Even though stairways are vital in enabling us to navigate different sections of the house or building, they are also safety hazards whereby anyone can easily slip and get serious injuries. A smart way of beating this problem is by installing rubber stair treads.
With this installation, the chances of slipping on the stairs would be greatly reduced, and everyone’s general safety would be boosted.
The good news is that setting up rubber stair treads is not the most complicated task in the world, and you could always do so yourself. And to prove just how easy it is, we shall provide you with a simple guide on how to do the installation by yourself.
Here we go.
I) Have All the Tools and Materials Ready
The first thing you need to ensure is that all the tools and materials you will need for the project are ready and close to avoid any interruptions.
These items include:
- The treads
- Nails
- Hand roller
- Hammer
- Steel straightedge
- Underlayment compound
- Rubber or vinyl adhesive
- Epoxy caulk
II) Prepare the Area
Then, you need to ensure that the stairs are extremely clean. Sweep them thoroughly, and in case you find any traces of grease or dirt, find the right cleaner to use in scrubbing it out. After you are done with the cleaning, let the stairs dry completely.
Since rubber stair treads are generally meant to be larger than the stairs, you will have to use a tape measure to measure the stairs and then cut the treads down to the right size. Use a carpenter’s pencil and a metallic straight edge to sketch the lines.
You can use a utility knife or linoleum knife to cut the treads, while the straight edge should help you keep the line clean.
III) Spreading the Cement
If you have cut the treads to the measurements that would make them fit well on the stairs, it is now safe to dry fit them. Start by spreading the cement on the stair tread’s underside and ensure that you do not leave out the inside of its nose.
When applying the glue, ensure that you use sufficient amounts to secure the treads firmly on the stairs.
Another thing you should not forget is to place small pea-sized balls of epoxy nose caulk under the rubber stair tread’s nose. This is a crucial process since when the units expand, they will expel air, and this will help prevent the rubber stair treads from cracking at some point in the future.
IV) Fitting the Rubber Stair Treads
If you have followed the earlier steps to the letter, it is now time to install the stair treads safely. Start by holding the treads from the back and then push the nose into place before lowering the rubber stair treads over the wooden tread.
Continue pushing the hard on the nose so that it butts up against the wood, and then press down on the tread as you slowly work your way towards the riser.
In addition to pushing down, you should also push back to ensure the rubber tread is firmly against the riser. Do not stop pushing until you are sure that no gaps are remaining and that the rubber stair tread is entirely flat against the stair surface.
V) The Rolling Process
We are now at the final step of installing the rubber stair treads. Here, you should take the hand roller and run it over the rubber stair tread and the nose of the tread as well. This process will help eliminate any air pocket remaining and leave you with an entirely flat surface.
The formula is pressing down hard and working your way from the front of the stairs to the back. This way, you will get your desired firmness with the rubber stair tread.
Now, let the treads dry for a few hours before using the stairs. If not, the treads may end up skewed on the stairs, and this is no what we wanted in the first place.
Closing Remark
As you can see, installing rubber stair treads is a fairly straightforward affair, and you do not need to hire anyone to do the job for you. Ensure that you follow every step we have mentioned so that you have the perfect final finish. In the end, the stairs in your house will be safer for everyone, including pets.
