You'll probably need 2-3 layers, which should be glued/screwed to each other and to the stringers. Again, you want to get back, as closely as possible, to the thickness of the the original wood (1 1/2'). You have to check with the manufacturer of your choice of laminate to see if it can be glued down. My solution for installing hardwood flooring on stairs with an existing nosing? The overhang from the new flooring + the cove trim almost covers the entire lip of each step. Maybe a 1/8″ is left showing? Not enough that it’s worth it (to me) to cut the whole thing off. It would have been a dirty, time consuming, and difficult process.
Dear Donnie,
We are going to tear up our carpet and install hardwood floors ourselves. We have some experience from watching and helping my dad a few years ago. The problem I need help with is adding hardwood treads on our existing stairs where there is carpet. We ripped the carpet up, and there is a 2x12 with a lip and OSB (oriented strand board) on the front. The lip is overhanging about 1½'. How do you cut the treads to fit properly? Josh
Dear Josh,
The first thing you need to decide is the type of tread to use on the steps. This is important because the steps need to be close to the same height. If the top or bottom step is higher than the others, this creates a trip hazard and is not considered proper installation, although you will find lots of homes in which the step risers are different.
Figure the thickness of the flooring you are going to use and measure the riser height. I usually use a piece of scrap and then measure off it to calculate the height of the first step. Next, I use the riser thickness and measure the rest of them. This will determine how you will need to tackle your project.
Laying Laminate On Stairs
If the thickness of the new treads will permit just adding them on top of the existing ones, this is usually the easiest way to install them. Just cut the front lip off the tread and add the hardwood treads on top of the existing steps. It is better if you can remove the OSB on the front risers. This will allow you just a little more depth per step when you add your new hardwood risers.
Remove it first if you are going to cut the old risers and leave them in place. You can use a reciprocating saw and cut the front of the overhang off in place, or in some cases, you can pull the treads up. Measure and cut them to fit back into place without an overhang. If you are not installing hardwood upstairs, the top step may need a little adjusting to keep the riser height the same.
If you are using the thick risers, it may be easier to remove existing treads down to the framing of the steps and install them directly to the existing stringers. Make repairs and adjustments before you install the steps. Accurate cutting is important, and remember, the step depth and height need to be as close to the same as possible to reduce the chances of someone falling on the steps.
The best part about laminate flooring is that it is easy to handle and, with a little bit of help, you can install it yourself.
There are a lot of people who do their laminate flooring on their own with minimal additional help.
There are numerous guides and how-to articles on what you may need to do the installation yourself.
Laminate Flooring Installation On Stairs
However, installing laminate flooring on your stairs is a completely different matter.
How To Put Laminate On Stairs
You need to take care of the treads, risers and stair noses, which can get a bit complicated at times.
Installing Laminate Flooring On Stairs
You have to ensure that there are no gaps and spaces in the flooring and it is complete and perfect in every way. If you have been wondering how to install lamiante flooring on stairs, you have come to the right place.