How to Lay Rubber Stair Tread

Store rubber treads and adhesives for 24 hours at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Cooler temperatures make products difficult to work with, and may prevent proper adhesion.

Clean the stairs, and repair any worn or damaged areas. Use epoxy nose caulk to repair the stair nose, so the surface is even and smooth. It is imperative that no spaces are present during the installation of the treads on the stair nose. Fill all spaces of the stair nose with nose caulk prior to installing the treads. Fill cracks and holes with underlayment compound, and allow it to dry completely. Once the stairs are dry, clean the surfaces with water and an old cloth to be sure the stairs are free of any chemicals and dirt. Allow the surfaces to dry completely.

Cut the treads to size with a utility knife. Trim the edges to ensure a tight and uniform fit for each individual tread.

Apply rubber adhesive to a stair step, coating the surface completely. Follow specific instructions on your product for application, as each brand is different. Make sure adhesive is placed underneath the nosing.

Spread adhesive onto the back side of the rubber tread. Beginning with the nose, place the tread in the proper position, and roll the tread back toward the riser. Press firmly to remove any air pockets as you put the tread in its final resting position. Roll any air bubbles from under the tread by pressing firmly with a hand roller after each tread installation.

Apply adhesive to two steps and two treads at a time, beginning at the top and working your way down. This will eliminate the need to sit or stand on a newly installed tread before it has completely dried.

Use a cloth dipped in denatured alcohol to wipe any excess adhesive off the stairs before it dries. If adhesive has dried, use #00 steel wool to lightly buff the adhesive from the step.