Laminate Flooring and Stairs
As a general rule, installing laminate flooring is a pretty straightforward and simple process for anyone who is the slightest bit handy. If you can accurately use a tape measure and some basic cutting tools, laminate floor installations can be done in a relatively short period of time. The one exception to this is installing laminate on stairs. Staircases pose a special challenge to laminate for a variety of reasons, and if not done properly, could pose a safety risk to those who use the staircase.
When a professional installer is ready to apply laminate to a staircase, the first thing he checks is the evenness of each step's surface. An uneven surface will not allow the laminate to lie flat, which can cause it to move as weight is applied. If the board moves significantly in any one direction, it could cause the user to lose his balance and fall down the stairs. A professional will use a variety of means to repair uneven surfaces, including planing, sanding, and adding shams.
Cutting the individual pieces poses another interesting problem. The outside edge of the product must be cut in such a way as to ensure tight fitting joints that will resist popping out if a person walking up the stairs drags his feet. Just like laminate that moves, an edge that pops out could cause an unfortunate fall. Professionals use a specific cutting technique to ensure edges that are safe and secure.
To cover the side edges where the laminate meets the wall and the outside edge of the staircase, a baseboard is generally applied. While this is not a concern for most people, for home owners who have an abnormally narrow staircase or who have difficulty seeing, the addition of the baseboard could pose a problem. If you're a home owner in this position you may want to consider an alternative material for your staircase.
Beyond the safety issue, the application of baseboards is a cosmetic issue which can look terrible if not done properly. Again, a professional floor installer knows the specific techniques for proper installation of the baseboards.
Finally, the issue of risers is the last challenge for laminate installation on staircases. While the tendency is to only be concerned with the cosmetic aspects of the riser, applying laminate to this part of staircase is just as important as applying it to the steps. Laminate which comes loose from risers could bubble, bow, or even fall off altogether, causing damage to the step underneath. The combination of these things makes a staircase unsafe to walk on.
If you are at all unsure about installing laminate flooring on your staircase, hire a professional. You're better off safe than sorry.