How to Lay Pergo Flooring on Stairs

Prepare the tread and risers before installing Pergo laminate planks. Clean the stairs to remove debris, dirt or residual adhesive from previous carpeting. Fill low spot in the stairs with floor-leveling compound, or smooth out high spots and bumps with sandpaper.

Measure the width of the tread from left to right and record the measurement. Also measure the depth of the stair and record. Measure the depth of a decorative stair nose so you know how much space to leave for it at the edge of the tread plank, where it will be installed. The nose planks overlap the edges of the treads.

Transfer the stair’s tread measurements to a Pergo laminate floor plank and cut it to size with a saw. You will need two planks for each tread since its depth exceeds the width of a plank. Lay one plank on the tread. Measure the gap between the edge of this plank and the edge of the tread. Subtract the width of the nose plank from this gap. Cut another plank for the tread to this measurement.

Spread quality construction adhesive over the back of the plank with a small paintbrush. Lower this plank on the tread and press it lightly so the adhesive bonds to the surface.

Apply the adhesive over the back of the stair nose and adhere it to the edge of the plank on the tread. Tap the nosing lightly so it forms a secure bond with the plank, forming a tight seam. Wipe away any adhesive that seeps out through the joint with a wet cloth.

Drill a row of pilot holes along the length of each nose, spacing the holes 8 inches apart. Drive 1-1/4-inch trim screws through the holes to secure them to the subfloor. Countersink the holes and fill the gaps with Pergo Finishing Putty.

Cut a laminate plank for the stair’s riser. Lay the plank on the riser to ensure that it rests on the tread plank you installed and that its upper edge is in line with the top of the riser to allow for the nose molding. Spread construction adhesive over the back of this plank and set it on the stair riser.

Repeat this process of installing the planks for the treads and risers upward along the stairway. Allow the adhesive to dry for the time specified on the label’s direction before using the stairs.