Acquire and Prepare Carpet Treads

What happens in this clip

Select pre-made carpet stair treads that fit your measurements, or choose a carpet remnant and cut it to the desired dimensions. If cutting, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to ensure clean, precise cuts. If your chosen treads do not have an integrated non-slip backing, you may need to apply a non-slip rug pad or spray-on rubberized coating to the back of each tread. For permanent installation, prepare your chosen adhesive: either heavy-duty double-sided carpet tape or a strong construction adhesive (e.g., liquid nails). If using tape, apply strips to the backing of the treads or directly to the stairs. If using construction adhesive, apply a thin bead along the perimeter and center of the underside of each tread. The video shows gray carpet treads, likely pre-made or custom-cut, already prepared and installed.

Goal: Have carpet treads ready for installation, with non-slip and adhesive elements applied.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Straight Edge
• Utility Knife

Materials

• Carpet Stair Treads
• Custom-cut rug pieces
• Construction Adhesive Liquid Nails
• Heavy-Duty Double-Sided Carpet Tape

About the full video

This DIY project provides a comprehensive guide to installing carpet treads on existing stairs. The goal is to enhance safety and comfort, particularly for pets like dogs, by providing increased traction and cushioning. The process involves preparing the stairs, selecting appropriate treads, and securely attaching them, resulting in a more pet-friendly and aesthetically pleasing staircase.

Step 3 of 8: Purchase Carpet Treads

Based on your measurements, order the carpet treads. If purchasing pre-made treads, ensure the dimensions match your staircase. If ordering custom treads, provide your exact measurements to the manufacturer. Account for any pattern matching if your treads have a specific design.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Choose and Install Wool vs Synthetic Carpet Treads

1. Step 1: Choose Carpet Tread Material

   • 4:26–5:07 Understand Wool Rug Properties
   • 0:37–0:54 Overview of Rug Materials
   • 7:51–8:45 Choosing Rugs for Specific Rooms

2. Step 2: Measure Staircase Dimensions

   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:18–0:49 Measure Stair Tread and Riser

3. Step 3: Purchase Carpet Treads

   • 0:02–0:04 Acquire and Prepare Carpet Treads (this video)

4. Step 4: Clean Stair Treads

   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:36–0:41 Clean and Smooth Stairs
   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads

5. Step 5: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread

6. Step 6: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive

7. Step 7: Trim Excess Material

   • 0:09–0:56 Trim Excess Carpet and Complete Installation
   • 0:16–0:25 Trim Excess Carpet Along Edge
   • 3:59–4:29 Final Trimming and Inspection

8. Step 8: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 27:37–29:21 Curing and Final Reveal
   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 2:21–2:38 Complete Installation and Caulk Gaps