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 5 of 8: Apply Adhesive

Depending on the adhesive used (e.g., spray adhesive, carpet tape, construction adhesive), apply it according to its specific instructions. For spray adhesives, apply a light, even coat to the back of the carpet tread or the stair surface. For carpet tape, apply strips along the edges and potentially the center of the tread. For construction adhesive, use a caulk gun to apply beads. Ensure full coverage, especially along the edges, to prevent lifting.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Carpet Stair Treads on Curved Stairs

1. Step 1: Measure Tread Dimensions

   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
   • 0:29–1:33 Prepare Stairs and Measure Grippers

2. Step 2: Create a Template for Each Tread

   • 1:15–3:04 Create Template for First Winder Step
   • 0:59–1:36 Creating Custom Templates for Each Step
   • 4:33–5:37 Create Template for Second Winder Step

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads from Templates

   • 8:08–9:23 Cut Carpet Pieces
   • 6:52–8:08 Transfer Templates to Carpet Backing
   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces

4. Step 4: Prepare Stair Surface

   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:17–0:34 Prepare the Stairs
   • 0:00–0:05 Prepare Stairs and Treads

5. Step 5: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs (this video)

6. Step 6: Attach Carpet Tread to Stair

   • 0:11–0:43 Install Remaining Carpet Stair Treads
   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive

7. Step 7: Secure Edges and Trim

   • 3:53–7:38 Trim Excess Carpet and Prepare Final Riser
   • 2:25–3:45 Position and Secure Carpet Edges
   • 2:42–3:56 Secure the First Section with Staples

8. Step 8: Inspect and Clean Up

   • 3:59–4:29 Final Trimming and Inspection
   • 16:47–18:07 Final Review and Cleanup
   • 0:46–0:57 Final Inspection and Cleanup