How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs

Laminate flooring can be used on stairs. Laminate flooring, especially that in a "textured" or rough-surfaced style, is a good choice for stairs leading from a basement or workroom to another part of the house. It will "catch" dirt, grime, grease, and soil before it can be tracked into other areas of the house. It is easier to clean than carpet, and does not show "traffic wear" as quickly.

And, if you choose laminate flooring in single, self-adhesive tiles, installation is easy.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape, pen/pencil
• Laminate flooring, 6-inch by 12-inch (see Tips for further information), in the style and color you choose

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Instructions

1. Clean the stair surfaces thoroughly. If they were carpeted, make sure all carpet adhesive and tape have been completely removed. Smooth rough surfaces; make sure no nail or wood screw heads are sticking up.

2. Using your measuring tape, locate the center of the stair surface on the top stair. Mark that spot with your pencil or pen. Do the same thing for the riser (front) of the top stair.

3. Remove the adhesive and lay your first piece of tile on the stair surface, making sure the center of the tile is directly over the mark for the center of the stair surface. Press the tile firmly into place.

4. Lay additional pieces of tile, working from the center piece to the left, then from the center piece to the right. Stop frequently and use your measuring tape to make sure all pieces are level and straight with each other.

5. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 for the riser (front) of the top stair.

6. Move to the next stair, repeat Steps 3 and 4.

7. Continue until all stair surfaces have been covered.

Tips & Warnings

• A standard stair measures 6 inches high at the riser (or front) and 12 inches wide and 36 inches long on the stair surface itself. Laminate floor tiles come in 6 inch by 12 inch dimensions, thereby decreasing or possibly eliminating the need for cutting.

• Take care when fitting the tile flooring to the riser (front) of the stair. You will be bending over or twisting to reach it, and could lose your balance.

• Make sure the surface of the laminate tile flooring is of a type that will not become slick if someone's feet or shoes are wet. Severe injury can result from slipping and falling on stairs.

• Make sure the tiles are securely pressed into place. Loose tiles can cause someone to fall, causing severe injury.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish