Installing rubber stair treads is a great way to make stairs safer and to reduce the risk of injury due to slipping or tripping. These rubber treads provide a non-slip surface and are relatively easy to install. All it takes is a little patience and preparation.
First, you need to make sure the staircase is clean. Sweep the stairs to remove any debris and then scrub with a proper cleaner to remove any dirt or grease. Allow the stairs to dry before beginning the installation.
Next, use a tape measure to accurately measure the stairs. The treads should be oversized, so mark and cut the treads with a carpenter’s pencil and a metal straight edge using either a utility knife or a linoleum knife. Dry fit the treads to ensure a snug fit before continuing.
Once the rubber stair treads have been cut to size, it’s time to assemble them. Spread a thin layer of adhesive cement on the underside of the tread, ensuring that you cover the inside portion of the tread’s nose. Small pea-sized balls of epoxy nost caulk should also be placed under the nose of the tread, as this will help to prevent cracking in the future.
Hold the rubber stair treads from the back end, opposite the nose, before pushing the nose into place and lowering the treads over the wooden stair. Push hard on the nose to make sure it butts up against the wood surface, and then work your way back towards the riser, pressing down and back to ensure the tread is flat against both the stair and the riser.
Once in place, take a hand roller and run it back and forth over the surface of the rubber stair tread and over the nose of the tread. Doing this will press out any air pockets and will finish the installation. Allow the treads to dry overnight before using the stairs.
With a bit of care, rubber stair treads can be easily installed. Following these simple steps will ensure a secure tread and provide a level of safety not found on untreated wooden stairs.
