how to end laminate flooring at bottom of stairs

However, it is significantly less expensive than hardwood. Installing laminate flooring on stairs with railings can be incredibly time-consuming if you have a staircase with spindles and banister on top. 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. Both of these functions ensure enhanced user safety, minimizing the chances of users slipping and falling down the staircase. 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. Then use a small flathead screwdriver or chisel to remove the small cuts of material. You are using an out of date browser. Privacy notice Laminating hallway with opposing doorways - how to tackle the last piece/row having undercut the architrave & door frames? Are there any canonical examples of the Prime Directive being broken that aren't shown on screen? Make sure you select the proper underlay for your laminate flooring before attaching it to your stairwell in preparation for installing your flooring. Installing a single hardwood floor takes a significant amount of work and effort. If you do decide to go with nailing, use a pneumatic (automatic) nailer. Typically 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. Thats because stairways are high-traffic areas, and laminate boasts decent durability to withstand wear and tear. 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. Since you are gluing your laminate as well as nailing it, youll want a surface beneath your laminate that provides optimal adhesion. Stairs are often a very high traffic area in a house. 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. WeekendBuilds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, 5. The stair nose overlaps the laminate tread, hold a piece of the riser on the front of the stair, use a piece of stair nose and make a mark so you know where to stop the laminate stair tread. Typically 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 carpe 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. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! 3). Alternatively, you can use a finish saw and make many small, parallel cuts. 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. 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. But like all floors, laminate has its own installation quirks. Youll also need the nosing that goes with your laminate product. Stairs are difficult to install and can be quite frustrating if you are not properly trained and prepared. The next step in your installation process requires you to glue some of your laminate pieces together. Be sure to not only glue but also to screw the entire nose into the floor. On the other hand, you could use the laminate for that same flight of steps. Your average step is about 36 wide. If total energies differ across different software, how do I decide which software to use? Thickness is also an option for buyers. 1. Thats because youll be using laminate nosing strips to establish your own overhangs later on. Use a utility knife to cut out the spindle holes go slowly because precision is critical here. Well, if no, then we certainly do! Should we fit carpet first or laminate the bottom level first? You can easily and effectively install laminate floorboards on stairs, with or without nose stripping. It has a lower moisture content than typical wood glue, which will ensure that the bond is stronger and wont seep into the laminate. In the case of carpets, a pair of pliers will be sufficient to remove this obstruction quickly. It will Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. 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. Once dry, you can cut that piece to fit your tread and the riser. The stairs are carpeted, so once I have left the expansion gap I am not sure how to finish this off? You can either cut off the overhang using a reciprocating or jigsaw, then use a chisel to ensure the surface is flush with the riser. To do this, open the laminate boxes and arrange them in a lattice pattern on the floor. Sitemap You may need to level the subfloor of your steps particularly the center of your stair treads. 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. Laminate flooring is designed to look like wood, but the similarities between the two materials end there. Precise measurement is critical to making sure your stairs look great and fit properly. Cut them to the same length as your treads and risers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 616,245 times. Best of luck with your next laminate stair project! Install Treads and Risers with Construction Adhesive and Nails/Screws, 6. MIP Model with relaxed integer constraints takes longer to solve than normal model, why? Steps To Install Laminate Flooring At Top Of Stairs Choose Laminate Flooring Allow Laminate To Adapt to Room Temperature Remove Old Adhesive Cut Put nails or screws into the riser. He has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. Ensure proper installation with the tapered end of the nosings forming the overhangs that protrude over the edge of the tread pieces. Leave your tread slightly short, so you can fit your stair nosing piece onto the front. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will keep your laminate stairs free of dirt, debris, and grime. jobs, It is important to know that laminate flooring is not the same as plastic flooring. Last, youll need to cut out the spindle holes on both tread sections. 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. 2). This is another aspect to consider when purchasing laminate for stairs. 