Floor lamination is a versatile alternative to other types of floors, as it can imitate any of their types, and is also more durable. But, like all types of flooring, laminate has its own installation subtleties. Regardless, laminate flooring is relatively easy to install, provided you have the right tools and a little time. Here are some easy-to-follow steps for installing laminate flooring on your stairs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing Your Floor
Step 1. Select your laminate flooring
Laminate flooring can be installed on stairs or anywhere else you might want to install wood flooring. The main issue in installing laminate floors on stairs is their durability, stairs tend to wear out more than other surfaces in the house. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the supplier or manufacturer to order the most durable laminate flooring.
- In addition, laminate flooring can be glossy and very slippery - which can be dangerous if you have children. To minimize the risk of slipping, choose laminate with a matte, textured finish.
- When choosing a laminate, you also need to indicate that you want to match the cladding, as many manufacturers do not have a suitable cladding for all coatings.
- In terms of quantity, you need to order 10% more laminate flooring than you actually need to cover your floors. As you may have to cut additional planks to fill the extra space. This will also be a good margin for potential mistakes.
Step 2. Leave the floors to acclimate
Laminate flooring takes time to adjust to the temperature and humidity in the home before it is installed. This prevents the boards from warping, expanding or shrinking. To acclimatize your floor, remove the boards from their packaging and fold them on an open surface where air is circulating. Leave them on for 24 hours.
Step 3. Remove all carpets and boards
The next thing you will need to do is prepare your staircase for laminate flooring. If you need to remove the carpet, you can do it with pliers. Carpets are usually glued with liquid nails or paper clips. Liquid nails can be removed with a pry bar and paper clips with a scraper.
- Make sure you put on gloves before removing the carpet. The paper clips can be very sharp and hurt you.
- Even if your staircase is not carpeted, you need to prepare it. Remove old paint and repair any squeaky or broken steps by nailing them securely into place.
- You also need to make sure each step is level for the laminate to sit properly. If the steps are not at the same level, use a sander to level them, or simply use a scraper to remove debris and protruding spots.
Step 4. Remove any protrusions
Many ladders have pre-existing ledges: when the bottom of the top steps is visible from the bottom of the ladder. You need to remove them before you apply the laminate. Do it in two ways:
- You can cut off the ledge with a jigsaw, then use a chisel to keep the surface flush with the risers.
- Alternatively, plywood can be used to fill the rise of the steps by filling the space under the steps.
Step 5. Cut the laminate into pieces
The next thing you need to do is cut the protective laminate pieces to lengths for treads and risers and for cladding. For misdemeanors, lay the planks over the step, making sure they fit snugly from right to left. You may need to trim the edges slightly to align with the step. Most misdemeanors will not be wide enough to cover the entire step. In this case, you will need to cut off another board to fill in the remaining surface:
- To do this, either cut the two boards into equal pieces so that their total width covers the step, or you can take a whole board and attach a small strip to it to fill in the remaining space. The treads should not cover all the way up to the edges of the steps, as you need to leave room for the top cladding.
- Next, you need to cut off pieces of laminate for the risers. Make sure the pieces fit snugly with the grooves and are flush with the top of the risers. If the edges of the board are not perfectly aligned with the edges of the risers, then you can trim them accordingly.
- To cut the cladding, you will need to measure the length of the exposed trough surface as well as the length of the risers to match the corners of the stairs - if necessary.
- A good tip is to put a number on each piece you cut so you know which piece fits on each step.
Method 2 of 3: Installing laminate flooring
Step 1. Start at the top of the stairs
It is best to start installing the laminate at the top of the stairs and work your way down. By doing this, you will not step on the cover you just installed (and you will not be left at the top when all the work is done!)
Step 2. Set the approaches
The approaches are the part of the steps that you directly stand on. To install the approaches, pour three drops of good wood glue to the base, making sure not to drop a drop on the edge where the cladding will be applied later. Take the glued-together risers that you put together beforehand and place them snugly on the stairs with the edge of the board facing outward. If glue spills onto laminate boards, wipe them off quickly with a damp cloth.
Step 3. Replace the risers
The next step is to put in risers, which are the vertical parts of the staircase. Pour three drops of wood glue to the back of the risers (which you cut off beforehand) and press them into place, holding them firmly for a minute or two to allow the glue to absorb. This part should fit snugly between the rung below and the rung above.
If you want to secure the riser higher, then you can use a nail gun by attaching the top of the bar in place so that the nails are not visible at the edges
Step 4. Install the stair lining
After you install the riser and risers, you need to install the cladding (this is the element that sits at the top of the risers and protrudes slightly at the edge of the steps). To install the cladding, apply a bead of construction adhesive to the base (rather than attaching the cladding yourself) and firmly squeeze the tapered end covering the riser.
- You will also need to screw the top of the cladding into place in order to properly secure it. To do this, cover the veneer with clear plastic tape to protect the laminate. Use a pencil to mark where you want to place each screw. They should be 20 cm apart and in the center of the cladding.
- Drill countersink holes for each of the screws using a combination of drills. Insert the screws, leaving the plastic tape in place until all screws are covered with putty.
Step 5. Finish laminating the stairs
It depends on you what you want to do first: put all the treads and risers before installing the cladding, or you want to completely finish one step before moving on to the next. Whichever method you use, make sure you take your time and install your laminate carefully. You have to do the job well if you want the coating to last long.
Method 3 of 3: Finishing Touches
Step 1. Fill in the screw holes
Once all the laminate is in place, you will need to fill all the screw holes with putty. Prepare the putty according to the instructions, stir it well. Use a plastic putty knife to fill the holes smoothly and neatly. After filling in any holes in the trim strip, remove the plastic tape covering it.
- Continue working down the stairs, filling in the holes and removing the tape from each piece of cladding.
- After 20-30 minutes, use a damp cloth to even out the putty covering each screw before it dries completely. To do this, use water or acetone.
Step 2. Clean the stairs
It is very important to clean the ladder right away to remove any excess putty, as the putty is almost impossible to remove once it is dry. It is also advisable for you to sweep off the sawdust and peel off the remaining tape from the cladding. After clearing the stairs, take a step back and admire your work!
Step 3. Leave the ladder overnight
Avoid using the ladder (as long as possible) 12 to 24 hours after you finish lamination. This time is enough for the glue to be absorbed and the floors are well settled.
Advice
- One gluing tip is to hold the board in place and immediately lift it up, if there is enough glue to stick the laminated board to the steps, then you are gluing correctly.
- If you think glue is not a good tool for the job, then try using laminating nails on the stairs (base). But keep in mind that nails can damage the surface of the laminate. They can also void your warranty. Check the manufacturer's recommendations or call your installer to resolve the situation. If you decide to use nails, then use a pneumatic (automatic) nailer. This will reduce the likelihood of laminate planks splitting.