I am putting down a jute back carpeting on my stairway to my basement. Do I need a padding? Do I need to glue it down?

If you don't what to break your neck when the carpet slips.. which it will. You could ride a piece of jute backed carpet down the stairs like a toboggan.

Jute back carpet should have padding under it. It adds to the life of carpet and is nicer to walk on. It should be installed with tackless tack strips or stapled at the bottom of the riser and back of the tread. For stapling you will need an upholstery gun.

Chuck