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How To Install A Laminate Floor On Stairs
Installation of laminate floor on stairs is not a simple task because it requires a professional installer. Doing the installation on your own is not recommended unless otherwise the owner is familiar on doing the job as well as he has the complete set of materials and tools. There are many considerations to keep in mind whenever installation of laminate floor on stairs must be done unlike in ordinary installation of laminate floorings on room. Here are the basic guidelines to explain the rules on proper installation of laminate floor on stairs. First, a special set of tools like the table saw or miter saw, tooth carbide-tipped ATB or triple chip saw blade, power drill, hammer, 6d finish nails and construction adhesives must be available. These tools are all intended to make the installation of laminate floorings easy and convenient. Using tools that are not recommended by the manufacturers can possibly cause damage on laminate floorings. Hence strict observance of this rule must be faithfully obeyed. Second, the intended stairs to which laminate floorings must be installed must be prepared in advance. Meaning, the treads and risers of stairs must be perfectly level, dry and clean to ensure correct placing of laminate flooring. It is also advisable to keep the stairs free from any oils, solvents, paints, varnish, wax and the likes to make the installation durable and prevent unnecessary buckling up of the laminate flooring. Third, any existing bullnose flush on each riser must be cut-off because they can interfere the accurately placement of the laminate floor on each step of the stairs. Bullnose flush refer to the extended small part of the stairs. Fourth, measure and cut a part of laminate flooring on the lower part of the riser to make the laminate flooring perfectly fit on each successive riser. In case the laminate flooring has a fabric attached on it, the same must be cut-off and removed. Then glue in place each plank of laminate floor by applying 3î serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of the flooring. Afterwards, press them. Fifth, measure and cut stairnose to length then dry fit the stairnose to the border of the first step with the molding nose that partly cover the laminate floor on the riser below. Then the width from the border of the stairnose to the subsequent riser must also be measured. Then apply construction adhesives to the tread of the present stair by spreading it with square-notch trowel measuring 1/16" x 1/16" x 1/16". Sixth, place the cut laminate floor into the adhesive with the cut edge to the riser of the subsequent step leaving the factory tongued open. Then repeat the application of construction adhesive in a 3î serpentine pattern to the back of the cut part of stairnose. Then apply a drop of laminate glue to the tip of the tongue of the installed floor and to the lower lip of the groove of stairnose. Press on the pieces jointly until the joint is tight and excess glue has been removed. Finally, on top wood subfloors, drill holes in the installed stairnose and fasten them with 6d finish nails. Then set nails by a nail punch followed by filling the holes with repair stick. Repeat all the procedures to complete the installation and upon completion wait for 24 hours before using the stairs with laminate floorings. |