The amount of different construction adhesives on the market can make your head spin. An adhesive that is perfect for one application may not be the best for another. This is especially true for vinyl stair treads because we need a flexible and strong adhesive that will last for many years in a high-traffic area.
Let’s look at the best adhesive for vinyl stair treads, as well as what separates a quality product from junk.
Our Top 4 Best Adhesives For Vinyl Stair Treads
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Our Top Pick ![]() | Our Top Pick | DAP Multi-Purpose Floor Adhesive
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Best Budget ![]() | Best Budget | Henry 356 MultiPro Premium Multipurpose High Strength Paste
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Best High End ![]() | Best High End | Roberts Vinyl And Carpet Adhesive
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![]() | Henry, WW Co. Vinyl Repair Adhesive
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| View on Amazon |
What Are Vinyl Stair Tread Adhesives?
These are special construction adhesives that are specially formulated to stand up to high-traffic areas like stairs. You can get away with less specialized products in lower-traffic areas, but the nose cap, tread, and riser of a staircase take more of a beating. It isn’t uncommon for the nosing to come off of the tread over time, so we need to use the strongest product possible to avoid this.
What Are The Different Types Of Adhesives For Vinyl Stair Treads?
There are plenty of options out there that are made with vinyl plank flooring in mind. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and some products that work on other areas of your floor will be unacceptable for the stairs.
Products that are marketed as a vinyl stair tread adhesive are specifically made for stair treads. They can be water or solvent-based. They usually come with a warranty and will work on all parts of the staircase (nosing, tread, and riser). The only downside is that they will cost significantly more than other types of products.
Water-based contact adhesives are easy to apply with a brush or roller, but they aren’t as durable as products that are specific to vinyl stair treads. They are usually low odor/low VOC products, so they can be used inside. These products can be used on staircases that don’t see as much foot traffic as others.
Solvent-based contact adhesives are usually stronger than water-based products, so they can stand up in high-traffic areas. The downsides are that they can produce a strong odor and they are a pain to clean up. Keep this in mind if you are working indoors, and open a window if possible.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives and double-sided tapes are a budget-friendly solution to adhere vinyl plank flooring to the subfloor. They work OK in low-traffic areas, but it would be a good idea to avoid these products on stair treads. This is especially true for the nosing on the tread.
How Do Adhesives Work With Vinyl Stair Treads?
Adhesives hold your stair tread in place. Where it is possible to lay a large floating floor, your stair treads will have a better chance of moving if they aren’t properly secured. Large areas of vinyl plank flooring won’t move, even if they are floating, because they are connected and have enough weight to stay in place when walked on. Your treads will most likely consist of one or two pieces of flooring, so they don’t have as good of a chance to stay in place.
What Do You Look For In The Best Adhesives For Vinyl Stair Treads?
When in the market for vinyl stair tread adhesives, there are a few boxes that a product should check before you consider purchasing it.
Most important is adhesion strength and durability. You want a product that will stand the test of time so that you don’t have to make any unnecessary repairs down the road.
A quality product needs to be flexible as well. Open floors can disperse weight effectively, but a small stair will need some help in this department. A flexible adhesive will help disperse the pressure that is put on the tread when you walk on it without breaking away from the subfloor.
If you are working inside, a product with a low VOC content is ideal. These chemicals are unsafe to breathe and can cause health problems. They are better for exterior projects but can be used inside in a well-ventilated room.
A quick drying time is also preferred so that you can get back to using your stairs as soon as possible. This isn’t the most important quality in a product, but nonetheless, it is convenient.
It is always nice to use a product that is backed by a warranty. This is usually a good sign of a quality product because the manufacturer is willing to stand behind it.
Best Adhesive For Vinyl Stair Treads Reviewed
DAP Multi-Purpose Floor Adhesive (Our Top Pick)
From the trusted construction supply company, DAP, this is your go-to solution if you want to secure your stair treads for many years to come. It is versatile enough to use on treads and nosing alike.
The low VOC formula means you can use it inside with less worry about harmful fumes. It still emits an unpleasant odor, so it would be wise to crack a window when using it on interior jobs. It’s perfect for medium-sized projects, but since it only comes in a 1-quart tub, you will need to buy a few for projects with multiple staircases.
Pros
- Strong adhesion
- Quick dry time
- Low VOCs
Cons
- Creates a moderate amount of odor
- Only available in 1-quart size
Henry 356 MultiPro Premium Multipurpose High Strength Paste (Best Budget)
This high-performance adhesive offers a strong and unrivaled long-lasting bond for your stair tread needs. There is a reason that it receives so many 5-star reviews, that’s because it works. It comes in a 1-gallon bucket, so you can be sure that you will always have enough on hand to finish any size project.
It does require some ventilation when used due to the odors it emits, but at this price, it is hard to beat.
Pros
- Strong and flexible bond
- 1-gallon bucket means ample coverage for all projects
- Versatile enough for treads and nosing
Cons
- Higher VOC content than competitive products
- Moderately strong odor when using
Roberts Vinyl And Carpet Adhesive (Best High End)
This low VOC formula adhesive captures all of the best characteristics of a vinyl flooring adhesive. It is as strong as they come but still offers the flexibility that is needed for tread nosing to adhere. It dries quickly and is virtually odorless, so you can use this product for any interior or exterior project.
It isn’t the most affordable product on the market, but the higher price point is justified by the large 1-gallon container that it comes in. This is perfect for any size job and will ensure that you have leftover adhesive should you need to make any repairs in the future.
Pros
- Low VOCs
- Dries quick
- 1-gallon size for ample coverage
Cons
- More expensive than most products
Henry, WW Co. Vinyl Repair Adhesive
This product comes with a warranty and is made in the US, so you know that it will stand the test of time. The main reason this adhesive didn’t make our top three picks is because of its size. It is just as strong and flexible as the other products on this list, but because of the 6 oz. size, it is only suitable for small projects. It would be too expensive to use for multiple large staircases. If you are working on a small 2-4 stair set, then this is a great choice, but anything larger will warrant another product.
Pros
- Perfect for small projects
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Only comes in 6 oz bottle
- Will be expensive for larger projects
Final Thoughts On Adhesives For Vinyl Stair Treads
It can be overwhelming when choosing an adhesive for your vinyl stair treads and nosing, but luckily we have done the legwork for you. Any of these products will make a solid choice for your next project, but if you choose to go in another direction, make sure that it meets the standards of a quality product that we mentioned earlier. Working with a product that is strong, durable, and versatile will make your next job installing vinyl stair treads a breeze.