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Please refer to: http://homepage.mac.com/majoie/friends/PhotoAlbum22.html for pictures.
I originally placed grip tape down on my stairs (30 steps of slippery old, worn stone).
Unless you have just a few steps I do not suggest this. It did not work at all for us.
I purchased 18 mil rubber with treads from a rubber supply house that came in rolls of however many feet I wanted. They should be able to cut the length to your specifications but the width is usually standard.
The width I bought was 36 inches and my (standard) stairs are 30. The rubber I purchased is not made specifically for stairs so thats why the width didnt match. The rubber that is made specifically for stairs is about 2-3 times to cost. Therefore be ready to do some cutting or spend the extra money.
Recommended supplies
-Rolls of rubber with treads
-Liquid nails (best adhesion, quite permanent but can come off). Short wait time for adhesion.
Option: rubber cement will work but is usually temporary and may start to come up at an inopportune time (while you or your pup are going up the stairs and may become a tripping hazard. If you use this method check the adhesion regularly). There is also a longer waiting time for glue to dry before you can place the rubber down, approx. 15 minutes and you have to apply cement to both surfaces.
-Vacuum cleaner (to remove dog hair, loose dust, etc. off stairs)-
-Cleaning solution (heavy duty) to thoroughly clean stairs prior to adhesion. I used a solution called Mexx for stone steps, which also works on many other surfaces (read directions) and does not require a mask but does require rubber gloves to protect the skin. Very easy to use. Cleans fast and thoroughly.
-Rubber gloves (depending on the cleaning solution you use. Read instructions.
-Sponge to clean step with cleaning solution.
-Rags to dry steps thoroughly.
-Box cutter to cut rubber. (Much more efficient than scissors).
Procedure:
1. Cut rubber to size. You may opt to leave off 1 inch in width and 1/4 1/2 inch in depth as I did. Make sure rubber is clean on underside that will adhere to step.
2. Vacuum stairs thoroughly to remove dog hair, loose dust and debris.
3. Clean stairs thoroughly with heavy duty cleaning solution.
4. Rinse with hot or warm water.
5. Dry stairs thoroughly.
6. Apply liquid nails to step and a bit to underside of rubber (optional but I did). If using rubber cement you will need to apply more thoroughly (use more) to both the step and the rubber - refer to instructions on the bottle for either adhesive.
7. Place rubber down on step. You may leave 1/4 1/2 inch on side and back of step. This is easier with liquid nails. Rubber cement seems to be harder to remove and correct even before pressing down if you have made a mistake and need to adjust the position of the rubber.
8. Wait a few minutes and press down on rubber to step. Do this by stepping on it hard. Using your body weight is more effective than the force you generate using your hands.
Voila! Youre done!
My cost to cover 30 steps plus a 30 depth of rubber at the top and bottom of the stairs (if you dont do that they still slip when starting and stopping the stairs at the top and bottom) was approximately $200 with the supplies I chose.
Please check adhesion on a regular basis to avoid rubber coming up and accidents.
Disclaimer: This procedure worked for me. You may use this as a guideline but please use common sense and products and tools you are comfortable with or hire a professional if needed.
* In addition to the rubber on the stairs I found a harness from www.ruffwear.com called the Web Master Harness to be extremely helpful. You can pick your dog up like a suitcase, if absolutely necessary in an emergency, but the handle allows good control when used while the dog is on the ground.
Annette & Lambchop
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