Wood, Laminate, or Vinyl Plank on Stairs for Beginners

In this video I review the basic challenges and solutions to changing a staircase from carpet to a hard surface staircase. Primarily focusing on standard stairs, I review the options for our most common product categories to use on staircases.
With a variety of different stair nose profiles based on the offerings of each individual manufacturer, a lot of consumers get confused or are not shown what the stair will end up looking like based on the stair nose that is used with a selected floor. This often leads to disappointment with the finished result that could have been avoided through another product or a little bit more education as to alternative finishes. There can also be a great reduction in the installation time and cost based on the different solutions presented.
If you found this video helpful be sure to like and subscribe. Feel free to comment down below with any questions or thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and happy remodeling.

[@stephaniehauck-gerstel2659]

Awesome tutorial! I ripped the carpet off my stairs with the intention of painting them black and white, and then didn't know what to do as my treads and risers had huge gaps. With all the options out there in the market to select a "cover-up" solution, this was the perfect explanation!

[@danmcsweeney3396]

Helpful? Dude, you answered every question I had, as I begin my project to remove carpet and install flooring to my steps. I had no clue how I would accomplish it until your video popped up on my screen. I purchased the " overlap" stair noses and will paint the risers. Thank you so much!!!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Awesome to hear, thanks for watching!

[@reneechampion3713]

I have been looking all over for an explanation just like this. This has been super helpful and explained just what I was looking for!!!!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@conrat2000]

Awesome video. I'm doing two carpet to vinyl stair cases and this video was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@marv8461]

very very super professional Tutorial.....BRAVO

[@frankzamperini]

I REALLY appreciate the in detailed info on this video. I'm doing my floors myself for the 1st time.

[@siddance7304]

Excellent video. I've watched a dozen or more on this subject and this is the most informative by far.

[@scottsackett1435]

Super helpful. I really like the model staircase with samples. Thanks!

[@fernandosanfranciscoca9278]

This is one of the very clear and detailed explanations!! I've learned alot about stairs just watching this vids in a matter of 15 minutes. 👍👍👍

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching and glad it was helpful!

[@fernandosanfranciscoca9278]

@@RemodelWithRobert very!

[@erikferguson5314]

Fantastic explanation. Your video provided the information that three different flooring stores couldn't provide. The floors I was considering didnt have a nosing that would cover a 1" thick tread overhang. Glad too know some companies make nosings for my situation. Flooring stores in my area didnt know about this option. Also if you pad out the riser to be even with the front of the tread then your thread may be too narrow for building code. Our code requires 3/4" tread overhang if thread is less than 11". My neighbor had floors installed by padding out riser and treads are now too shallow. Thank you for making this video.

[@yehudagoldberg6400]

The 2 options you show at the end are both a safety and durability issue. The reason stairs are traditionally rounded on the nosing is to reduce the change of the corner catching your foot causing trips and falls. Additionally, that joint is not very strong, will have excessive loading causing it to break as well as excessive wear causing it to rub through the corner.

[@chineyfoong]

This is the video I needed to see! And I have been searching every where! Im moving from carpet to hard flooring because my cat likes to use the stairs at times as her poop spot 😖

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@macker0077]

Thanks for the video, very educational. I'm Just in the process of taking off the old carpet and installing a newer product called Durastair. Vinyl Treads are preformed (square nose) and go right over the existing stair nose out of the box. Comes with a Riser which can be either white (one side), or the same as the Tread color (other side). Attaches to your existing stairs with a construction grade adhesive (purchased separately). The only challenge you might have (on closed stair cases which is what I'm working with), is with the existing nose depth; you may need to trim the nose some in order to get the Durastair nose coverage needed, i.e. top of riser meets the Durastair nose, otherwise a gap may exist and be noticeable, depending on your stair type/layout.

[@sheilabranson6548]

Wow ! You gave exactly what I needed to know. I am so happy that I don’t have to cut my rounded stair nose . Thank you !

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@miken6767]

This is super helpful! thanks a million for the info!

