Installing new laminate flooring on stairs is a good idea when covering stairs making them easier to maintain and keep clean than stairs covered in carpet. You should be warned though that laminating steps can make them more dangerous as they can be quite slippery (especially when wet) if you choose laminates of lower grade rating meant for lesser traffic areas.
There are a few ways to get around the slip and fall hazards by using a higher and more abrasive grade, another being the installation of an additional anti-slip device onto the threads. This being said, your laminate stair threads will hold up well and will not need to be replaced as frequently as carpet stairs.
What You'll Need:
- Laminate
- Construction adhesive
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Square
- Electric circular saw
Step 1 - Prepare the Stairs
If the stairs you want to refinish are carpeted, remove all of the carpet and the adhesive below. Clean the stairs completely to make sure your new laminate flooring will adhere well to the surface. Smooth out the surface of the stairs and pound down any nails that stick up.
Step 2 - Set the First Tile
Measure the top thread to determine its exact center and mark that point with a pencil. Put the first laminate tile over the mark, making sure that the center of the tile is exactly over the mark.
Step 3 - Work Your Way Outward
Installing laminate flooring on stairs will require much more stability than provided by a floating floor system, so don't use underlayment. On such installations, you should instead always glue the laminates down to the treads and risers with a good grade construction adhesive.
Moving your way from the center to the left and then the center to the right, cover the entire thread. Move to the riser face and continue the same process.
When you have completed the first thread and riser, move down to the next step and repeat the process. Continue all the way down the stairs until they are all covered.
Maintaining Your Stairs
Keep your new laminate stairs free from debris that can scuff or scratch the tiles when the stairs are in use. Stairs outside of a home should never be covered with laminate as this would leave them extremely slippery when getting wet from snow or from rain, and they should always be covered instead with a much more abrasive and safe alternative.
Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular choices in flooring because of its durability, ease of installation, and low price. It is a great way for homeowners to bring the look of hardwood into their home without the added expense and maintenance concerns.
Laminate floor tiles, such as the ones that are used on stairs, are resistant to many problems, but they still must be kept clean and free of loose debris. Keep the floors from becoming excessively wet to prevent water and moisture damage.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
