Carpet And Laminate Stairs – Which Goes First

A picture-perfect home certainly ushers pride. Even so, real satisfaction arrives only when the interior is as practical as it is aesthetic! Carpeted stairs with laminate risers bring both aspects to the table. This combination is versatile, easy to install, and a breeze to maintain.

Do you seek clarity on inviting this look into your home? A frequent question most people ask is whether the carpet or the laminate goes first. Read on to find the answers you need!

 

What Goes First- The Carpet Or The Laminate?

When installing a combination, most professionals recommend fixing the laminate on the risers before laying the carpet on the tread.

A suitable way to accomplish this is to apply wood glue to the plank’s reverse side and firmly secure it into place. Follow up with an installation of the carpet. You should use transition strips for optimum results.

Are you unsure of how to go about the installation? Follow the directions here to navigate your way through the process!

 

How To Install Carpet And Laminate Stairs

Carpeted stairs are one of the most popular kinds of floor covering. They provide excellent support, and the laminate risers add an edge of elegance to them. It is relatively easy to carpet your stairway.

 

Treads And Risers

Building codes measure the quality and construction of the treads and risers of a staircase. If your steps’ dimensions are not within these standards, you may have to rebuild due to safety concerns.

The recommended and certified depth of treads is usually around 10 to 11.5 inches. Your climb will be more comfortable with deep tracks than with shallow ones. The risers generally do not exceed 7 ¾ inches in height.

Before you begin, make sure you measure the steps and risers individually. You will need precise measurements for the carpeting on the treads and the laminate risers.

 

Installing The Laminate Risers

The first initiative towards a contemporary and practical staircase is to put the laminate in place. You need to install the wood-based ware on the vertical space in-between the stairs, called risers.

 

Fix The Laminate Planks

You must cut them in sync with the stairs’ measurements and ensure they sit tightly with the sides. You may have to scribe the foot in some cases.

Typically, high-quality wood glue or construction adhesive glue will be adequate to fix the risers’ laminate planks.

 

Reinforcement

You can also reinforce the fixture using a nail gun at the top edge of the plank. It will ensure the laminate maintains its placement. 15-gauge nails, 2 inches long, should do the trick. You do not have to carry concerns about the nails being visible since the tread edge will conceal them.

 

Carpeting The Treads

Once your stairs are ready with the laminate risers, the carpeting can begin! If you do not have a template to cut the carpet pads, you will need to separately measure each step.

 

Install Tack Strips

The first stepping-stone towards perfectly carpeted steps is to meticulously place carpet tack strips at the back of every tread. These will go on the risers as well.

A tack strip holds the carpet taut around the edges of the tread. You can create a makeshift spacer by taping two tack strips together for help in judging proper positioning.

 

Fasten Carpet Pads

When the tack strips are secure, use a hammer stapler and staple the carpet pad to the stair surface. Ideally, you should begin at the centre and make your way towards the sides. It should be right in front of the carpet tack strip.

With the placements managed, you now have to polish the fitting of the carpet pad. Bind it across the front edge, down to the riser. It should be smooth and taut, fitting closely against the tread as well as the laminate riser.

Then, staple it to the laminate riser. With one stair ready with the base pad, craft a template and trim succeeding carpet pads to a perfect fit.

 

Carpeting

At this stage, you have the base organized. For the final rendition of your carpet and laminate stairs, measure each step along with the pad and riser.

Add about 4-6 inches or more to this measurement to overlay the edges. Cut out pieces of the carpet as per the template for each stair you obtain this way.

Centre the carpet piece along the lower edge of the step. With the help of an awl, drive it onto the carpet tack strip.

Once you feel satisfied with the carpet’s position, staple it onto the laminate riser right below the tread. You need to be careful here- do not pin past the fold! Use an electric carpet tacker to conceal the staple marks and refine the finish.

Now, you need to push the carpet into the seam between the tread and the riser. Crease it, and work in the same manner with the rest of the steps!

 

What Are The Benefits Of Carpet And Laminate Stairs?

Carpet and laminate stairs are a popular preference in the current consumer market due to their extensive benefits. The stairway of the home faces high footfall each day. Carpet and laminate stairs offer durability and resistance to damage.

Carpeted stairs soften footsteps and absorb sound waves. They prevent slipping, being undeniably safer than hard surfaces if such an occurrence were to take place.

Laminate risers commonly use sustainable materials for their construction.

Generally, they comprise four layers, each with a specific purpose. The first layer of the plank, or the bottom-most layer, is pivotal in balancing the surface. It also guards it against the effects of moisture.

The centre layer, or the core, shields the plank against indentation.

The topmost layer sports the design of the laminate. It consists of an ornamental sheet with mimicry of natural wood, tile, or stone. It is made using aluminium oxide, which protects your stairs from stains, fading, and scratches.

 

Endnotes

If you plan on introducing a combination of carpet and laminate to your stairs, you are on an ideal track! When installing this setup, keep in mind that the laminate risers go first. The carpet on the tread follows this placement.

The process of installation is hassle-free and straightforward. When you are through with it, you will have a striking, contemporary staircase with excellent longevity!