[@selinabanda8789]

Wonderful, you explained it all. Thank you

[@TwitchIsDead]

Remember friends. That handrail is always an option to prevent slipping

[@s30n25]

Thank you for the visuals and explanations! Super helpful. 👌🏽

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshw2884]

Thanks for the info, helpful when remodeling.

[@VasanthaPriya-h8s]

Super helpful video!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@raymondchow8722]

I think Vinyl, Laminate, and hardwood are all dangerous on stairs. I know carpets are dirty. I think using a easily replaceable carpet runner may be the best way to go. You only have to fall down from a slippery stairs once to realize carpet is the safest option. Since permanent carpet is too hard to replace therefore I recommend a runner option.

[@motivationindrive8514]

….. lol your the kind of person who trips over your own feet aren’t you? Never have I ever slipped on any stairs, and i have only ever had wood or vinyl stairs… lol but that’s also why your required to have a handrail…

[@raymondchow8722]

@@motivationindrive8514 LOL dont jinx yourself. Trust me, it aint no fun. I was holding me laptop. It didnt end well for me nor my laptop. *sigh*

[@lewisengr]

Snowflake...❄️❄️❄️

[@raymondchow8722]

@@lewisengrsay it after your first spill

[@flippopotamuss]

Thats a common concern with my customers. And while carpet is soft and feels grippy even when wet, planks and hardwoods are porous enough not be extra slippery. Now shiny tile, possible death trap if moist😂

[@JamesCovian]

Great Tutorial Robert! very easy to follow and understand!

[@chrislopez9898]

very very informative to the average dude

[@Shakashack2022]

Great video, learned alot as we need a new stairway. Thanks!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Thailova]

Amazing explanation 👏

[@dahrianbarrett2818]

Perfect timing !!

[@CarCrazyGhost]

My question how to install that second edge correctly because I installed it lifts up how do I prevent that when I step on that edge.

[@akapam57]

Very informative. I will be changing from carpet to some form of hard surface on my stairs. A lot to think about. Thanks

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks so much for watching, hope it was helpful!

[@MattySmokesVR]

Definitely subscribing ! Thank you

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you!

[@dianedo8314]

Great info- so helpful! Wow - thank u

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You are welcome!!

[@TimJoiner-e7s]

Great information, thanks! What is the product used on the top tread, the one with the flush, 90 degree edge?

[@iriswang8401]

You’re a real pro!

[@daudsh.9655]

Thank you , great infromation

[@mensamoo]

a thorough vid, thanks. In the UK the laminate is a standard 19cm width so a little short for most treads. I wouldnt want to see a joint there, so a 50mm nose might be needed?

[@natruallove5258]

Great video...

[@ratpinscher]

Great info

[@andreacurreri428]

Very helpful, thank you! I’m looking for guidance how to transition a carpet landing to wood or engineered material stairs. There are 3 steps from a hall to a media room and I’d like to take the carpet off the stairs but leave it in the hall and media room. Do you Sheba video that shows how to make these transitions? Thank you

[@jasonmeyer2784]

Plywood great insight

[@michelle.brubaker]

Thank you for this video. What are your thoughts on just staining the stairs with a stain matched to your flooring??

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

If your stair treads are the same type of wood, then go for it.

[@manuelsalgado8510]

I subscribed- question, if you are installing wood floors on a second floor and also on the stairs, what would you do first? Floors or stairs?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for subscribing! Either could be done first, but I would probably do the upstairs first and work my way down. For many cases, you'll start at the top step for your upstairs with your stairnose locking to the first full plank. If it is a glue/staple install and a flush solid stairnose, then this is not your only option, but it is a common starting point. Hope that helps!

[@jefffitts5454]

Thanks for all the insight Robert. Well done! I am a diyer and have had great success with laminate and also with vinyl flooring. I am installing vinyl plank upstairs and need to transition from vinyl plank to a staircase which is exposed on one side. My problem is very similar to the last part of your presentation in regard to my needing to cover the front of the top tread as well as the side. Only about three inches of that top tread (actual floor height) will need to be covered. Is there any further insight you can provide in regard to bending, mitering, etc... Have you personally had much experience/success with these things. Thanks for all your help!

[@katrinablosser3849]

O

[@rohin4458]

I’m thinking of changing my stairs from carpet to hard floors. Can the treads & risers be painted?

[@user-qc6nt8vy7f]

Anticipate using laminate on my stairs. As I understand I will remove the attached pad material and then glue (have a pergo product). Is this correct? Very helpful video.

[@deloisyates9326]

Great video very helpful

[@cicileigh393]

Which is best for a home with pets (and their messes)?

[@smccoy]

Great video! Interested if you can give some brand names for the options? I think the top step where you cut the nose is Zamma (from Home Depot), and the 3rd step down is Cap A Tread (from Home Depot).

[@RemodelWithRobert]

These are actually all products my business carries and are not available at Home Depot. The the top three are all LVTs that have since been discontinued and replaced with other lines and the bottom is RevWood laminate from Mohawk. Some brands I recommend are Mohawk, US Floors, Mannington, Republic, Paradigm. These have a lot of options for styles and colors in the LVT and laminate categories.

[@MrBossTube]

Great video! You convinced me to consider Mohawk RevWood, but do they offer flush mount stair nose options? I really don’t like the overlap option.

[@karlnyman2811]

Thanks, getting new carpet upstairs on my split level but do not wanna stick with carpet which I currently have. Ya have me thinking now... 👍👍👍 Very helpful!!

[@tipsreviews7476]

Thank you.

[@ryanhart6838]

What do you do if cutting the bull nose makes your tread under the depth needed to be at code?

[@terrigray6044]

I want to remove the carpet from my stairs. The wood underneath is just rough planks. My Bannister and spindles are set approximately 8 inches from the outside of the step. I am thinking that it would work to put a quarter round or some type of similar molding on the edge of each step, since trying to fit around the spindles would be a nightmare. I will most likely paint the treads and risers. Do you think quarter round would work or do you have other suggestions or ideas? Great video!

[@LutherBuilds]

I have some lvp I'm going to install on our stairs. Should I remove the foam underlayment from the planks before gluing them down?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You should be fine to glue them down with the pad still attached

[@kevinwallis2194]

I just pulled the carpet off my stairs, and the wood is rough but fits the age of the house, and i wouldnt think about covering it. The house is 102 years old.

[@bebejesisoto]

Very informative ty, one question if my stairs are just old wood stairs painted dobI have to sand them down or can this just slide over a painted stairs? Thanks 😊

[@tyburrows7090]

I have bullnose/round ended tread stairs. original stairs had carpet. but can I use sheet vinyl on the stairs? this way i plan to easily wrap around the tread nose. secure with staples on the underside of the tread. and glue into place. would this be a feasible application? the issue is after the firs landing the remaining 5 steps are curved in a 160 degree arch. this makes finishing them with vinyl plank almost impossible with the bull nose. but with sheet vinyl i should have no issue with cutting out a large piece for the length and width that matches the rounding curve of the stairs.

[@jessicamartinez-ks3zj]

Eek i have exposed stairs on one side. Now feeling a little overwhelmed as it seems this is the most complicated type of stairs. Very informative. Any more info on exposed stair case?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Don't panic Jessica! An exposed side requires a bit more work and sometimes a creative solution or two but a good experienced contractor in your area can help you select the best material for the layout. I would take pictures of your stair case and bring them in with you to when you shop. You can also email me pictures of the staircase and I'll give you my quick thoughts when I get a chance. [e-mail]

[@papad2747]

Robert how about these stairs . That have a round then straight.??

[@allenboard8334]

I have cork back LVT. The stair nose seats to high because of thickness of the tile.I cant figure out how to fix this without painting the edge? Can you help

[@MBee-sz5jh]

Do you have to use spacers to account for expansion/contraction when installing LVP on stairs?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

No. We install wood, laminate, and lvt on stairs without expansion spaces and have not experienced any issues with expansion/contraction.

