Non-Slip Stair Treads - Installation Guide For Stone Staircases
A stone staircase certainly adds style to your home, but it can also present a slipping hazard for kids and elderly people. You can address this problem simply by fitting your staircase with non-slip treads. This is a simple, inexpensive project that requires a little basic DIY skill and a few hours of your time. Here's how to do it.
What you'll need
- non-slip stair treads
- underlayment compound
- vacuum cleaner
- clean cloths
- washing-up liquid
- tape measure
- epoxy caulk
- craft knife
- vinyl adhesive
- hand roller
- metal straightedge
If you don't already have the tools for the job in your DIY kit, you'll find everything you need them, and everything else you need for this project, at a good DIY or hardware store.
It's a good idea to leave the adhesive, caulk, and compound in a warm room overnight to ensure that they are soft, malleable, and easy to work with when you begin the project.
How to do it
- Begin by preparing the staircase. Check each step for any pits or cracks and fill these with ready-to-apply underlayment compound as required. Use the spatula supplied with the compound to spread it evenly over the surface.
- Now vacuum the staircase to get rid of any dust and residual compound. Wipe the steps down using a clean cloth dipped in a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water.
- Measure the width of the steps, and cut the treads using a craft knife. The best way to do this is to place the metal straight edge on the tread and draw the craft knife along it, so that you get a nice, clean cut.
- For the treads to fit correctly, they must adhere to the steps with no air gaps underneath. If necessary, use epoxy caulk to plug any spaces between the treads and the steps.
- When you're happy that the treads fit snugly and correctly, you can begin to fit them. Working on one step at a time and spread adhesive along the underside of the tread, making sure that you thoroughly coat the tread's 'nosing'. The nosing is the part of the tread that is shaped to overhang the edge of the step.
- Place the tread on the step, nosing edge first. Push the tread back firmly, so that it fits flush and tight with the step.
- Finally, use the hand roller to ensure that each tread is completely smooth and flat.
In conclusion
You can make your stone staircase safer by installing non-slip stair treads. Just follow the simple instructions above for a quick and easy upgrade to your staircase.