where each tread meets its riser and fastened there, so it hugs the exact shape of the step for a tailored, more durable, more expensive look. Both methods use the same running length of carpet per step — about one tread plus one riser.

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