how to end laminate flooring at bottom of stairs

Usually, when you have an area that does not lend itself to having the standard edging trim you need to cut away the offending section and slide the laminate underneath. Extra Tip: Before you begin putting your flooring, make sure that your sub-floor is as level as possible. A laminate cutter works well, but that requires you to have a laminate cutter which most people dont own. WebSpread construction adhesive on the bottom faces and carpenter's glue on the corners of the front strip, then assemble the pieces and nail them with a nail gun and 1 1/2-inch Installing a single hardwood floor takes a significant amount of work and effort. When installing laminate flooring on stairs, remember to take your time since the process differs greatly compared to installing laminate on floors. You can easily and effectively install laminate floorboards on stairs, with or without nose stripping. or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you. What is the symbol (which looks similar to an equals sign) called? help and explain how to install the flooring on our steps. If you find a tread that is wider than the others, then you can make that cut accordingly. FloorTechie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The laminate stair nosing will fit against the tread edge and be glued and screwed to the subfloor. Its cheap, durable, and it looks good if installed properly. Placing laminate on your stairwell is not quite as straightforward as installing it on your floors or in your living room. If you all ready have the carpet measure the pile depth and adjust the size of the gap if you have a 7mm pile carpet then a 5mm gap would be perfect. This means that the laminate on your steps will require additional adhesive, and you will need to glue it to the subfloor. Arguably the best part of Titebond is that it is water-resistant. 3. The riser piece, which is located vertically on the front of the step, is made of steel. I'm assuming your stairs are carpeted - won't the carpet cover the gap? The next step in your installation process requires you to glue some of your laminate pieces together. A table saw is the easiest way to cut these planks, as they are typically 4 long. Wood or plastic shims work well beneath laminate to level it. 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. tar command with and without --absolute-names option, Embedded hyperlinks in a thesis or research paper. Now you need to measure the exact tread and riser length of your steps. Would the fitting above be the best option also? References. 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. You can rent one, which is a cost, or you can simply use a miter saw, which most people do have. Glue it all to the subfloor with construction adhesive. If you choose to nail, drill pilot holes first to help you drive the nails easily. Laminate flooring is more than just a surface covering for a room. Finally, we recommend using textured laminate planks since there wont be any nose stripping to provide added traction. Precise measurement is critical to making sure your stairs look great and fit properly. Laminate is formed by a variety of chemical processes to form an incredibly durable solid that may be used as flooring, but it can also be utilized in a variety of other applications such as countertops, whiteboards, cabinets, and other furniture. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 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. Install Treads and Risers with Construction Adhesive and Nails/Screws, 6. Then, leave the new laminate staircase unused overnight. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? How can I remove laminate flooring from an oddly shaped hallway without destroying it? I believe that floors are the best way to get the most out of your home, whether it comes to price, enjoyment, or longevity. The length of your tread pieces will be determined by the length of your laminate plank, which should be as snug as possible on either side of the step when laid across the top of the step. Why don't we use the 7805 for car phone chargers? The problem is that the bottom step of the stairs is curved at the corner. There are concerns that the formaldehyde in the laminate could cause long term health effects. Youll also need the nosing that goes with your laminate product. Whats more, underlayment padding will improve the underfoot feel of your laminate stairway. In addition, there is another advantage to utilizing a pretty liberal amount of construction glue while mounting the stair nose that you may not have considered: durability. 1. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. 1) I am experiencing rising mould on my internal walls by the back door and spots of mould are 2008-2023 MyBuilder Limited It should be noted that laminate flooring is not plastic. Others fit over the tread and sit in a metal bracket that you screw into the tread subfloor. There are three parts that you will need to cut from your laminate, and it is best if you prepare them ahead of time before you begin installing the flooring: Riser parts are pieces that support a structure (the front piece on the vertical side of the step), Nosing for the stairwell (the corner piece which will create an overhang). He has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. To prevent this issue, install underlay material on the bare staircase to make it more soundproof. 