Final Curing and Caulking

What happens in this clip

Once the entire staircase installation is complete, it's important to allow the adhesive to fully set. Try to limit the use of the stairs for several hours (the video animation suggests around 4-8 hours) to ensure the vinyl bonds securely to the stairs. Depending on the accuracy of your cuts and the desired final aesthetic, you may choose to apply caulking, such as DAP Alex Plus acrylic latex caulk plus silicone, along the sides where the vinyl meets the stringers or walls. This will cover any minor imperfections or gaps, providing a clean and finished look.

Goal: Ensure adhesive cures properly and apply finishing touches.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun

Materials

• DAP Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone DAP
• GE Advanced Silicone 2 Window & Door Sealant

About the full video

This project provides step-by-step instructions for installing vinyl stair nosing and matching flat vinyl to cover stair risers and treads. The process involves measuring, cutting, applying adhesive, and interlocking vinyl pieces to create a unified and durable finish for a staircase, matching existing vinyl flooring.

Step 6 of 6: Allow Adhesive to Cure

Refer to the adhesive's product information for the recommended curing time. This is crucial for ensuring the carpet treads are securely bonded and will not shift or detach with use. Avoid walking on the stairs or placing any heavy objects on the treads during this period.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 3:06–3:19 Project Completion