How to Tack Outdoor Carpet to Concrete Stairs
Concrete stairs in the outside environment can become slippery when wet. Outdoor carpeting fastened to the stairs helps provide traction. In many instances, concrete stairs become unsightly over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Adding carpet to the stairs dresses them up and brightens the exterior of a building. In many conditions concrete stairs will not hold paint very well. This is another instance where outdoor carpet can freshen up their appearance. It is best to use a product that is formulated for adhering carpet to concrete rather than to depend on a general adhesive. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Detergent
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Outdoor carpet adhesive
- Notched trowel
- 2-by-4-inch piece of lumber
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Instructions
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Lay the carpet on a flat surface and allow it to relax for an hour before installation. The location should have similar temperature and moisture conditions as to where it will be installed.
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Carefully and completely clean the concrete surfaces. Remove old paint, dirt, grime and grease. Allow the concrete to completely dry.
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Apply adhesive to each step using the notched trowel, making sure to spread it evenly. Drag notched side of trowel through the adhesive with trowel at a 30 degree angle so that uniform ridges are created.
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Roll the carpet onto the stairs. When using individual pieces on the steps, start on one side and put the pieces down in a rolling fashion. Avoid flopping the carpet to keep from trapping air between the carpet and concrete.
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Smooth the carpet using the 2 by 4.
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Lift portions of the newly laid carpet periodically to be sure the adhesive is transferring adequately. Adhesive must cover at least 50 percent of the backing surface.
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Release air from pockets that develop by making a small hole in the carpet at the center of the bubbles.
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Keep traffic off the steps for 12 hours after installation is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider covering just the steps and not the risers. Changes in temperature and humidity will affect vertical surfaces more than horizontal surfaces. The carpet may sag or more easily come unglued on the vertical surfaces of the risers.
New concrete should not be carpeted until it has cured for at least 30 days.
Use a 1/8-inch-by-1/8-inch-by-1/8-inch notched trowel for rough-backed carpets or carpets with heavy waffling on the backside.
Use 3/32-inch-by-3/32-inch-by-3/32-inch notched trowel for carpets with smooth backs.
Concrete absorbs moisture, and adhesives are affected by temperature. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially those dealing with the temperature and moisture conditions of the concrete and air.
