What Kind of Glue Is Used to Secure Carpet Stair Treads?

Epoxy Nose Caulk

• Epoxy is a strong type of glue which often comes in two parts that you need to mix together. It forms a very tight bond between the carpet stair tread and the floor. Because the epoxy creates an almost instant bond with the floor, measure and mark the stair platform ahead of time to ensure you are placing the tread in just the right place. Spread the epoxy glue on the back of the tread and press it onto the stair. Wipe up any glue that seeps beyond the tread immediately. Only use epoxy glue if you are adhering the carpet stair treads to wood.

Neoprene Contact Adhesive

• Neoprene contact adhesive is a quick-drying cement used to attach carpeted stair treads to stair platforms. Attach the carpet tread by brushing the adhesive on the back of the tread and on the stair platform before pressing the tread onto the platform. The adhesive is highly flammable, so never use it around open flames. Only use neoprene contact adhesive if you are working with bare wooden steps.

Rubber Flooring Adhesive

• Rubber flooring adhesive is one of the only environmentally friendly, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic adhesive options for attaching carpet treads because many types of rubber adhesive contain only natural ingredients rather than toxic chemicals. Other types of adhesive, like epoxy or neoprene contact adhesive, contain chemicals that can be toxic. This adhesive is especially effective if you use it for attaching rubber-backed carpet stair treads to wood floors.

Carpet Adhesive Strips

• Adhesive strips are long pieces of strong double-sided tape that you can use to attach carpet stair treads to a wood stair platform or to a carpeted stair surface. These strips will leave adhesive residue on the steps and tread, but it is the easiest to remove and therefore preferable if you plan on removing the stair treads in the future. To attach the tread, line the tread with the adhesive strips, pull off the backing and press it into the stair platform. Apply even pressure for several minutes to help cure the adhesive.

Don’t Use Water Soluble Glue

• Water soluble glue isn’t strong enough to use on carpet treads. Moisture in the air will cause the glue to buckle and warp and the carpet tread will eventually pull away from the stair platform. Because of this tendency, many carpet stair tread manufacturers recommend against using non-solvent based adhesives.