Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive
From How to Install Carpet Treads on Metal Spiral Stairs · Step 3 of 5 · Video by Oak Valley Designs

Showing 1:16–2:09 of the source video. Watch the full video with every moment.
What happens in this clip
Take a carpet tread from its box. The easiest and most rewarding part is installation. First, peel off the protective backing from the adhesive strip on the back of the tread. Position the carpet tread by hooking its bullnose (the front edge) underneath the bottom edge of the stair tread. Then, gently pull back on the tread with one hand to ensure it's nice and tight against the bullnose. Once taut, press firmly across the entire surface of the tread, ensuring it adheres securely. Use the painter's tape as a guide to maintain perfect alignment, ensuring everything is straight.
Goal: Peel off the protective backing from the carpet tread, hook it under the bullnose of the stair, and then firmly press and align it using the painter's tape guide.
What's used
Tools
- Carpet treads
About the full video
This project provides step-by-step instructions for easily installing carpet treads onto stairs using strong adhesive tape. It covers preparing the stairs by cleaning them, marking alignment with painter's tape, and then securely attaching the self-adhesive carpet treads for a secure and streamlined look.
What's said in this clip
Okay, the easiest part and the most rewarding part after all your measuring and hard work. These are your treads. They come in a box. Okay, all you do is peel off the back. Throw that in the floor. I've already put a few on, so I'm going to do the top step. Now, you see our painters tape is still here to guide us on the edge. So, everything is in alignment. You come to the next step and the first thing you do is hook the bullnose underneath the bottom edge and then pull back with this hand to make sure that it's nice and tight. So, as you press on the front and you pull on the back, put a little pressure across the tread, make sure it's lined up with the painters tape, and that's it. It's that easy.
Automatically transcribed from the source video.
Step 3 of 5: Apply Adhesive to Treads
Following the adhesive manufacturer's instructions, apply a generous and even layer of heavy-duty carpet adhesive or double-sided carpet tape to the back of each carpet tread. Ensure the adhesive covers the entire surface that will contact the metal stair, paying particular attention to the edges. Allow the adhesive to become tacky according to its drying time specifications before proceeding.
Every video in How to Install Carpet Treads on Metal Spiral Stairs
Step 1: Clean Metal Spiral Stairs
- 0:16–0:24 Clean and Prepare Staircase Substrate
- 3:28–4:20 Rinse and Dry Stairs
Step 2: Measure and Cut Carpet Treads
- 7:20–9:07 Measure and Cut Carpet
- 6:25–8:58 Measure and Cut Carpet Sections
- 0:12–0:57 Measure and Cut Carpet Tread
Step 3: Apply Adhesive to Treads
- 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive (this video)
- 0:05–0:06 Apply Adhesive to Treads
- 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
Step 4: Install Carpet Treads
- 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
- 1:16–2:09 Install Carpet Treads with Adhesive
- 0:05–0:18 Install New Self-Adhesive Carpet Stair Treads
Step 5: Trim Edges and Secure
- 0:43–1:28 Position and Secure Carpet Runner
- 4:16–5:03 Tuck and Staple Carpet Edges
- 22:17–35:01 Repeat for Remaining Treads and Final Checks
How to Install Carpet Treads on Metal Spiral Stairs
A high-level outline for installing carpet treads on metal spiral stairs, focusing on preparation, fitting, and securing the treads for a safer and more comfortable stair surface.
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