You have a beautiful laminated floor, and you are wondering if you should finish the concrete stairs in the laminate floor so that the space becomes cohesive, designer. First of all, is it possible? Can you cover concrete with laminate? The answer is yes. In fact, if you’ve ever done a wooden ladder, the process is similar, except that the installation for the nose is a bit more complicated.
What you need
To complete this task you will need:
- PL200 or stronger construction glue
- Laminating Impact Saw
- Saws for cutting metal knives
- drill concrete bit
- electric screwdriver
- plastic plugs
- broom
I recommend using metal socks, as they are stronger and will be better held on concrete stairs. (The laminated socks included in the kit are also more difficult, since the tracks must be in the right place, and there is not so much standardization - each manufacturer makes a slightly different size / style of laminate).
What to do
Start by sweeping the stairs and cleaning chips or dust. You will need a clean surface to stick the adhesive to the concrete and laminate. Once the area is clean, first start with the risers.
Measure, mark and cut each laminated board so that it matches the riser, and the side of the groove is facing down. Glue the riser and the back of the board and reattach the board, making sure the groove is at the bottom of the riser. Once all the risers are glued together, you will be ready to start with the nose.
Start by measuring and cutting metal knives. Mark on the concrete where the bolts will be, then, using a drill bit with a concrete chisel, drill holes. Place a plastic plug into each hole. Highlight the notes so that you match each correct tread when you let them down later.
Measure, mark and cut each laminate board to fit protectors with the side of the groove facing inwards to fit the bottom of the riser. Arrange the boards so that the groove on the riser matches the groove on the protectors, creating a clean, professional edge in the corner. Glue the protector and the back of the board and fasten the board, making sure the groove is facing inwards.
Ladder socks are designed to complete the look by wrapping the lip of the ladder. Unfortunately, with concrete stairs this can be a bit tricky, as the lip on the stairs is often thicker than the actual wearing. If so, cut the laminated board so that it is wide enough to cover the concrete salt, and glue it to the face of the lips on each protectorate. Then secure the top hole, pushing it through the laminate tread into the pre-drilled holes in the concrete. (If you have already covered the adhesive tape with laminate, you can stick the laminate for additional adhesion, and then twist the upper part of the nose into place).
