Hybrid flooring is becoming a more and more popular choice, especially when it comes to its moisture-resistant properties. Is it possible to put hybrid flooring on stairs?
You can install hybrid flooring on stairs but you can’t use the floating property of the floor. You will have to glue the hybrid flooring directly to the stairs so there is no shifting as you are walking up and down the stairs.
Attaching hybrid flooring to the stairs should not really be a problem. Vinyl flooring is often glued down directly, and there are options to even glue down laminate flooring.
You might even find that it is beneficial, provided you choose the right type of hybrid flooring that contains a decent backing to it. This will make the entire job seamless, providing you with comfort under your feet and convenience as you install it.
Can You Put Hybrid Flooring On Stairs? (How To)
Hybrid flooring is becoming a very popular choice because of the way it is made. It is like the best of both worlds when it comes to vinyl and laminate flooring. As those two products are blended together, they create a very durable and waterproof option that can be beautiful when it is installed.
Hybrid flooring is made up of multiple layers, similar to the way that they make laminate flooring. The real difference is, the layers do not contain a composite that would swell if it got wet.
The visible layer of hybrid flooring that is on the top is coated to resist impact and to prevent a very durable wear and tear product. Typically, it is designed to look like some type of hardwood flooring and there are a variety of options to choose from.
At the core of hybrid flooring, you have a waterproof limestone composite. Not only is it able to withstand water, but it is also temperature resistant so you don’t have to worry about the floor swelling and contracting. Then again, since you are gluing the floor down, it is not much of a problem.
Most hybrid flooring also comes with an underlay that is attached to the backing. Since it is included with the floor, it provides comfort without having to spend extra money before you install it.
There are many benefits to using hybrid flooring in comparison to using either laminate or vinyl. It is easy to stall, stylish, and affordable. Perhaps the biggest benefit is its waterproof nature, which makes it ideal for anywhere water damage could occur.
Although there are many benefits associated with hybrid flooring, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. Some of these are associated with the floor itself and others are due to the fact that you are installing it on stairs.
We will consider some of those problems as well as give you a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for hybrid flooring and how to get it down.
Should You Put Hybrid Flooring On the Stairs?
Hybrid flooring is an excellent choice that is relatively new to the market. There are some drawbacks to it that need to be considered. Here are some to think about:
Scratches – You will hear a lot about how durable hybrid floors are but the fact is, they are not impervious to damage. If you drag something heavy up or down the stairs, you could easily scratch or dent the floor.
Replacement – Most hybrid floors throughout the home are easy to replace but that is not the case on the stairs. Since they are being glued down, they will not be as easy to pull up and replace with a new piece.
Sun Exposure – If you’re installing them in a home where sunlight regularly hits the stairs, you may find that they fade or get discolored. In some parts of the home, this can be overcome by using rugs but you do not want to use rugs on stairs because it is a safety hazard.
Waste – This is not necessarily only associated with hybrid flooring but any type of flooring you put on the stairs. You don’t want joints or seams to show up from left to right on the stairs, so it has to be a single, long piece.
When measuring the stairs and purchasing hybrid flooring, you need to plan for this fact. You can also plan on there being some waste if the measurements don’t work out right.
VOCs – Hybrid flooring is going to leach volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a very long time. Just as you’re getting the best of both worlds between vinyl and laminate when it comes to benefits, you are also getting the worst when it comes to VOCs. This can be a problem for those who are sensitive to it.
Waterproof – As stated, hybrid flooring is waterproof but do you really need waterproof stairs? This is something to consider, because you may be able to save money by purchasing laminate or vinyl plank.
Chemicals – When cleaning your hybrid floor, you will want to avoid using any strong chemicals, wax, or polish. The same is also true of any harsh scrubbing pads. You could easily damage the floor by using them.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Hybrid Flooring On Stairs?
If you are ready to get the job done, let’s consider some of the tools that are necessary to do it. Gather the following ahead of time:
Broom and Dust Pan
Shop Vac
Measuring Tapes
Straight Edge
T-Square
Level
Stair Tread Gauge
Utility Knife with Blades
Vinyl Flooring Cutter
Brush for Applying Glue
Nail Gun
Floor Roller
Safety Glasses
All-Purpose Gloves
Kneepads
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Hybrid Flooring On Stairs?
Be sure to give some careful consideration to the preparation for this job. The more you prepare in advance, the better the finished product will be under your feet.
Step 1: Remove Floor – If there is any existing floor on the stairs, it should be removed in advance. Don’t put hybrid flooring over existing flooring because there could be a problem with separation. This occurs when the subfloor shifts due to swelling and contraction.
You should also remove any trim that was associated with the flooring on the stairs. Essentially, you want to be left with a subfloor, which will typically be plywood.
Step 2: Repair – This is a vital step in the process that is not often given the attention it needs. If the stairs need to be repaired in any way, it should be done while they are stripped down to the subfloor.
Perhaps you had a squeaky step and you got so used to it that you really didn’t pay attention to it. This is typically a problem with the subfloor, so you can fix it now before the new hybrid floor is installed.
Step 3: Protrusions – Carefully look at the stairs for any protrusions, such as nail heads. These can sometimes pop up without warning, especially as you are removing the old floor.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 18, 2022.
One easy way to check for protrusions is by using a long scraper. Run the scraper across the floor and you will feel any imperfections. Make sure that all imperfections are fixed before the hybrid floor is installed.
Step 4: Clean – As a final step in the preparation process, clean the subfloor thoroughly. Sweep each step individually from the top to the bottom and then use a shop vac to remove even more dust and dirt.
Essentially, you are going to see any pieces of dirt under the floor. Even a small piece of gravel could make a large bump in the hybrid flooring.
How To Put Hybrid Flooring On Stairs
Now is the time when we actually install the hybrid flooring on the stairs. How do you do it?
Step 1: Measure and Cut – Carefully measure the width of the stair and cut the hybrid flooring to match. You want to cut it directly from edge to edge and don’t leave any for expansion and contraction.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 18, 2022.
Hybrid floor is easy to cut. After you mark the floor with a pencil and T-square, use a straight edge to guide a utility knife and score the floor.
Once the hybrid flooring has been scored, you can flip it over and snap it off at that point.
Step 2: Dry Fit – Before you glue down the floor, put it in place and make sure that everything fits properly. Remove the floor methodically, stacking it in a way that you will be working from the top down.
Step 3: Glue – During this step, you will apply the glue to the back of the hybrid plank and put it in place. You will be able to move the floor slightly after it is in place but be as accurate as possible.
Step 4: Nose – The final step in the process is to cut the nose to size. Apply some glue to the nose and firmly attach it in place. After the glue has dried, you can walk on the stairs.
A hybrid plank floor makes an excellent choice for covering stairs. You will have to glue it to the subfloor on the stairs so it doesn’t shift as you are going from one floor to another.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 18, 2022.