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



Finished stair case done with laminate flooringMohawk laminate flooring installed on this stair case

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. I install laminate or hardwood on stairs in the Tampa Bay area. New Styles of Laminate Flooring

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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.

Description of stair parts Where to cut off overhang on stairs

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Other Considerations

The preparation can vary depending on the type of stairs you have. Most stairs have an overhang that protrudes out past the riser. This overhang needs to be cut off or wood needs to be added here to eliminate the space.

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 the stairs is simple. Typical stair treads are about 36 inches wide by about 10 to 12 inches deep. This tread will take 3 square feet. If you decide to install the flooring on the riser measure it the same as the tread. So figure 3 sq/ft for the riser also, which will be 6 sq/ft per stair. If you have 14 stairs 14 X 6 = 84 sq/ft. Add from 10% to 15% in case of mistakes.


Measuring Stair Nose

The length of the stair nose you order will determine how many you will need. Most stair noses come in 6'6" to 7'. However if you need real wood stair nose it can be ordered in longer lengths and in various species at Transitions Plus located in Tampa Fl. You can save money by having the ability to order stair nose or various transition moldings in longer lengths. They also can make custom radius trim transitions for curved stairs.

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. 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.



  • The first thing to do is to remove carpeting and check the stairs for squeaks and make sure the stairs are flat.

    • STEP - 1 Prearation- Removing Carpet, Creaky Stairs


  • If your stairs have an overhang this needs to be removed or the space below the overhang needs to be filled in.

    • STEP - 2 Remove the Overhang or Fill in the Space


  • Cutting the risers and treads needs to be done in such a way so they fit tight along the edges.

    • STEP - 3 Cutting The Risers


  • In order to have the riser set flush on the tread below it may need to be scribed if the stair tread is not flat.

    • Scribing The Riser


  • Cutting the laminate stair treads can be tedious and time consuming. When you get it right it can look like a professional did them.

    • STEP - 4 Cutting The Laminate Stair Treads


  • After cutting the laminate stair treads I will explain how to install them in this next step.

    • Installing The Laminate Stair Treads


  • Cutting the stair nose molding and getting it to sit level on the riser.

    • STEP - 5 Cutting Stair Nose Molding


  • After cutting the stair nose to the right size the next step will be installing the stair nose

    • STEP - 6 Installing Stair Nose




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    If you want a free estimate you can contact me if your in my area. My service area includes the greater Tampa Bay Area, Florida, 33542. Also other areas in Hillsborough county FL , Pasco county FL , and Polk county FL.

    Phone number 813-713-1535

    Anthony Garrison


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