how to end laminate flooring at bottom of stairs

How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs. There are a plethora of benefits to having laminate flooring installed. Spindles usually are held in place via round plug-like holes on the top and bottom. Your average step is about 36 wide. Use a jigsaw to remove the overhang, or attach a piece of plywood to the riser to fill in any gaps left by the removal of the overhang. First, stairs are one of the highest impact areas of your home. You will not be able to utilize laminate flooring on stairs as a floating floor system, thus do not use underlayment when installing laminate flooring on stairs. In this article, we will go over exactly how to measure, cut, and install laminate flooring on stairs to look as good on your stairs as it does in the rest of your house. In terms of quantity, you should order about 10% more flooring than you actually need in order to cover the square footage of stairs. Meanwhile, if there are tack strips, use a pry bar and a hammer to remove them. It is extremely tacky when handling, which means when you glue your laminate planks together, the initial bond is tight and you dont have to hold it. (Complete Answer), How to Stagger Laminate Flooring? Sitemap 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. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. This article was co-authored by Mitchell Newman. You dont have to saturate the laminate but apply enough so that all parts of the riser will adhere to the stair subfloor. Remove that amount from the length of your tread as well. WebFit 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 are so many things to like about laminate flooring. TrafficMasters laminate flooring comes in two attractive finishes. This is a durability rating applied to all laminate products. Finish off by driving a single screw or nail at the top of each of the nosing strips. ", 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. Laminate flooring- cut to bottom of stairs? Finally, after youve purchased the laminate planks, its important to acclimatize them to the temperature and humidity conditions of your stairway. Always glue laminate on the tongue and not the groove. Chip away any excess debris and even sand down wood stair treads to provide a perfectly smooth surface for the laminate to be applied to. jobs, Youll have to cut spindle holes out of each tread and then cut each tread into two. Rough surfaces like lumber and plywood are the best choices for laminate staircases because they ensure that the material sticks properly. Unlike hardwood flooring that comes in a wide variety of lengths, laminate is one uniform length. Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring constructed from many bonded layers. If you live in an old house or you think your stairs might not be uniform, then youll want to measure each tread individually to get an exact cut. (Step-by-Step Guide), How to Fix Vinyl Flooring Scratches? 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. Measure from the bottom to the top of the step and you have your riser width. Support wikiHow by Cut one piece of laminated stair nose to width using a miter saw. 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. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will keep your laminate stairs free of dirt, debris, and grime. 3. Best of luck with your next laminate stair project! Stair treads- cover the horizontal part of the stair steps. Use a jigsaw and cut slowly. Existing flooring, paint, or glue should be removed. Just be sure to nail the plywood in place before installing the laminate. 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. Laminate flooring is rated from 1 to 5 based on durability, with 5 being the most durable. The carpet is fitted into the expansion gap of the wood floor round so I always fit the laminate first. Glue them together, tongue to groove, to ensure that they are secure during the fitting process. Enjoy! You can easily and effectively install laminate floorboards on stairs, with or without nose stripping. When it comes to laminate flooring, you can do most of the work yourself, but if you arent confident in your carpentry abilities, you may want to consider hiring a professional to perform the job. As mentioned above, start at the top of the steps and move downward. What is the symbol (which looks similar to an equals sign) called? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Allow the vinyl planks and stair nosing to acclimate to the space for at least 3 days. When a gnoll vampire assumes its hyena form, do its HP change? I've been a flooring contractor for over 12 years. Sweep the stairs of any dust or dirt. Laminate flooring is more than just the core ingredient. It is recommended that you leave your flooring in this condition for at least 72 hours before placing it. This will avoid future warping, expansion, and contraction of your laminate by allowing it to acclimatize. No definitive studies have proven this to be the case; although you are cutting laminate, you should wear a face mask and goggles if your cutting tool is spitting lots of dust. Nosings usually overlap the width of the treads to create an overhang. This involves removing any existing flooring, underlayment, paint, and adhesive. Just checking the best way around to do this to get the best finish. Laminate flooring can be installed on stairs, or anywhere else that you would install hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is made to look like wood, but that is about where the similarities end. The first step to installing laminate floor planks on stairs is to prep the staircase. WebInstall the tread first, then the nosing, and the riser after. Block vs Poured Foundation: Whats the Difference? