How to Lay Laminate on Stairs
Laminate flooring is a popular home improvement product, and the new laminates can be installed in any room of the house. If you'd like to lay laminate on stairs to coordinate the staircase with the floor, there is a specific method of installation needed to ensure the stairs are properly covered while maintaining the integrity of your laminate flooring warranty. While laminate is installed as a "floating" floor, stairs are the one area of the home where the method of install differs from the norm. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw with 60 tooth carbide tip
- Laminate stair nosing, one per step
- Construction adhesive
- Mildew resistant 100 percent silicone sealant
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut a riser and a tread for each step. The riser should fit exactly with no expansion joint, and the tread should fit exactly minus the depth of the stair nosing plus 1/4-inch expansion space. Note that each tread will typically consist of two pieces as the standard laminate plank is not as deep as a standard step.
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2
Dry fit the risers, treads and stair nose to each step, checking that the fit is tight and the expansion joint beneath the stair nosing has not been compromised.
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3
Glue each riser and tread into place, using construction adhesive and following the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for application and dry time. Typically, you will apply three beads of adhesive to each riser and tread piece, pressing firmly into place before installing the next piece.
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4
Run a bead of mildew resistant silicone along the seam between each riser and tread, taking care to seal the entire seam and wiping away any excess sealant.
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5
Install each stair nose, taking care to keep the expansion joint intact where the stair nose covers each tread, first gluing the nosing to the step and then screwing the stair nosing into place with the screws provided.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not walk on the stairs until the adhesive has fully dried.
Stairs are the only application where laminate flooring is glued to the substrate.
Always follow the laminate flooring manufacturer's instructions on installation processes.
