This means that the laminate on your steps will require additional adhesive, and you will need to glue it to the subfloor. The link between laminate flooring and water, on the other hand, is tricky. Leave your tread slightly short, so you can fit your stair nosing piece onto the front. The tread will sit flush up against your riser, so subtract the thickness of the riser from the width of the tread. The first step in installing laminate flooring is determining which type is the most appropriate. Then cut through the middle of each spindle hole, going in a straight line the width of the tread. How can I remove laminate flooring from an oddly shaped hallway without destroying it? Rough surfaces like lumber and plywood are the best choices for laminate staircases because they ensure that the material sticks properly. After 20-30 minutes, use a damp cloth to even out the putty covering each screw, before it is fully dry. Use a jigsaw and cut slowly. Once your laminate planks suffer severe damage due to years of wear or water damage, youll have to replace them, as they cant be refinished. Remember to wipe away any excess glue. They either sit on top of the tread and lip over the riser, or they are flush with the tread and sit on top of the riser. Here are some easy-to-follow steps for installing laminate on stairs. However, it is significantly less expensive than hardwood. Finish off by driving a single screw or nail at the top of each of the nosing strips. This is necessary as you may need to cut a number of boards to fill in extra spaces. Since you are gluing your laminate as well as nailing it, youll want a surface beneath your laminate that provides optimal adhesion. This article has been viewed 616,245 times. These typically cost $12.50-$13.75 per square foot. Laminate Flooring Laminate flooring is designed to look like wood, but the similarities between the two materials end there. WeekendBuilds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, 5. You must log in or register to reply here. Mitchell Newman is the Principal at Habitar Design and its sister company Stratagem Construction in Chicago, Illinois. Next you will need to cut the riser pieces to length. To install laminate flooring on steps, youll need to glue a couple of pieces of your flooring together. Youll see products that have ratings featured prominently on the box that looks like AC-1. However, many people are concerned about the possibility, Read More How Long Does it Take To Install Laminate Flooring [Truth Revealed]Continue, Laminate flooring is becoming increasingly popular among homes as a result of its appealing appearance, functionality, and long-lasting sturdiness. Knowing how to put laminate flooring on stairs like a specialist, you can be certain that yours is installed perfectly and enjoy the total change of your new staircase. You can either cut away the overhang with a jigsaw or use a piece of plywood to fill in the gaps with a piece of plywood. To effectively transition laminate flooring to stairs, use laminate planks that match the color and texture of the laminate floor thats adjacent to the stairway. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? This will avoid future warping, expansion, and contraction of your laminate by allowing it to acclimatize. Should we fit carpet first or laminate the bottom level first? 1. Make sure you select the proper underlay for your laminate flooring before attaching it to your stairwell in preparation for installing your flooring. Screws will hold better than nails, but will also require more wood filler. A tread and riser are about a total of 5 square feet. The flooring is robust, though not as durable as a hardwood floor, which is understandable. With the average cost of installation costing $3 to $8 per square foot total, labor costs make up anywhere from 20% to 50% of your final cost. Prepare the stairs. However, laminate flooring planks also have some drawbacks, such as poor noise dampening capabilities and the inability to be refurbished. Apply premium-quality wood glue to the back of the tread board before laying down the board to the horizontal part of the step and pressing it into position. This allows air to flow through the laminate, allowing it to respond to the temperature and humidity levels in your home. We do not specifically market to children under 13. A box of laminate is typically just over 15 square feet, so youll need about 3.5 boxes of laminate for that same flight of stairs. Cut it so it touches the carpet and hides the gap at the bottom. Cut one piece of laminated stair nose to width using a miter saw. If this was available for flooring I have done in the past I could have used it more than a few times. Laminate flooring is rated from 1 to 5 based on durability, with 5 being the most durable. Make sure to wear gloves while you are removing carpet, the staples can be very sharp and may cause injuries. Take one section of cardboard and draw a line on your tread that goes through both spindle holes. Installing laminate over tile or even vinyl is not a good idea because the tile is not an even surface and could cause the laminate to bend and move. Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for stair flooring in recent years. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Do the same on the vertical part of the step using the riser pieces. Please keep in mind that, if you are not sure in your capacity to self-install, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of a professional. WebMeasure the length of the stair tread from side to side. When a gnoll vampire assumes its hyena form, do its HP change? Simply make certain that the nails you use are ribbed for increased gripping force. Install Treads and Risers with Construction Adhesive and Nails/Screws, 6. Glue alone is not sufficient; once the glue is in place, we recommend drilling pilot holes and inserting screws, followed by the application of filler to conceal the screws. The flooring manufactures say 10mm/12mm gap to cover themselves i think incase something does expand. It will also allow you a comfortable margin for potential errors. Laminate Flooring Moldings The model that I had used a track that you screwed down to the floor, flush against the wall, then you clipped in the cover from the top over the floor. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Laminate can be as thin as 3 and be as thick as 7 or greater. jobs, The next step in your installation process requires you to glue some of your laminate pieces together. That way, if you make any mistakes, you wont repeat them on any of the succeeding stairs. Step 4: Cut your After that, glue your riser piece of laminate to the vertical front of the step and hold it in place while the glue dries completely. It may also void your warranty. Over the last decennium, engineered wood flooring has devised by leaps and bounds, doing it extra affordable than ever prior since homeowners to put hardwood underfoot. Then, cut the adjoined planks down to the span of the stairs from left to right. That means the laminate on your stairs needs extra adhesion youll need to glue it to your subfloor. You may need to level the subfloor of your steps particularly the center of your stair treads. How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs [Step-by-Step Guide] It is discussed in this article how to measure, cut, and install laminate flooring on stairs so that it looks just as wonderful on your stairs as the rest of your homes flooring. Laminate is a type of melamine that has been combined with formaldehyde. For some, thats enough cause for concern about tripping hazards. What you see is a high-resolution photo of the real wood grain. Is it safe to publish research papers in cooperation with Russian academics? Thickness is also an option for buyers. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Some folks will advise you to use a nail gun instead. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. When installing laminate flooring on stairs, remember to take your time since the process differs greatly compared to installing laminate on floors. After cutting each tread number it and set it This item is ideal for living rooms, foyers, and corridors. Additionally, because your nosing will cover this area, you can nail the very top of the riser in place if it is necessary to do so. tar command with and without --absolute-names option, Embedded hyperlinks in a thesis or research paper. If you cant remove the spindles, then heres how you install laminate on stairs around a railing with spindles: Titebond has a much lower water content than other wood glue. That photo is protected by a clear aluminum oxide finish, which maintains the look of the laminate while providing additional protection. Nose size depends on the manufacturer. What does 'They're at four. re-fitting stairs carpet after decorating work done in hallway, Damp by back door and bottom of stairs in corner. Thank you very much. ", How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs, Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.theflooringlady.com/how-to-install-laminate-flooring-on-stairs/#tab-con-2, https://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/how-to-install-flooring-on-stairs, https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/installing-laminate-flooring-on-stairs/, https://swisskronousa.com/installation/installing-laminate-flooring-on-stairs/, https://www.quickstepstyle.com/diy-home-projects/easier-laminate-stair-installation/, Installare una Pavimentazione in Laminato sugli Scalini. Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood to pad the riser, filling out the space underneath the overhang. Terms and conditions Then, start laying your laminate by applying three beads of good quality wood glue to the subfloor and then installing the tread pieces. Each page also comes with pictures and a video to make completing those jobs even easier! However, laminate flooring, like other floors, has its own set of installation distinctions. Even if the stairs were not covered in carpeting, you can prepare them by removing any old paint or adhesive and repairing any loose or creaking steps by nailing them securely in place. To cut the nose stripping, you should measure the length of the exposed thread, as well as the length of the riser and cut laminate pieces to fit, trimming the edges to fit the angle of the stairs, if necessary. Ive been working with floors for over 12 years. I'm not really sure what that picture is of, as it's too dark for me to make out what you're trying to show. This article was co-authored by Mitchell Newman. Naturally, there are high-end and low-end products that you can pay more or less for, but nearly all laminate will fall into that price range. How to Replace a Subfloor Under a Laminate flooring is a versatile alternative to other floor types since it can mimic their look while also offering significant strength. Laminate flooring is a versatile option to other forms of flooring since it can resemble their appearance while also providing significant strength and durability. Thicknesses range from 7mm to 12mm and this should be on your radar when purchasing laminate for stairs. This trim piece will provide an attractive transition, as well as a safe edge for the stairs. Remember to cut off the tongue end of the laminate risers. If it appears as though there is sufficient coverage of adhesive on both the laminate plank and the step, you know youve glued it correctly. Glue enough planks of laminate together so that it fits the width of your tread. Then, level the putty using a moist piece of cloth, before leaving it to cure. Youll have to cut spindle holes out of each tread and then cut each tread into two. In this article, we will go over exactly how to measure, cut, and If the nosing has a groove, then it will sit in the tongue of the tread, so make sure you do not cut off the tongue of your tread when cutting it to width. First, stairs are one of the highest impact areas of your home. How can I level this concrete floor so I can install laminate? Installing laminate flooring on stairs with railings can be incredibly time-consuming if you have a staircase with spindles and banister on top. A laminate stair nose piece may be your greatest cost during your stair install. If you prefer to install smooth laminate with no surface texturing, its advisable to invest in clear stair covers. Fit the laminate first as the carpet will then cover the gap between the laminate and bottom step, which will create a nice neat finish. There is a thick resin covering and protective outer layer for maximum toughness and lifespan. This is a fantastic method to extend your gorgeous floor onto your stairs without breaking the bank. Wood or plastic shims work well beneath laminate to level it. If you choose to nail, drill pilot holes first to help you drive the nails easily. You'll need some long nails to get through the carpet, so it's best to pre-drill the nail holes so you don't split the trim.