[@diehardfan173]

No, staircases don’t absorb moisture like a concrete floor will therefore, there is no expansion and contraction. Also, if you were to glue and entire flooring down as the stairs you wouldn’t need to accommodate any expansion and contraction either. No one does this because it’s too timely and not necessary on the floor. But, on a stair well if you don’t glue them down, they will move and then you will have a significant problem.

[@VicCityHomes]

What are they called? The already built nose ones?

[@zhangly7373]

I still did not get my answer, my problem is I have square stair nose and I am trying to put a piece of wood include the tread and nose part together and line with the existing nose edge, and i want to put edge banding for the exposing edge and stain the tread, nose and edge, do you think it will work?

[@juanarroyo5517]

What best wood or vinyl floor for a bedroom?

[@greysonlopez5541]

I am very interested in the hollowed out rounded stair nose. What would that be called for me to search this?Thank you

[@evagarcia7378]

do you have a video on how to install

[@anthonylizardi]

Hello Robert. I have a stair that was installed with tile. Do you recommend laying material on top or remove the tile and redo it?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

In general I would say it is best to remove the existing flooring whenever possible. However, there are primers that we have used before to allow us to glue to an existing tile staircase when it wasn't feasible to remove it without some other elements being affected. That tile was a very smooth and flat surface with narrow grout joints so it definitely depends on the tile as well. Hope that helps!

[@lucywatchesthat]

Thank you for sharing! Could you please share the name of the stair nose at 8:00? I’ve been looking for that but not sure the keyword I can search for

[@jdm5066]

Where can i buy the flush stair tread?

[@giovannahernandez6252]

My stairs are made out of osb, what can I put on them I wanna take off the carpet.

[@peteranoia3713]

we want to know how you bend the vinyl plank to make bullnose

[@Javas_Dream]

Which one of these options would allow for a carpet runner to be installed down the middle?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Any of these can allow for a carpet runner but the method for securing it will affect the final appearance.

[@hachiroku7443]

My vinyl plank has attached pad can I use it on stairs?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Yes you can still glue it to the steps, we have done this many times!

[@hachiroku7443]

@@RemodelWithRobertThank you Injust thought I need to remove the attached pad first. I will start my stairs soon. Thanks again!

[@patricksmith2249]

What is the stair nose product on the bottom step?

[@maddknadd9019]

amazing

[@glennturner3036]

I like the build out but this stair nose pieces are Pretty expensive at 25 bucks for 6 feet Happy

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I have seen wood stair noses as high as $120 per piece before. They can definitely get spendy!

[@leeleeb129]

Can you do any of these over carpet?Im in a rental and hate carpet. But I’m unfortunately not allowed to remove carpet

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Unfortunately, these products need a solid substrate and can't be installed over a residential carpet and pad.

[@marycharm3883]

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about your existent carpet You can not install anything over the carpet! Carpet is very unstable

[@richieb6970]

Does anyone know if I have to cut the old stair nose to install the retrofit stair tread??

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You generally will need to square the step by either removing the nose or backfilling the riser out. If the stair piece you are using completely covers the existing nose thickness at the front and is a deep enough tread, you may be able to install it as is.

[@richieb6970]

@@RemodelWithRobert ok cause we done install it over the old one with the stair nose it doesn't look bad

[@ethelfrederick1770]

What happens if the stair treads are loose?

[@shanebaird543]

How do you finish the side of the riser?

[@albertniavarani2064]

Where are you based out of ? Are you in Southern California?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Arizona!

[@Minkagurl]

T.Y. for great info! Would you recommend rubber edge over planks as the easiest installation?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Do you mean like a solid rubber stairnose? I personally think using a coordinating stairnose to whatever flooring is on the tread is the best option aesthetically.

[@papad2747]

How do we send you a picture of what I’m talking. About ?

[@TheSwaminarayan]

Where are you located. I want for my staircase, please help

[@cboybk]

Should’ve named this all about stair nose

[@DapperCut]

Where to buy?

[@swilliams5]

This is great! This video didn’t exist last fall when I first researched this topic. Do you know what I product was used on the top step? A waterproof product with a solid nose available is exactly what I’m looking for, and that color is pretty much spot on as well.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

The product on the top step was a Mohawk product that has since been discontinued but there are several products available today with a similar option in waterproof floors.

