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 to Carpet Treads

Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for application. This typically involves applying a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the carpet tread, particularly along the edges and in the center. Some adhesives may require a specific applicator tool.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Put Carpet Treads on Already-Carpeted Stairs

1. Step 1: Clean Existing Carpet Surface

   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads
   • 0:18–0:31 Clean the Stairs

2. Step 2: Measure and Mark Tread Placement

   • 0:10–0:16 Measure and Mark Stair Tread Placement
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread
   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread

3. Step 3: Prepare Carpet Treads (If Necessary)

   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 0:37–0:59 Measure and Cut Carpet

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive to Carpet Treads

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads (this video)
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs
   • 0:16–0:21 Apply Peel-and-Stick Carpet Treads

5. Step 5: Position and Press Carpet Treads

   • 0:13–0:21 Position and Secure Tread
   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 0:16–0:21 Apply Peel-and-Stick Carpet Treads

6. Step 6: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 3:06–3:19 Project Completion