Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs

What happens in this clip

Prepare the carpet adhesive by stirring it thoroughly. Use a small piece of scrap cardboard or a protective sheet to shield the wall and any already carpeted areas from excess adhesive. Using a specialized adhesive spreader (trowel) with appropriate notched teeth, apply a generous and even layer of carpet adhesive to the surface of the stair tread and riser you are currently working on. Ensure the entire area to be covered by carpet is coated with adhesive for optimal bonding. The notched trowel helps create ridges in the adhesive, which promotes stronger adhesion and proper curing.

Goal: Prepare stair surfaces for carpet adhesion

What's used

Tools

• Richard 9" Adhesive Spreader Richard

Materials

• Cardboard (scrap)
• Carpet Adhesive

About the full video

This project provides a detailed guide on how to install carpet on wooden stairs, covering essential steps from precise measurement and carpet cutting to adhesive application, careful laying, and securing the carpet with staples and trimming for a professional finish. It demonstrates techniques for handling various stair shapes and ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.

Step 4 of 8: Apply Adhesive (if required)

If your carpet treads do not have a pre-applied adhesive backing, apply a high-quality carpet or fabric adhesive. Use a putty knife or a spreader to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the carpet tread or onto the stair tread itself, ensuring full coverage up to the edges. Avoid applying too much, which can squeeze out and create a mess.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on a Spiral Staircase

1. Step 1: 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
   • 0:05–0:18 Measure Each Stair Individually

2. Step 2: Clean Stair Treads

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

3. Step 3: Position and Align First Tread

   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread
   • 0:10–0:18 Place and Secure First Tread

4. Step 4: Apply Adhesive (if required)

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

5. Step 5: Press Carpet Tread into Place

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 0:21–0:26 Press Down Firmly

6. Step 6: Secure Edges (if applicable)

   • 1:19–1:59 Lay and Secure Carpet Sections (Repetitive)
   • 0:30–1:07 Secure Carpet with Staples
   • 7:38–8:56 Install Final Riser and Top Landing

7. Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Treads

   • 0:18–0:24 Install Remaining Treads
   • 0:13–0:21 Install Remaining Treads
   • 1:01–1:15 Install Remaining Stair Treads

8. Step 8: Inspect and Clean Up

   • 0:02 Final Touches and Inspection
   • 0:31–0:38 Inspect and Finish Installation
   • 0:13–0:17 Complete Installation and Final Inspection