Would appreciate any tips on installing linoleum on stairs.

We are preparing to install linoleum on our stairs and in our entranceway. Any tips or hints you have would be greatly appreciated. It is quite a small area, so we are trying to save the money of having someone come in to do it. Thanks! -Ringo

Reply to
SS.WALL
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It is a very good idea to use the 1/4" luan plywood screwed directly to the stair treads that will recieve the flooring. Countersink slightly. That way you have a nice smooth surface from edge to edge to glue your flooring to. It also make your job more easily reversible in the future. No flooring last forever and you will thank yourself and maybe me if you put plwood down first. You always cut the pw slightly undersized.

Then use flooring compound. You mix with special flooring compound liquid, not water, and smear it into any gaps using a drywall or putty knife. Work neatly and no sanding will be necessary. You want the surface to be clean and smooth from edge to edge before gluing.

Use a notched trowel to apply flooring glue to the luan. The size of trowel to be used will be reccomended by the glue manufacturer. Cut the flooring carefully with a sharp knife and straigtedge before applying.

Usually some type of trim is put over the edges, eliminating the need for a perfect cut. Use a can of beans or a wooden dowel and roll it back and forth to smooth it down and even out the glue. There is lots more to know but hopefully that is enough for you to get it done.

Reply to
Lawrence

Stairs? Are these exposed to the elements? I'm a fan of carpeting inside since slip and fall accidents are very expensive.

tom @

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Reply to
Just Joshin

They are indoor stairs. We are in a bi-level (6 steps up, 6 steps down from our front door when you enter). We have berber in the basement, but (by order of his asthma specialist) we just removed the carpets upstairs to install laminate due to our son's allergies. The stairs used to match the floor they went to (berber going down, high pile carpet going up), but there was more waste with the laminate then we expected, and we were left with insufficient amount to complete the entrance and stairs as originally planned. We bought it on clearance and can't get more. Since we can't match the berber to just complete all of the stairs the same, and our entranceway deals with a lot of moisture from 2 kids & a lot of snow and rain in our area (carpet doesn't like that much), the only other option we had right now was linoleum. It will be easier to keep clean, and matches both the carpet and the new laminate fairly well, so should provide a nice transition between the two. You are right, though. That one last lingering concern of mine is that it may be slippery. I'm hoping a rubberised mat during wet seasons should help with that. It's not a huge area either, so if it realy turns out poorly we can always try something else. Thanks for your thoughts & comments, Ringo

Reply to
SS.WALL

Thanks so much for your help. These are some great tips! -Ringo

Reply to
SS.WALL

There are solutions to that problem. Both mats and runners both in carpet and non-slip are available. Just google those terms.

Reply to
Lawrence

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