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

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen carpet treads regarding adhesive application. Some treads come with self-adhesive backing, while others require a separate adhesive. If using a separate adhesive, apply a consistent, even layer to the back of the carpet tread or to the stair tread itself, ensuring full coverage without excessive pooling. Use a notched trowel for even spreading if recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Choose and Install Wool vs Synthetic Carpet Treads

1. Step 1: Choose Carpet Tread Material

   • 4:26–5:07 Understand Wool Rug Properties
   • 0:37–0:54 Overview of Rug Materials
   • 7:51–8:45 Choosing Rugs for Specific Rooms

2. Step 2: Measure Staircase Dimensions

   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:18–0:49 Measure Stair Tread and Riser

3. Step 3: Purchase Carpet Treads

   • 0:02–0:04 Acquire and Prepare Carpet Treads

4. Step 4: Clean Stair Treads

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

5. Step 5: Apply Adhesive

   • 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
   • 0:34–0:46 Apply Carpet Adhesive to Stairs (this video)
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread

6. Step 6: Install Carpet Treads

   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread
   • 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive

7. Step 7: Trim Excess Material

   • 0:09–0:56 Trim Excess Carpet and Complete Installation
   • 0:16–0:25 Trim Excess Carpet Along Edge
   • 3:59–4:29 Final Trimming and Inspection

8. Step 8: Allow Adhesive to Cure

   • 27:37–29:21 Curing and Final Reveal
   • 3:44–4:26 Final Curing and Caulking
   • 2:21–2:38 Complete Installation and Caulk Gaps