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Prepare the stairs. A tread and riser are about a total of 5 square feet. Meanwhile, professional installation costs range from $15-$25 per square foot. The flooring is robust, though not as durable as a hardwood floor, which is understandable. Terms and conditions 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. 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. 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. 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. Many of you will discover that your stairwell has an overhanging section. Continue to work your way down the stairs filling in the holes and removing the tape on each piece of nosing. This is a fantastic method to extend your gorgeous floor onto your stairs without breaking the bank. [Step by Step Guide], How Long Does it Take To Install Laminate Flooring [Truth Revealed], How much does to install laminate flooring? Also, hardwood nosing that is around 80 are upwards of $80, while laminate nose pieces are closer to $40 for the same length. Screws will hold better than nails, but will also require more wood filler. Once the laminate has been laid, youll be able to use the nose stripping you purchased to create an overhang on your own, but for the time being, youll need a surface that makes it simple to install your laminate. Laminate is a type of melamine that has been combined with formaldehyde. A tight bond is critical for laminate on steps. Make sure to wear gloves while you are removing carpet, the staples can be very sharp and may cause injuries. If you find a tread that is wider than the others, then you can make that cut accordingly. Install the tread first, followed by the nosing, and finally the riser, in that order. Laminate flooring is more than just a surface covering for a room. Make sure every laminate plank has a few nails or screws in it, on either side. WeekendBuilds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, 5. A table saw is the easiest way to cut these planks, as they are typically 4 long. Most laminate floorboards arent long enough to cover the span of the stairs from left to right. 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. Installing a single hardwood floor takes a significant amount of work and effort. 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. You should measure and cut out the stair noses to the length of the laminate treads and risers. Would this be the best solution? Youll need three pieces of laminate for each step in this process: The tread piece, which rests on top of the step, is made of wood. Already I can see two areas which are not as straightforward as the rest of the area. Grab your copy now for all the DIY help you need right at your finger tips! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Making cuts on narrow material on a miter saw can be awkward make sure you hold it snug when you cut so it doesnt move. Once youve chosen the appropriate style and feel, the next step is to allow your flooring to become acclimated to its new surroundings. 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. So I have 2 areas of concern: A laminate stair nose piece may be your greatest cost during your stair install. The flooring manufactures say 10mm/12mm gap to cover themselves i think incase something does expand. If you choose to nail, drill pilot holes first to help you drive the nails easily. The bottom of your riser should be the groove if you leave the tongue on the bottom of your riser, you risk having part of the tongue exposed. Years of feet thumping up and down the center of your stairs will wear down the centers compared to the stair edges. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. help and explain how to install the flooring on our steps. 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. You should also screw down each plank, in addition to gluing them down, to properly secure them in the absence of stair nosings. I have a cordless finishing nailer that leaves a very small indentation in the planks. One can typically cost anywhere from $30 to $50 or more. Use wood glue to glue your laminate together. This site is a result of my DIY passion, and to share the joys I have experienced fixing, building, and creating things over the years. It is inexpensive, long-lasting, and attractive when correctly fitted. Its cheap, durable, and it looks good if installed properly. Order your laminate flooring. 301 165K views 4 years ago Floor and Stair This How To Do Transition From Laminate Floor To Stairs or Threshold Between Laminate Floor To Stairs Show Finally, once youve finished installing your laminate on the entire staircase, allow it to cure overnight and avoid walking on it for approximately 12 hours. If you are sure your stairs are of uniform width and length down, you can go ahead and make all your cuts ahead of time. Do the tread, riser, and nosing all at the same time. Laminate is notoriously slippery, especially when wet. (Easy Guide), How to Take Out Linoleum or Vinyl Flooring? Thickness is also an option for buyers. These make precise cuts in your laminate using a handsaw or circular saw can result in planks that are not completely flush with the wall or another plank. 