Can I Install Laminate Flooring On Stairs?

There are many benefits of laminate flooring. Laminate is extremely durable, thanks to a heavy-duty external layer and resin coating. Laminate flooring is much stronger and more scratch & impact resistant than hardwood, vinyl, and carpet. Available in a variety of styles, laminate flooring is easy to install and more affordable than traditional hardwood.

Many homeowners wonder whether they can install laminate flooring on their stairs. The answer is a definitive yes. Installing laminate flooring on stairs involves more effort, but it is not impossible.

Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring for Your Stairs

One of the most important things to consider when choosing laminate flooring is its abrasion criteria (or AC) rating. An AC rating indicates that the product has been thoroughly tested for durability, impact resistance, and abrasion. Though ratings are generally from AC 1 to AC 5, there are some AC 6 rated products as well.

AC 1, AC 2, AC 3 rated laminate floorings are used in residential applications, while AC 4 and AC 5 rated products are intended for commercial applications.

The higher the AC rating of your laminate floor, the more durable it is. Staircases usually see a lot of foot traffic. When choosing laminate flooring for your stairs, make sure it can withstand the expected wear and tear.

Prepare Your Stairs

Clear your stairs of loose debris and obstructions. Get rid of old carpeting or flooring and overhangs. This is important as laminate flooring cannot be installed over carpeting. The subfloor should be dry, level, and clean of debris.

Installation

Let your laminate flooring acclimate for at least 48 hours. Cut your laminate flooring into your desired shape. Here are some guidelines to remember:

• Cut enough pieces for every stair
• Cut the same number of pieces with the shape of the vertical part
• Cut the nose of the laminate. This will cover the exposed grooves and threading for every stair

Cutting the nose of the laminate includes measuring the length of the exposed thread and the length of the vertical piece. Once you have accurate measurements, cut a small section that suffices.

After cutting all the pieces, use wood glue to install them. Start by installing laminate pieces on the top of the staircase (work your way down). Use more glue to install the vertical piece. Screw on the nosing piece. Use screws to secure stairs. Once you are done, use putty to cover any holes.

Looking to start a laminate flooring installation project? Rugworks is one of the most reliable laminate flooring companies near you. A Sonoma Valley native, our team has been helping customers install their dream flooring for years! No matter how complex or unique your needs, we will have a flooring solution that ticks all the right boxes. To get answers to all your flooring questions, call us (707) 935-0648.