Prepare the Loose Carpet Section

What happens in this clip

Begin by identifying the loose section of carpet on your stairs. Carefully pull back the carpet from the stair tread and riser that needs to be re-secured. This action exposes the underlying padding and gripper strips, preparing the surface for adhesive application.

Goal: Expose the area to be repaired

What's used

Tools

• Carpet

About the full video

This DIY project provides a quick and effective method for re-securing loose carpet on stairs. It involves applying spray adhesive to the stair tread and riser, pulling the carpet taut, securing it onto the existing gripper strips, and then using a bolster and hammer to firmly tuck the carpet into the crease for a professional and tight finish.

Step 3 of 7: Clean Carpet Tread Underside and Stair Surface

If the carpet is slightly loose, carefully pull it back further if possible. Remove any old, loose adhesive, dust, debris, or grime from both the underside of the carpet's backing and the wooden stair tread surface using a stiff brush and a clean cloth. For stubborn residue, a mild degreaser or adhesive remover might be necessary, followed by a thorough wipe-down with a damp cloth and allowing to dry completely.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Popping Noises from Adhesive Carpet Treads on Wood Stairs

1. Step 1: Inspect Carpet Tread Noise

   • 0:00–0:17 Identify Squeak Location
   • 2:21–3:48 Diagnose Creaking Causes

2. Step 2: Examine Carpet Tread Adhesion

   • 0:00–0:04 Inspect Damaged Carpet Edge
   • 0:06–0:17 Inspect Loose Stair Nosing
   • 0:36–0:40 Apply Adhesive to Secure Carpet

3. Step 3: Clean Carpet Tread Underside and Stair Surface

   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads
   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:00–0:05 Prepare the Loose Carpet Section (this video)

4. Step 4: Apply New Adhesive

   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Carpet Adhesive

5. Step 5: Reinforce Loose Carpet Edges (Optional)

   • 0:29–0:34 Secure Carpet Edge with Staples
   • 0:08–0:11 Secure Carpet at Bullnose with Stapler
   • 0:11–0:14 Secure Carpet with Staples

6. Step 6: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

   • 3:29–3:39 Eliminate Squeaks from Treads
   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 1:24–2:44 Fix Squeaks on Carpeted Stairs

7. Step 7: Test Repaired Treads

   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection
   • 0:07–0:10 Test Stair Stability
   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs