Laminate flooring is a versatile alternative to other types of flooring, because it can blend in while strengthening the step. But like all flooring, laminate has its quirks when installing. Despite this, the laminate is relatively easy to install without external help, if you have the right tools and a little time on your hands. Here are some simple steps to follow to install laminate on the steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Flooring
Step 1. Choose the type of laminate
Such flooring can be installed on steps or wherever you want to install a durable wooden roof. The biggest advantage of this type of flooring is durability. Steps tend to become the most worn surface in the house. For this reason, it is advisable to ask a supplier or a manufacturer for the laminate that is most capable of protecting the step.
- Additionally, laminate can be shiny and very slippery, which can be a problem if there are children in the house. To minimize the risk of slipping, look for a laminate finished with a matte texture.
- You also need to point out that you will want a patch-like texture for your laminate, which not all manufacturers provide.
- In terms of quantity, order 10% more flooring than you will need to cover the step area. This is necessary in case you need to cut boards to fill particular spaces. It will also allow you to have room for any errors..
Step 2. Allow the flooring to adapt
Laminate needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the home before it is installed. This prevents subsequent bending, expansion or shrinkage of the boards. To make the flooring fit, remove the boards from the packaging and stack them in open spaces, where air can circulate, for 48 hours.
Step 3. Remove all carpets and strips to secure them
The next thing to do is to prepare the staircase for the installation of the laminate. If you need to remove rugs from the steps, you can pull them off with a pair of pliers. A carpet is usually attached to a strip fixed with adhesive or nails (or both). The strip can be removed using a lever, while the nails can be removed with the back of a hammer or with a scraper.
- Be sure to wear gloves as you remove the carpet. Nails can be very sharp and cause injury.
- Even if the steps aren't covered with carpets, you can prepare them by removing old paint or adhesives and repairing any cracks or squeaks by nailing them firmly in place.
- Also make sure that each step is level so that each laminate board fits together perfectly. If they are uneven, you can use a grinder to level them or a scraper to remove any debris or large stains.
Step 4. Remove any protrusions
Many steps have pre-existing protrusions: this is when the lower part of the ledge of the top step is visible from the bottom of the staircase. You will need to solve this problem to install the laminate. You can do this in two ways:
- You can cut the ledge with a hacksaw or circular saw, then use the chisel to make sure the surface is aligned with the riser.
- Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood to saddle the riser, filling the space under the ledge. Make sure you nail the plywood well before installing the laminate.
Step 5. Cut the laminate to shape it
The next thing to do is cut the laminate into pieces for the skirting board, riser and stair laths. For the plinth, lay the board on the step, making sure it fits snugly from right to left. You may need to smooth the edges to align them with the step. These pieces will often not be large enough to cover the entire step. If so, cut a second board to fill the remaining space:
- To do this, you can also cut two boards into equal pieces, so that their width covers all the space, or you can use a single board and cover the remaining spaces with small strips. When cutting these pieces, be sure to cut on the notched side of the board and glue them together on the groove. The plinth pieces must not extend to the edge of the step to make room for the top batten.
- You will then need to cut the riser pieces lengthwise. You will need to make sure they will match the top of the batten and are level with the top of the riser. If the edges of the board are not perfectly aligned with the edges of the riser, you can bevel them to fit.
- To cut the strips of the batten, you need to measure the length of the exposed plinth, as well as the length of the riser and cut pieces of laminate of the appropriate size, chamfering the edges to fit the corners of the steps if necessary.
- A good tip is to mark each piece with a freshly cut number of the right size, so you know which step each piece corresponds to.
Method 2 of 3: Install the Laminate
Step 1. Start at the top of the ladder
The easiest way to install laminate flooring is to start at the top of the ladder and work downwards. This way, you avoid standing on the newly installed flooring and you won't get trapped on it when the job is done!
Step 2. Install the plinth pieces
It is the part of the step on which you step. To install these pieces, apply three drops of quality glue to the sub-flooring, making sure not to leave any space in the margin that will later be covered by the batten. Take the pieces glued together earlier and place them firmly on the wainscot, with the front edge facing out. If a few drops fall on the laminate board, wipe them off quickly with a damp cloth.
Step 3. Put the risers in place
The next step is to cover the risers, i.e. the vertical parts of the steps. Apply three drops of wood glue to the back of the riser board (which you will have previously cut to the exact size), press firmly, holding for a minute or two as the glue hardens. It must match the lower plinth and the upper edge.
If you want to secure the rise even more, you can use a nail gun to nail the top, so that the nails are hidden by the edge of the skirting
Step 4. Install the step rail
Once you have installed the risers and plinth, you will need to apply the batten (the piece that goes to the top of the riser and slightly protrudes from the edge of the step). To install it, apply a drop of construction glue to the sub-flooring (rather than the batten itself) and press firmly with the tapered end protruding from the wainscot.
- You will then need to screw the top of the batten to secure it. To do this, cover the batten with a strip of plasticized tape to protect the laminate. Mark the place where each screw is to be placed with a pencil (they must be in the middle of the batten, about 10 inches apart).
- Drill a countersunk hole for each screw with a combination of drill bits. Insert the wood screws, leaving the plastic tape until you have covered the screws with putty.
Step 5. Complete the ladder
It is up to you whether you want to install all the risers and plinths first, before installing the battens, or if you want to complete each step before moving on to the next. Whichever method you follow, take your time and install the laminate well. The flooring will have to last for years, so it pays to do a perfect job.
Method 3 of 3: Final touches
Step 1. Fill in the screw holes
Once the laminate is installed, you will need to fill the screw holes of the batten with putty. Prepare the putty according to the instructions, making sure to mix it properly. Use a plastic putty knife and carefully fill the holes. Once done, remove the plastic tape covering the batten.
- Do the filling work starting at the top and working your way down the stairs, filling and removing the tape.
- After 20-30 minutes, use a damp cloth to level the putty covering each vine before it dries completely. You can use water or acetone for this.
Step 2. Clean the steps
It is very important to clean the steps immediately to remove any residual mastic, because it is almost impossible to remove the mastic once it has hardened. Also remove sawdust and tape residue from the battens. Once the steps are clear, take a step back and admire your work!
Step 3. Get through the night
Try to avoid using the steps for 12-24 hours after you finish the job. This will allow the glue to set and the new flooring to set.
Advice
- One way to glue is to apply adhesive, put the board in place, and then check right away. If you see that there is sufficient adhesive coverage on both the laminate boards and the step, then you will have glued correctly.
- If you think the adhesive isn't right for the job, you can think about nailing the laminate to the step. But remember: Nailing can damage the laminate surface and void the product warranty. Check the manufacturer's recommendations or call an installer to find out what they think. If you decide to nail, use an automatic jackhammer. This will reduce the risk of the laminate boards slipping.