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. Install the tread first, followed by the nosing, and finally the riser, in that order. 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. To effectively install laminate stairway flooring, follow the procedure detailed below. It will also allow you a comfortable margin for potential errors. If you want to secure the riser piece further, you can use a nail gun to nail the very top of the plank in place, as the nails will be concealed by the thread edge. 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. The major issue with Its important to note that most types of laminate planks have a smooth, slippery surface, thus posing the risk of slips and falls. By using our site, you agree to our. Impact Driver/Screws for nosing, treads and risers depending on the manufacturer. Bowed laminate flooring on slab: How to proceed? Another consideration is the quality of work, as stairs are more visible than other parts of a buildings structure. 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. unlocking this expert answer. Consumers have several options for laminate flooring, which ranges from wood to natural finishes. Thus, you can pick laminate flooring that matches your flooring to ensure a smooth transition from your lower floor to the stairway. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Meanwhile, professional installation costs range from $15-$25 per square foot. Leave a small amount of space between each tread so that you can place your stair nosing piece onto the front. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. You can cover up the nails or screws with wood filler later to match the color of your laminate. If they are uneven, you can use a belt sander to level them out, or simply use a scraper to get rid of any debris or high spots. White laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want to achieve a modern and appealing look in their homes. That means the laminate on your stairs needs extra adhesion youll need to glue it to your subfloor. There are concerns that the formaldehyde in the laminate could cause long term health effects. As mentioned above, start at the top of the steps and move downward. Laminate flooring is fairly easy to clean. How to lay laminate flooring on stairs Prep the Stairway Install Underlayment Cut the Laminate Planks to Size Install the Laminate Tread and Riser PVA type II glue is ideal. 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. What would be the best solutions to hide these two gaps? You dont have to saturate the laminate but apply enough so that all parts of the riser will adhere to the stair subfloor. (Best Answer)Continue, White laminate flooring is an attractive and cost-effective option for homeowners wishing to give their houses a modern facelift. While laminate planks have been known to work well on even floor surfaces, many wonder whether theyre great for stairway flooring as well. The key to a successful laminate installation on steps or a regular floor depends on having a level subfloor. You dont want imperfections in a high traffic area youll see them every day. One gluing tip is to apply the adhesive, put the board in place, and then pry it up immediately. Also, keep in mind that your stairs will suffer tons of wear and tear. 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. Despite the fact that there are no hard and fast rules for doing so, if you understand the fundamental concepts behind why it matters, you will more than likely create a floor that is aesthetically beautiful, will, Read More How to Stagger Laminate Flooring? 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. Which ability is most related to insanity: Wisdom, Charisma, Constitution, or Intelligence? Apply the adhesive in the same fashion, and fit it snug up against the riser. A more extreme solution would be to use a leveling compound, which is not easy to work with on stairs. Installing laminate flooring on stairs is one instance in which you will not want to employ a floating-floor system, therefore do not use underlayment in this situation. To prevent this issue, install underlay material on the bare staircase to make it more soundproof. Glue it all to the subfloor with construction adhesive. The average labor cost to install laminate flooring is $1.72 per square foot. Order your laminate flooring. 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. When I laid my laminate floor, the sto is there such a thing as "right to be heard"? 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. Prepare the stairs. In addition, laminate flooring can be high-gloss and very slippery - which may be a concern if you have young children in the house. (Answer!). 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. 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. Gluing to vinyl is also not ideal youll want to remove it first. Laminate flooring is a versatile alternative to other floor types since it can mimic their look while also offering significant strength. Now you need to measure the exact tread and riser length of your steps. Titebond will not degrade over time due to moisture contact, ensuring your laminate steps dont move. The first step to installing laminate floor planks on stairs is to prep the staircase. As you move down your steps, make sure your risers are not protruding up above the tread subfloor. I am starting to plan a project to lay laminate flooring in my hallway. Finally, after youve purchased the laminate planks, its important to acclimatize them to the temperature and humidity conditions of your stairway. They are sold separately and are designed to be used in conjunction with normal laminate planks on the edge of the stair tread to create a clean look and continuity between the tread and riser. A staircase with 10 treads and 11 risers will require nearly 47 square feet of laminate flooring. 