Phase 1. Get Turkey Runners, thanks to new neighbors hating "dirty old rugs." Rip out hideous old industrial 1980's carpet from stairwell. Marvel at overengineered installation. Save underlay, this will come in useful later.
Phase 2. Clean stairwell, remove tacks and staples from previous installation. Sand wood treads with fine grit, maybe you sweat as you do, no one ever said this would be easy. Clean the stairwell again, brush it down, wipe it off, and then stain the treads with MinWax or similar. No "rule."
Phase 3. Cut old underlay to size, it mustn't overlap the runner you're about to lay down, obviously. I used a set of industrial scissors for this task, you might use something else, and that's OK, your call. Underlay sized, staple those pads down. I used an Arrow range stapler and T50 staples, .5" 12mm.
Phase 4. Yes, this is a complex operation, it's now time to roll out Rug #1 down the length of the stairwell. Start at the top, securing the Old Persian with staples. Word to the wise, you don't need to overdo it, three staples per tread should work.
Phase 5. The final, lower staircase. Underlay in place, start at the bottom and work upwards to the landing. Once there, fix your rug to the floor with a handy stapler and behold, a job well done. Now you have anciene regime Persians lining the steps of the Compound's stairwell. How can that be bad?
Well, the photos don't do these old tribals justice, but still, what a nice result. My neighbors scorned them. I find that hard to believe, yet here we are.
Your Pal,
LSP