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. This will reduce the likelihood of splitting the laminate boards. WebMeasure the length of the stair tread from side to side. In the case of carpets, a pair of pliers will be sufficient to remove this obstruction quickly. To install laminate flooring on stairs, start by removing the overhang, or the underside of the stairs, with a jigsaw. Then, I switched careers into accounting, so my wife and I began buying, renovating, and re-selling homes on the side. ', referring to the nuclear power plant in Ignalina, mean? In the instructions it says that you should leave a 10mm gap between the edge of the 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. To acclimatize your laminate planks, let them sit on the staircase for at least 72 hours prior to installation. Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for stair flooring in recent years. The first step in installing laminate flooring is to verify that your staircase has been properly prepared and is ready to be used. If your laminate doesnt sit flush to your stair walls, youll notice it every time you use the stairs. A staircase with 10 treads and 11 risers will require nearly 47 square feet of laminate flooring. However, it is significantly less expensive than hardwood. Once dry, you can cut that piece to fit your tread and the riser. The next step in your installation process requires you to glue some of your laminate pieces together. Therefore youll be placing at least more than one plank of laminate on each tread and riser. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're a team of veteran home improvement professionals looking to pass along our knowledge. WebThe molding sits flat and level on one side with your laminate flooring and closely hugs the first stair or step on the other side, rounding off the edge of the stair and adding a unique finishing touch to your completed laminate flooring project. When something is installed incorrectly, it might create a risky condition that has the potential to end in a major accident. Drill a countersink hole for each of the screws, using a combination bit. While this might not sound appealing, I suggest measuring each tread and riser separately dont assume they are all of the uniform length. WebTypically the solution at the bottom of the stairs is to use a quarter-round (Usually 3/4" thick) to cover the flooring and the bottom of the carpet. Stairs are difficult to install and can be quite frustrating if you are not properly trained and prepared. Then cut through the middle of each spindle hole, going in a straight line the width of the tread. By design, laminate flooring will survive for many years with little maintenance and upkeep. Should we fit carpet first or laminate the bottom level first? Pull the carpet That means the laminate on your stairs needs extra adhesion youll need to glue it to your subfloor. They have ones for joining two floors at similar levels (eg, at doorways to mate with other flooring), to step down to a different flooring, or to mate up against walls. To cover the entire step with a single laminate board, cut a second plank to size and glue it tongue-to-groove next to the first plank, leaving enough space for the nosing to be seen between them. Place the stair nose on the front of the step. Take one section of cardboard and draw a line on your tread that goes through both spindle holes. (Answer), Stone Look Vinyl Flooring (Detailed Guide), How to Fix Gaps in Laminate Flooring? It's not them. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? "This was very helpful, and you made it look easy to do. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! But bear in mind: Nailing may damage the face of the laminate. Lets break down the cost between a hardwood tread and riser vs. using laminate for the same purpose. Laminate costs anywhere from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. Using wood adhesive, attach your tread to the rear of the first step, making sure that the tongue of the tread faces outwards and that it is snugly against the back of the step. If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, Installing laminate flooring on stairs with railings can be incredibly time-consuming if you have a staircase with spindles and banister on top. Problem is if you push the wood too far you might end up leaving no gap at all and won't know that as the carpet is in the way. It will 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. While laminate planks have been known to work well on even floor surfaces, many wonder whether theyre great for stairway flooring as well. Laminate flooring is designed to look like wood, but the similarities between the two materials end there. Also, dont forget to buy stair nose stripping to cover the front edges of your stair treads. Before you cut your treads, take a look at your nosing. Alternatively, you might use construction adhesive to attach the boards to the risers and then install corner molding on the open sides of the risers, and then nail the molding to the stair stringer to hold the riser coverings in place while the glue cures. It may not display this or other websites correctly. For some, thats enough cause for concern about tripping hazards. After youve completed the installation of your riser and tread, the next step is to attach your nosing, which serves as an edge trim on each of the steps. Hardwood treads can cost anywhere from $20 to $30 or more. Measure the stair tread and cut the planks to fit. 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. 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