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. (Complete Answer), How to Stagger Laminate Flooring? The formaldehyde included in the laminate has raised concerns that it may have long-term health consequences. How can I hide the gap at the base of the stairs and the door, when installing laminate flooring? A tight bond is critical for laminate on steps. Bowed laminate flooring on slab: How to proceed? First, stairs are one of the highest impact areas of your home. By design, laminate flooring will survive for many years with little maintenance and upkeep. Once dry, you can cut that piece to fit your tread and the riser. Privacy notice You may use water or acetone for this. Cut your laminate piece along that line using a miter saw a fine toothed blade works wonders here. Youll also need to acquire nose stripping in the color of your choice (well go over this in more detail later in this guide). You dont have to saturate the laminate but apply enough so that all parts of the riser will adhere to the stair subfloor. 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. Using the cardboard on top of the laminate tread piece youve cut, mark out the spindle holes on the tread. This involves removing any existing flooring, underlayment, paint, and adhesive. AC-4 is a good rating for a laminate product in a stair application. Sold separately, they fit with the regular laminate planks and go on the edge of the stair tread to provide a clean look and continuity between the tread and riser. Titebond will not degrade over time due to moisture contact, ensuring your laminate steps dont move. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. If you are using laminate, you should avoid nailing through it because this can cause the finish on the surface to be damaged. In the instructions it says that you should leave a 10mm gap between the edge of the 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. Create a replica tread using cardboard. Gluing to vinyl is also not ideal youll want to remove it first. This will avoid future warping, expansion, and contraction of your laminate by allowing it to acclimatize. More than likely, a small shim or thin plywood can secure your treads and nosing just be sure to use a level when installing each tread. You are using an out of date browser. Allow the vinyl planks and stair nosing to acclimate to the space for at least 3 days. Laminate flooring is fairly easy to clean. When I laid my laminate floor, the store sold a variety of edging to use where you couldn't simply cover over the gap with baseboards. Flooring & Stairs; How To: Install Click Flooring Credit on click-together flooring, it's easier than ever for household for position engineered hardwood underfoot. Ideally, the adhesive should be Liquid Nails or a construction-type glue that can be applied with a glue gun. If not, use your handsaw or jigsaw to make slight adjustments. 2). Prepare the stairs. Typically, stair noses dont lay flush with the stair treads, sometimes rising more than 30mm above the height of the stair treads. Laminate flooring is a versatile option to other forms of flooring since it can resemble their appearance while also providing significant strength and durability. 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. Once youve chosen the appropriate style and feel, the next step is to allow your flooring to become acclimated to its new surroundings. Dont be shy with your construction adhesive and consider using nails or screws to provide additional adhesion for your laminate treads, risers, and nosing. Youll want the thickest possible product for your stairs. Do the tread, riser, and nosing all at the same time. Laminate is a form of melamine mixed with formaldehyde. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Sometimes they can be wiggled enough to dislodge them but be careful because they can break off in their hole and then you are out of luck. WebThe best way to finish it off is to cut the bottom riser a little short where it meets the floor. In comparison to lamination, the procedures used to manufacture plastic are fundamentally different. Laminate flooring- cut to bottom of stairs? Prepare the Laminate Floors You can cover up the nails or screws with wood filler later to match the color of your laminate. Ensure proper installation with the tapered end of the nosings forming the overhangs that protrude over the edge of the tread pieces. Make sure you select the proper underlay for your laminate flooring before attaching it to your stairwell in preparation for installing your flooring. The average labor cost to install laminate flooring is $1.72 per square foot. Simply make certain that the nails you use are ribbed for increased gripping force. Installing laminate flooring on stairs with railings can be incredibly time-consuming if you have a staircase with spindles and banister on top. Laminate is a type of melamine that has been combined with formaldehyde. It's not them. Labor costs about $568 to install laminate in a 330 square foot living room. To learn how to choose the right laminate flooring for your stairs, read on! The processes to create plastic versus laminate are completely different. Then, cut the adjoined planks down to the span of the stairs from left to right. 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. Remember to wipe away any excess glue. This allows air to flow through the laminate, allowing it to respond to the temperature and humidity levels in your home. If you do the carpet first then a solution needs to be found to cover the gap, normally wooden edge beading which is not as neat as the first option. They are around 80 long, so depending on how many steps you have, you may be able to get away with only buying a couple. Cookies 3. Place the stair nose on the front of the step. Whats more, laminate flooring features a design layer that can be made to mimic the look of different types of flooring. 