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. Lets break down the cost between a hardwood tread and riser vs. using laminate for the same purpose. Then, level the putty using a moist piece of cloth, before leaving it to cure. Laminate flooring- cut to bottom of stairs? Ubuntu won't accept my choice of password. Laminate floors provide many upsides when installed on stairs. Block vs Poured Foundation: Whats the Difference? Also, your tread wont go to the edge of the stair. If you do the carpet first then a solution needs to You must log in or register to reply here. Once youre done covering the screw/nail holes, clean off any excess debris and sawdust from the installation process. Underlay should not be regarded as an optional extra; because it can help to muffle sound, enhance acoustics, and create a more pleasant feel underfoot, it is especially crucial in high-traffic areas such as stairwells and hallways. How to Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs. Also, unless you are at the very top of your ability level or a professional installer, you should avoid attempting to lay laminate flooring on stairs. To do this, you can either cut two planks into even pieces, so that their combined width covers the thread, or you can use a full plank and cut a smaller strip to fill in the extra space. For example, in older homes, it is fairly uncommon for hardwood step treads to be worn down halfway down the treads. Take one section of cardboard and draw a line on your tread that goes through both spindle holes. ", 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. A tread and riser are about a total of 5 square feet. 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. Remove the carpeting. I started as a flooring contractor, primarily in materials selection. 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. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? You will need to glue and screw (or nail) the laminate to the stair treads in order for it to be secure. If you want to install laminate flooring on stairs, youll need to glue a few pieces of your floor together first. Unlike hardwood flooring that comes in a wide variety of lengths, laminate is one uniform length. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. What is the symbol (which looks similar to an equals sign) called? help and explain how to install the flooring on our steps. A laminate stair nose piece may be your greatest cost during your stair install. When installing laminate flooring on stairs, remember to take your time since the process differs greatly compared to installing laminate on floors. To prevent this issue, you can install laminate flooring on stairs without stair nosings. To effectively install laminate flooring on stairs without stair nosings, you need to ensure the laminate boards used as treads and risers are wide enough to cover the entire width of the horizontal and vertical parts of the stair steps. Wood or plastic shims work well beneath laminate to level it. To learn how to choose the right laminate flooring for your stairs, read on! Sweep the stairs of any dust or dirt. Now that the floor is clear and no moulding is present, locate the wall that has the tongue side of the laminate flooring. Drill a countersink hole for each of the screws, using a combination bit. Local construction codes take precedence over anything we say to our consumers, so always abide by the rules. This means that the laminate on your steps will require additional adhesive, and you will need to glue it to the subfloor. Measure the stair tread and cut the planks to fit. Youll have to cut spindle holes out of each tread and then cut each tread into two. The following are some straightforward instructions for placing laminate on stairwells. Would the fitting above be the best option also? Remember to cut off the tongue end of the laminate risers. You need to make sure that they will sit snugly on top of the tread piece, and are level with the top of the riser. Laminate is notoriously slippery, especially when wet. Insert the wood screws, leaving the plastic tape in place until after you've covered the screws with putty. Meanwhile, if you prefer calling in the experts over DIY installation, youll spend about $10-$15 per square foot in installation costs. Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood to pad the riser, filling out the space underneath the overhang. 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 Starting with the removal of any old flooring from your stairs, as well as any existing underlay, if you havent already done so. You will also need to make sure each of the steps is level, so the laminate boards will sit properly. Laminate flooring is made to look like wood, but that is about where the similarities end. If this was available for flooring I have done in the past I could have used it more than a few times. Dont only think about how it will look; think about how it will function as well. TrafficMasters laminate flooring comes in two attractive finishes. That photo is covered with a clear aluminum oxide finish that protects the look of the laminate. feedback. Terms and conditions Time to make your cuts. When installing the tread, the two tread sections should fit snugly around the spindles. {"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":"