How to Remove Carpet From Stairs and Install Laminate Flooring

Removing carpet from stairs and replacing with laminate is a practical way to modernize a home and improve durability and ease of maintenance. This guide covers tools, step-by-step removal, subfloor repair, choosing the right laminate and stair nosing, installation methods, finishing touches, costs, and troubleshooting to help achieve professional-looking results.

Step	Typical Time	Estimated Cost Range
Carpet Removal	2–4 Hours	$0–$100 (DIY) / $100–$250 (Haul Away)
Repair & Prep	1–3 Hours	$20–$200
Laminate Cutting & Fitting	4–8 Hours	$200–$800 (Materials)
Installation & Finishing	4–8 Hours	$50–$300 (Trim/Nosing)

Tools And Materials Needed

Having the right tools reduces mistakes and speeds the job. Essential tools include a pry bar, utility knife, hammer, needle-nose pliers, staple puller, circular saw or jigsaw, chop saw or miter saw for precise cuts, tape measure, chalk line, level, square, rubber mallet, spacers, and a flooring pull bar.

Material list should include laminate planks rated for stairs or flooring, stair nosing designed to match laminate thickness, underlayment (if required), construction adhesive (for glued nosing), finishing trim, screws, and wood filler or shims for subfloor leveling.

Preparation And Safety

Preparation and safety are critical before starting. Clear the stairway, cover nearby furniture, and ensure good ventilation when using adhesives. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask to protect against nails, staples, and dust.

Protect the work area by placing drop cloths at top and bottom stair landings and use a shop vac frequently to remove debris and nails to prevent injuries and tool damage.

Step-By-Step Carpet Removal

Start at the top stair and work downward.Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into manageable strips (around 2–3 feet wide), then pull back to expose the tack strip and staples. Remove staples with pliers or a staple puller and pry up tack strips with a pry bar; remove nails and any protruding fasteners.

For glued-down carpet or pad, use a floor scraper and putty knife to gently separate the adhesive. When adhesive is stubborn, an adhesive remover or heat gun can help, but exercise caution to avoid damaging the subfloor.

Inspecting And Repairing The Subfloor

Inspect each tread and riser for damage and levelness.Check for rot, soft spots, squeaks, or loose boards. Replace any sections that are compromised and reinforce squeaky areas by adding screws driven into joists from underneath if accessible.

Fill gaps and level uneven areas using exterior-grade plywood patches or floor-leveling compound for small depressions. Laminate requires a flat surface—industry recommendation is typically less than 3/16″ variation over 6 feet.

Measuring Stairs And Choosing Laminate

Measure tread depth, tread width, and riser height precisely.Record dimensions for the shortest and narrowest stairs to make consistent cuts. Account for nosing thickness and any required expansion gaps when selecting plank width and orientation.

Choose a laminate designed for stair use or a durable flooring-grade laminate 8–12mm thick with a matching or compatible stair nosing. Consider AC rating (AC3–AC4 for stairs) and edge profile (beveled vs. square) to match aesthetics and durability needs.

Stair Nosing, Underlayment, And Expansion Gaps

Stair nosing is essential for safety and a finished look.Select nosing that accommodates the laminate thickness and provides a secure lip over the tread edge. Insert the underlayment only if manufacturer permits; some laminate stair systems require direct glue to the subfloor.

Maintain proper expansion gaps between planks and at the top/bottom of stairs to allow for seasonal movement.

Cutting And Dry Fitting Laminate Planks

Dry fit pieces before adhesive or final clicks.Use a miter saw or jigsaw for accurate cuts around nosing, risers, and stringers. Label each plank for its position and orientation to maintain pattern continuity and minimize waste.

For wainscoted or closed stringer stairs, create templates for irregular shapes using cardboard to transfer complex cuts accurately to laminate planks.

Installation Methods: Glue-Down Versus Floating

Two primary methods are used on stairs: glue-down and floating (click-lock).Glue-down installations use adhesive applied to the tread and/or nosing and work well on glued plywood subfloors. Floating installations click together and may require specialized stair nosing systems that mechanically secure planks at the edge.

Glue-Down Pros and Cons: Pros include a solid, non-flexing feel and reduced noise. Cons include longer cure time and difficulty replacing planks. Floating Pros include faster installation and easier plank replacement; cons include a potential hollow sound if subfloor isn’t perfectly flat.

Installing Laminate On Treads And Risers

Install risers first where possible, then fit treads from back to front.Risers can be covered with cut laminate strips or painted MDF depending on desired look. For treads, apply adhesive if glue-down, or assemble floating planks ensuring a tight seam at the back and the proper nosing interface at the front.

If using floating planks, secure the top edge near the riser with a thin bead of construction adhesive to reduce movement, while leaving the field of the plank free for expansion as recommended by the manufacturer.

Installing Stair Nosing And Trim

Attach stair nosing securely using adhesive and screws where permitted.Follow manufacturer instructions for predrilling and screw placement to avoid splitting. Conceal screw heads with filler or included caps for a clean finish.

Install trim and quarter round as needed to cover expansion gaps along stringers and trim out the top and bottom landings for a finished look.

Finishing Touches And Sealing

Fill any small gaps with color-matched wood filler and sand lightly.Wipe surfaces clean before applying any protective sealant on exposed edges if recommended by the laminate manufacturer to prevent moisture infiltration.

Reattach baseboards or install new stair trim to conceal gaps and provide a polished appearance. Check nosing attachment and test each stair for firmness and noise, addressing any movement immediately.

Maintenance And Safety Recommendations

Maintain laminate stairs by keeping them clean and dry.Use non-abrasive cleaners and felt pads on furniture that contacts landings. Replace worn nosing promptly to avoid edge degradation and slipping hazards.

Add slip-resistant measures such as adhesive grip strips or textured nosing when needed, especially in high-traffic homes or where stairs may become wet.

Cost, Time Frame, And When To Hire A Pro

DIY costs typically range from $250 to $1,200 in materials for a standard 12–15 step staircase.Labor or professional installation can add $400–$1,200 depending on complexity, nosing, and local rates. Expect 1–3 days for a DIY project and 1–2 days for a pro with prep and curing time.

Hire a professional when subfloor issues are extensive, stairs are irregular, or a perfectly seamless finish is desired. Professionals can also handle custom nosing and complex trim work efficiently.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Squeaks After Installation: If squeaks appear, locate movement, apply construction adhesive into seams or secure with screws into the substructure where accessible.

Gaps Between Planks: Small gaps can often be corrected by adjusting installation sequence or adding backer strips; persistent gaps may indicate improper acclimation of laminate or an uneven subfloor.

Nosing Not Matching Thickness: Use a reducer or custom-built plywood shim under the laminate at the nosing to achieve a flush edge when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Laminate Be Used On Open Stringer Stairs?

Yes, but it requires precise cutting and finishing.Open stringer stairs expose the plank edges and may need additional trim or edge banding to protect and hide plank edges for a professional appearance.

Is Underlayment Necessary On Stairs?

Underlayment is often omitted on stairs, especially with glue-down installations, because it can compress and create instability; always follow laminate and nosing manufacturer guidance.

How Long Should Laminate Acclimate?

Acclimation typically takes 48–72 hours.Store unopened boxes in the stair area or a similar climate to the installation site to allow planks to stabilize to ambient temperature and humidity.

Resources And Further Reading

Consult manufacturer installation guides for brand-specific requirements on acclimation, adhesives, and recommended stair nosing compatibility. Local building codes may also dictate stair tread and nosing safety standards.

For complex projects, homeowners may find value in professional consultations or hiring certified flooring installers to ensure warranty compliance and long-lasting results.