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

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