Installing Laminate Flooring on Stairs is More Detailed Than Installing the Floor

When installing laminate flooring on stairs you really need to be more detailed when cutting each piece.

You don't typically see quarter round on stairs to hide gaps. If someone tells you that's how they do it, just say thanks but no thanks. Many do it yourselfers may not want to take on this task. But for the ones that want to, I am going to describe in detail how to install laminate flooring and hardwood on stairs. What I am describing here is installing laminate or hardwood flooring on the stairs. This is not the same as installing solid stair treads. This can also apply to a step down like a sunken living room.

The key when installing laminate on stairs is to take your time. Your objective is to get all the pieces cut to the right length, so they fit tight on both sides. Here is an example of a bad laminate installation on stairs. The other important factor is to get your stair noses level. This requires a lot of attention when cutting the risers as they support the stair nose. Here I describe how to install laminate or hardwood on a straight flight of stairs that may even have a landing. Here is my method for installing laminate on angled stairs.

Other related subjects

How to install laminate in a sunken room.

Installing laminate on top stair to carpet.

Installing hardwood flooring on stairs is basically the same as installing laminate flooring on stairs. The difference is usually the stair noses. Laminate stair noses are mostly the over lapping type. Hardwood stair noses use the tongue and groove system, makes the stair nose flush withe the hardwood on each stair.

Although some of the laminate flooring manufacturers are developing a stair nose that is flush with the laminate tread. This new type of stair nose I saw is made of metal with the wood grain to match the flooring.

I install laminate or hardwood on stairs in the Tampa Bay area.

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Here is a list of the basic stair components that make up the staircase.

• The TREAD which is the actual part of the stair you step on.
• The RISER is the vertical part of the stair that rises from the tread up to the stair nose.
• The STRINGER is the board that is on the wall , it runs up the length of the staircase.
• The STAIR NOSE may not always be present on your existing stairs. We will be installing new stair nose. The stair nose will be installed at the top of the riser where it meets the tread.

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Other Considerations

When installing laminate flooring on stairs evaluating the cost should be one of the first items you need to investigate. Of coarse you need to know how much flooring it will take. If you are having your floors done also, don't forget to include flooring for the stairs.

You have the option of installing the flooring on the riser or a painted board. 1 inch thick Poplar wood is the best choice for this. Poplar is better then pine, it has less knots and takes paint better.

Measuring Stairs

Measuring Stair Nose

Laminate stair nose transitions are pre-made at the factory so there aren't many options here.

Like I mentioned above knowing the length of the stair nose is crucial when installing laminate flooring on stairs. If the stairs measure 40 inches wide and the stair nose only comes in 78 inch length. You can only get one 40 inch length out of the 78 inch piece, your going to need 14 stair noses instead of 7. I wouldn't recommend using more than one piece of stair nose per stair. (you would only need 7 if the stairs are 36 inches wide)

If at all possible you may want to order an extra stair nose just in case for mistakes.

After you figure the materials you need we can move on to the next step.





I have a particular order in which I install laminate or hardwood on stairs.

I prefer to get most of the stair parts cut before I attach them. Before I can cut the riser I like to cut the tread so the riser will rest on the tread when I measure the riser.

This means that I start at the bottom and work up. I have put the different steps in order below as this is the process I use.

The one thing you could change is when you cut the stair nose.You can cut it before you attach the treads and risers or cut them after the treads and risers are attached.

Here Are The Steps For Installing Laminate Flooring on Stairs

STEP - 1 Prearation- Removing Carpet, Creaky Stairs

STEP - 2 Cutting Stair Nose Overhang Off or Fill in the Space

STEP - 3 Cutting The Laminate Stair Treads

STEP - 4 Cutting The Risers

STEP - 5 Scribing The Riser

STEP - 6 Cutting Stair Nose Molding

STEP - 7 Installing The Laminate Stair Treads

STEP - 8 Installing Stair Riser

STEP - 9 Installing Stair Nose




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