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