Apply Adhesive to Treads

What happens in this clip

After cutting a stair tread to its final size, flip it over to expose its underside. Apply a generous amount of strong construction adhesive or specialized carpet adhesive to the back of the tread. Distribute the adhesive evenly, focusing on applying a continuous bead around the perimeter and adding a few wavy beads or dots in the center. This ensures maximum adhesion across the entire surface and helps prevent future lifting.

Goal: Securely bond the treads to the stair steps

What's used

Tools

• Caulk gun
• Construction adhesive
• Liquid Nails
• Stair treads

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide on how to install pre-made stair treads onto a wooden staircase. The process involves precise measurement and dry-fitting, cutting the treads to size, applying adhesive for secure bonding, and finally, fastening the treads with a staple gun to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 4 of 6: Apply Adhesive

Choose a heavy-duty adhesive specifically designed for flooring or carpet installation and for use on concrete. Apply a generous, even layer of adhesive to the back of each cut carpet tread, ensuring full coverage, especially around the edges. Alternatively, apply the adhesive directly to the concrete stair tread, following the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations for coverage and application method (e.g., using a notched trowel for even spread).

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on Concrete Basement Stairs

1. Step 1: Clean Concrete Stairs

   • 1:19–2:05 Cleaning the Concrete Surface
   • 1:13–1:50 Apply Cleaner to Stairs
   • 0:00–0:01 Prepare Concrete Stairs

2. Step 2: Measure and Mark Treads

   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 7:20–9:07 Measure and Cut Carpet

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads

   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 3:07–3:56 Plan and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 0:37–0:59 Measure and Cut Carpet

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads (this video)
   • 0:09–0:25 Apply Flooring Adhesive
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs

5. Step 5: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs

6. Step 6: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 3:06–3:19 Project Completion
   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 0:31–0:38 Inspect and Finish Installation