How to Install Outdoor Rubber Stair Treads

Install stair treads on any smooth dry step provided the shape of the step conforms to the underneath contour of the stair tread; particularly at the section where the flat part of the tread joins the nosing. A tight fit between stair treads and steps is essential. We recommend the use of Epoxy Nose Caulk on all stair tread installations.

If the shape of the steps does not conform to the shape of the stair treads and cannot be altered to conform, we do not recommend installation of treads unless special instructions are carefully followed. Room Temperature Materials, installation area, and adhesives should be no less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees C) 48 hours prior to, during and after installation.

Repair worn, uneven, or misaligned edge of steps.If an open space exists underneath the nosing of the thread when it is applied against the step you must fill the space with Epoxy Nose Caulk. It is essential that there be no space between the step and the stair tread when the installation is completed.

Surfaces of steps must be level, clean, dry and free from oil, grease, rust, paint, varnish and old coverings, adhesives and any other foreign substance. Wooden steps should be thoroughly nailed down. Worn or dished-out steps, cracks, holes, depressions or any other irregularities on the step should be repaired by filling or sealing and smoothing with an underlay compound.

Treads are usually supplied over size, with untrimmed ends, to allow extra material to compensate for variations in step dimensions. Treads should be individually trimmed to fit each step, both in depth and from side to side. The rear edge should be cut with a slight under bevel for a better fit. The stair treads can be marked with an awl and cut using a steel straight edge and a linoleum knife. The most important factor in proper stair tread installation is to see that no air space exists underneath the nosing part of the treads. The tread must not flex or move as traffic walks across the steps. Epoxy Nose Caulk should be used as described on the label. It is important to use the correct adhesive. The recommended adhesive for the outdoor rubber stair treads is Musson No. 775 Epoxy Adhesive.

After the steps have been prepared and the stair treads cut and fitted as described, begin installation by spreading adhesive on the stair completely covering the surface and the nosing. Always follow instructions on label of adhesive container.

Set the stair tread into its proper position on the step, beginning at the nosing and pushing back firmly and as tightly as possible, holding up the back surface of the tread. After nosing is completely in place, begin at the front and move back on the surface of the tread towards the riser; the tread should be pushed down firmly onto the step. After installation is completed, roll newly installed stair treads with a hand roller, making certain that the stair tread nosing is fitted tightly against the step nosing. If any difficulty is experienced in holding the nosing to an under stair, use a few hardened steel headless brads to secure it while the adhesive is drying.

Any adhesive or caulking compound on the surface of the stair treads should be wiped off before it dries, using a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol. If adhesive has dried, remove carefully with #00 steel wool and denatured alcohol. Rub lightly to avoid dulling and scratching stair treads. It is important that traffic be kept off the newly installed stair treads, until the adhesive has set up sufficiently. To prevent movement and assure a firm bond. Where construction work by other trades requires traffic over newly installed stair treads, protect treads with heavy building paper or planking as needed. Do not wash or apply any surface treatments for about one week after installation to allow sufficient time for the stair treads to become tightly bonded to the steps.