[@nashcale1851]

If we have wood in all the stairs what do you recommend to protect it??

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You could install a runner over the top, but I otherwise would say to avoid trying to drag anything up or down the stairs. A good quality floor will hold up to your normal foot traffic but be prepared that you will add some character of your own to the wood floor at some point. Life happens and part of having a wood floor is accepting it won't look the same as the day you have it installed forever. Hope that helps!

[@ozfrost9]

Hey Robert, what's the best way to cover two landing/platforms on my staircase - I bought RetroTreads from my local hardware store for my stairs and I can't seem to find a match of some sort for my landings, any suggestions...

[@helenx2399]

Hi Robert, Loved your videos! They are super helpful! Would it be possible for you to do one on customized walk in closet? Thank you!

[@marcycooper4168]

I'm attempting my stair journey on my own with help of amazing videos like yours. I recently purchased my matching stair nose. However, there is metal in the middle & home Depot won't cut it to size for me. Any suggestions who might do this or what tool I use to do myself.

[@PreparelikeJoseph]

My stairs with the 1” stair nose is just over 10”. Everything the laminate store sold me are not going to work. Geesh. 😢

[@romanvcova]

Do you have a link for the v groove router bit? Any info will be appreciated.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I don't, we have a provider here that performs the service but we don't do the manufacturing ourselves and I am not sure who makes the router they use. I do know they use a lot of festool products in their shop.

[@Crazydoggy123]

Hi Robert! I ripped up the carpet on my stairs and I’m going to use peel and stick vinyl planks. I am trying to figure out which stair nosing will work for my project. My stair noses are rounded and the platform has a square/flat nose. Any suggestions?

[@hollymourant9268]

That’s what I used. I used matching peel and stick wallpaper for the riser. On the edge I used the vinyl and then I put a steel nosing over that because my vinyl is concrete colouring. This is my basement stairs. Then I caulked the edges by the wall and eliminated putting in a stair skirt. It turned out well and was very economical. My stairs were square and not rounded so it was very easy.

[@gregorysampson8759]

Not many places offer these products

[@jayc4715]

Peel and stick vinyl..ftw

[@Maplecook]

I don't trust stairs. They're always up to something.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Lol, truer words have never been spoken 👏

[@Maplecook]

@@RemodelWithRobert Thank you for having a sense of humour, Sir! You have my respect, as well as my contribution to push you closer to that magical 1,000! Cheers from Vancouver! =)

[@RemodelWithRobert]

@@Maplecook Reached it today with your help. Thanks!

[@Maplecook]

@@RemodelWithRobert Ayyyyyyy! Congrats, man!! Um...could I trouble you to...?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

@@Maplecook If you mean trouble me to subscribe to your channel I just did. I love to cook!

[@jd5179]

Flushed stairnose is the only way-

[@joeschneider8025]

Steps are slick if you're pregnant are have young children you're probably better off with carpet

[@martywright7836]

When you got to the part I was most interested in, a stair tread without walls, you skipped right over it without any real definitive ideas or options.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Marty, these are definitely more custom solutions so I apologize I didn't provide the info you were looking for. If you have a specific situation I am happy to give further insight. Are you referring to a floating step or a step with an open end?

[@martywright7836]

@@RemodelWithRobert thanks for reaching out Robert! Our steps run against the wall on one side and then has a return on the left side. I am thinking mitred corners and wrapping the return with the stair nose cap, but the guy doing the flooring seems reluctant

[@RemodelWithRobert]

@@martywright7836 Different styles of stairnose require different solutions. An overlap that can be mitered at the top would be ideal. A common solution for the riser is also an outside corner molding either to match the floor or the paint on the wall.

[@josemanuel4733]

Ey Robert how Mach do you charge for that job

[@SteveO95]

Really bad idea. Somebody will eventually slip and fall on any of those types of treads. Just a really bad trend

[@vickstaple5789]

This shows nothing about going around spindles and railings

[@simonevannoli4500]

You should learn more what you can do with tiles. Leave it to professional