| You've just installed a laminate floor and you think | | | | Once the risers are covered in laminate, it's time to |
| you'd like to finish your wooden stairs in laminate for a | | | | start on the stair treads. This time, measure and mark |
| unified, cohesive look. What tools will you need and | | | | each plank so that the groove is facing inwards to |
| how should you proceed? | | | | meet the laminate riser. (Having the groove of the |
| What You'll Need on Hand | | | | laminate riser meet the groove of the laminate treads |
| To accomplish this task, you'll need: | | | | provides a corner with a nice, clean edge and it looks |
| * a skill saw for cutting the laminate planks to fit the | | | | professional.) Glue the back of each plank and fit it to |
| stair treads and risers | | | | the stair tread, making sure that groove is facing the |
| * PL200 or a similar, strong construction glue | | | | right way. Use a brad-nailer to secure each plank while |
| * a brad-nailer | | | | drying. |
| * a chop saw to cut metal stair nosings, (if you're using | | | | You're almost there--all that's left are the stair nosings. |
| metal) | | | | The nosings fit over the lip (or nose) of the tread. |
| * screwdriver (electric) | | | | Nosings come with pre-drilled holes to secure the |
| * a broom | | | | screws in place. All you need to do is measure each |
| How to Proceed | | | | one, cut it to fit and screw-nail it into place. There you |
| Begin by sweeping the stairs to rid them of any | | | | go! Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. |
| shavings or dust. You'll need a clean surface for the | | | | Note: the method described above for installing stair |
| glue to adhere properly. | | | | nosings assumes that you're using metal nosings, which |
| Start with the risers first. Measure, mark and then cut | | | | are stronger and more durable. You can use laminate |
| each plank to fit the riser with the groove side facing | | | | nosings--these are not a standard size and rely on a |
| down. Glue the back of each plank and fit it into the | | | | track-type installation which is a little trickier as the |
| riser, making sure the groove is facing downwards. | | | | track needs to be laid in exactly the right space for a |
| Use a brad-nailer to secure each plank in place while | | | | flush fit. |
| drying. | | | | |