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. Typically this would be two pieces unless youve purchased a narrow product in which case youll glue three or more. But bear in mind: Nailing may damage the face of the laminate. 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. To acclimatize your laminate planks, let them sit on the staircase for at least 72 hours prior to installation. You dont want imperfections in a high traffic area youll see them every day. If you do decide to go with nailing, use a pneumatic (automatic) nailer. unlocking this expert answer. Make sure every laminate plank has a few nails or screws in it, on either side. Its important to note that most types of laminate planks have a smooth, slippery surface, thus posing the risk of slips and falls. Also, your tread wont go to the edge of the stair. You can apply the putty using a plastic scraper. Glue them together, tongue to groove, to ensure that they are secure during the fitting process. Lets break down the cost between a hardwood tread and riser vs. using laminate for the same purpose. This can be tricky if they are glued or nailed into place. How much does to install laminate flooring?, Read More How much does to install laminate flooring? Is it safe to publish research papers in cooperation with Russian academics? We propose scratching the rear surface of the laminateflooring plank using a knife, screwdriver, or a PaperTiger scoring tool, which is often used to assist in the removal of wallpaper, in order to ensure a tighter hold by the adhesive to the back of the laminate-flooring plank. Each page also comes with pictures and a video to make completing those jobs even easier! How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs. The second area is the gap between the laminate and the PVC door, which has a PVC skirting board type thing. On the other hand, if your nosing is designed to fit over your tread, then you dont have to worry about leaving the tongue end of your laminate on and you can cut your treads to width however you want. Also included is the stair nosing (or trim), which is a decorative piece that drapes over the front of the step. Laminate floors provide many upsides when installed on stairs. You will also need to make sure each of the steps is level, so the laminate boards will sit properly. Water damage can be caused by the wood materials, Read More How to Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage [6 Methods]Continue, The fact that laminate flooring can withstand a lot without being damaged makes it a top pick for many households. Compared to staircase carpeting, laminate planks are quite noisy when you walk on them. Spindles usually are held in place via round plug-like holes on the top and bottom. 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. ", 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. Once the piece has dried, you can cut it to size to fit your tread and riser. The major issue with It may also void your warranty. Some folks will advise you to use a nail gun instead. Alternatively, you can use a finish saw and make many small, parallel cuts. Also, keep in mind that your stairs will suffer tons of wear and tear. Scrape or Sand Off Leftover Adhesive. Cheltenham Member since 26 Jan 2009 Use a jigsaw and cut slowly. Steps To Install Laminate Flooring At Top Of Stairs Choose Laminate Flooring Allow Laminate To Adapt to Room Temperature Remove Old Adhesive Cut Continue to work your way down the stairs filling in the holes and removing the tape on each piece of nosing. Sweep the stairs of any dust or dirt. Your average step is about 36 wide. feedback, Hello Louise. I've been a flooring contractor for over 12 years. It is recommended that you leave your flooring in this condition for at least 72 hours before placing it. The key to a successful laminate installation on steps or a regular floor depends on having a level subfloor. I'm the head writer, Joe. Then, I switched careers into accounting, so my wife and I began buying, renovating, and re-selling homes on the side. Understanding that laminate flooring is essentially a stew of chemicals solidified into a plank that you can walk on, on the other hand, is important when purchasing laminate flooring. You should also screw down each plank, in addition to gluing them down, to properly secure them in the absence of stair nosings. Engineered Floor Joists vs 2X10 Lumber: Which is Better? I really like that system in your picture. 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. Just be sure to nail the plywood in place before installing the laminate. The planks are easier (Complete Answer)Continue, When installing a new laminate floor, it is best to stagger the laminate boards as much as possible. Screws will hold better than nails, but will also require more wood filler. 158 After installing underlay material, you can now start measuring and cutting out the laminate planks that youll use on your stairs. To profile it around the stairs i have a small plastic Remove that amount from the length of your tread as well. It lacks carpet, but will demonstrate the basic idea. When installing laminate on steps, youll need to focus on securing them to the subfloor beneath. Would this be the best solution? by Joiner_Mike Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:14 pm. Best of luck with your next laminate stair project! Consumers have several options for laminate flooring, which ranges from wood to natural finishes. Just checking the best way around to do this to get the best finish. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Hi We have teamed up with the industries best to help you find a trustworthy tradesman local to you! This trim piece will provide an attractive transition, as well as a safe edge for the stairs. In this article, we will go over exactly how to measure, cut, and Thick laminate floors wont bow or give as much as thinner laminates. Remember, laminate on stairs does not use underlayment, so you can strike that cost from your budget for this project. Some of the tools and supplies needed for the project include laminate planks, stair nose stripping, heavy-duty construction adhesive, pliers, a nail gun, a pry bar, a hammer, and a jigsaw. Laminating hallway with opposing doorways - how to tackle the last piece/row having undercut the architrave & door frames? Years of feet thumping up and down the center of your stairs will wear down the centers compared to the stair edges. This means that where you would normally put beading (scotia) around the outside of the room to cover the expansion gap, in the case of the bottom step of carpet the carpet is trucked into this gap. Due to the fact that most laminate boards will not cover the entire step, you may need to cut from a second board. 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. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. By following the proper installation guidelines, you can easily undertake DIY laminate installation on your stairway. Thus, you can pick laminate flooring that matches your flooring to ensure a smooth transition from your lower floor to the stairway. ', referring to the nuclear power plant in Ignalina, mean? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you have riser pieces on your stairs, make sure they are level with the riser on your steps and that they fit snuggly on top of the tread piece. If you are putting your laminate stairs near an exterior door, then chances are water will eventually be carried in by wet feet or shoes. Another consideration is the quality of work, as stairs are more visible than other parts of a buildings structure. However, laminate flooring planks also have some drawbacks, such as poor noise dampening capabilities and the inability to be refurbished. Enjoy! What you see is a high-resolution photo of the real wood grain. I really like that system in your picture. If that is your option I would use it. You have your expansion gap built in, you have multiple prongs It is inexpensive, long-lasting, and attractive when correctly fitted. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Second, while laminate manufacturers do provide a special stair nosing accessory, they dont make special pieces to fit the standard tread or riser lengths of stairs. You may need to level the subfloor of your steps particularly the center of your stair treads. Its best to glue the nosing edge in place with the tapered end over the thread unless youre using a self-adhesive nosing edge. Start at the top of your steps and begin with the first riser. 3). How to lay laminate flooring on stairs Prep the Stairway Install Underlayment Cut the Laminate Planks to Size Install the Laminate Tread and Riser feedback. As a result, you should go for a rougher, more textured laminate to reduce the likelihood of slipping. Cut them to the same length as your treads and risers. Should i fit laminate flooring before carpet runner on stairs? You can do this in a couple of ways. 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. The first area which I can see me having problems is when I reach the bottom of the stairs. Install the tread first, then the nosing, and the riser after. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Many of you will discover that your stairwell has an overhanging section. Support wikiHow by 250 Existing flooring, paint, or glue should be removed. Below, well go over how to install laminate flooring on stairs so that you can match your stairs to the rest of your floor. Mitchell Newman is the Principal at Habitar Design and its sister company Stratagem Construction in Chicago, Illinois. This is another aspect to consider when purchasing laminate for stairs. Some nosing will fit into the tongue of the tread and over the top of the riser. Glue enough planks of laminate together so that it fits the width of your tread. Once you have a bare staircase, make sure to remove all paint and glue from the surface and hammer any protruding nails back into place. Make sure you select the proper underlay for your laminate flooring before attaching it to your stairwell in preparation for installing your flooring. (Answer), Stone Look Vinyl Flooring (Detailed Guide), How to Fix Gaps in Laminate Flooring? Meanwhile, professional installation costs range from $15-$25 per square foot. Youll see products that have ratings featured prominently on the box that looks like AC-1. It will That photo is protected by a clear aluminum oxide finish, which maintains the look of the laminate while providing additional protection. Sitemap {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Install-Laminate-Flooring-on-Stairs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Laminate-Flooring-on-Stairs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Install-Laminate-Flooring-on-Stairs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid509147-v4-728px-Install-Laminate-Flooring-on-Stairs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"