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Can You Put Bamboo Flooring on Stairs? (How To)

Bamboo is such a popular material not only for its strength and durability, but also for its aesthetic. It’s essentially minimalist, but can also be rustic and contemporary. Since it goes so well with just about anything, can you put bamboo flooring on stairs too? 

Yes, you can definitely put bamboo flooring on the stairs. This material is so versatile that you can use it for many different applications. To successfully apply bamboo flooring on stairs, you should have the proper measurement of the cut to ensure the steps are going to be secure.

Wooden bamboo stairs

As long as you have the cut for the material, installing it on the stairs should go easily and smoothly. 

Should You Put Bamboo Flooring on Stairs?

Wooden bamboo stairs

If you want something sustainable, durable, and aesthetic, then putting bamboo flooring on stairs is going to be a great option for you. 

When applying bamboo flooring on stairs, make sure the underlayment is waterproof. Although bamboo is more resistant to water than other hardwoods, it doesn’t mean that it’s completely impervious to water damage. It’s still wood, after all, and so is still vulnerable to heavy moisture. 

A spilled drink, muddy shoes, or a trail of water as you come in from under the rain can cause damage when left unattended for an extended period of time. Because it’s a high traffic area, these instances may seem inevitable.

However, you can take preventive steps to protect your bamboo flooring from premature wear and tear or damage. Make sure the underlayment is waterproof to mitigate the impact of the moisture on the stairs. 

The bamboo planks themselves can be waterproofed as well. You can apply a waterproofing solution on the underside of the plank, and you can also apply a waterproof veneer on the topside.

What Tools Do You Need to Put Bamboo Flooring on Stairs?

Tools for stairs

The tools you’ll need for this installation are pretty much the same as you would use for floor work. Have these basic tools handy for a smooth installation.

Installing bamboo flooring on stairs is so easy that you won’t need any special tools or equipment. You’ll need a tape measure to measure the cut of the bamboo flooring, screws and screwdriver, nails and hammer, wood glue, and, of course, the bamboo flooring.

It’s also ideal to have a table saw ready so you can cut the planks safely. Don’t forget your safety glasses to protect yourself from sawdust and splinters. The waterproofing solution is important too, of course. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 25, 2022.

What Preparations Do You Need to Put Bamboo Flooring on Stairs?

Wooden bamboo stairs

Installing bamboo flooring on stairs isn’t done simply by laying the bamboo flooring on the existing steps.

To prepare the stairs for the bamboo flooring installation, you should first remove the entire flooring. Strategize how you’re going to do this, otherwise you might find yourself with no steps to use on the stairs. Get rid of any loose screws, and secure any raised nail with a hammer.

Now would also be a good time to check for any uneven surfaces on the stairs. Tighten anything that might cause unwanted squeaks and creaks.

And don’t forget to sweep or vacuum the stairs so they don’t get trapped under the bamboo flooring. 

How to Put Bamboo Flooring on Stairs

confused man standing

A good tip for saving time when putting bamboo flooring on stairs is to use ready-made treads to skip through the tedious process of measuring and cutting. If you’d rather go through the whole DIY experience, though, then the bamboo flooring planks work just fine.

Start your bamboo flooring installation on the stairs by putting up the risers. Make your way from the bottom of the stairs upwards. Then, you can proceed to doing the bamboo flooring planks nosing, or the ready-made treads. Add molding under the overhang of the plank for a finishing touch.

Installing Risers

Risers are that part of the stairs that is “facing” you when you walk up the stairs. Its function is to create the elevation from one step to the next. 

That’s why it’s important to get the measurement of the risers correctly.Install a riser too tall and walking up the steps can immediately become uncomfortable, if not painful on the knees. Install it too low and it becomes prone to trips and falls. 

You can simply copy the measurements of the risers you’re going to replace, or if you want to make any adjustments to the height, now would be the perfect time to do it. 

The risers can also impact the overall appearance of the stairs. That’s why some use this as added space to incorporate an eye-catching design or color. Decide beforehand if you’d like your risers painted so you can do it before getting started. 

Use glue and tackle nails to install the risers one by one. 

Applying Bamboo Flooring or Ready-Made Treads

Your bamboo flooring should have already been measured and cut before you get to this point, so all that’s left to do is to apply them on the steps. To securely apply the flooring, you can use either wood glue or a screw.

To use the wood glue, put the tread in place first with a non-water-based adhesive. Lock it in place to set the adhesives by putting weights on top. 

If you’re using treads, it’s going to be easier for you to pre-drill holes in them for faster insertion of the screws when you get to this stage. You can further secure this too by using wood fillers for the screws. 

Add the nosing to complete the step. Again, make sure that the measurements are accurate to ensure safety.

Adding Molding

Adding molding is optional, but it does add to the aesthetic of the stairway. If you opt to add molding, all you have to do is to put it in the negative space between the riser and the underside of the nosing. A nail or wood glue would suffice for application.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 25, 2022.

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