How to Remove Laminate Flooring from Stairs
Removing laminate flooring from stairs involves carefully detaching the planks, often starting with the nosing, and working your way back.
Removing laminate flooring from stairs requires patience and the right tools to safely detach the planks from each tread and riser.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Safety glasses
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Pry bar (or crowbar)
- Putty knife or scraper
- Hammer (optional, for stubborn pieces)
- Utility knife
- Pliers (optional, for stubborn pieces or nails)
- Trash bags or container for debris
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pry Bar | Lifting edges of planks |
| Putty Knife | Getting under tight spots, scraping glue |
| Utility Knife | Cutting seams or stubborn glue |
| Safety Gear | Protecting eyes and hands |
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Removing laminate from stairs is similar to removing it from a floor but requires attention to the specific components like the nosing and the adhesive often used on stairs.
1. Start with the Nosing
Begin by removing the laminate nosing piece at the front edge of each stair tread.
- Use a utility knife to score any caulk or adhesive line where the nosing meets the tread and the riser below.
- Carefully insert a pry bar or scraper tool under the edge of the nosing.
- Gently pry the nosing away from the stair. It may be glued or nailed down, so you might need to work along the edge, gradually loosening it.
2. Remove the Tread Planks
Once the nosing is off, you can access the laminate planks on the stair tread itself.
- Using a pry bar to tilt the edge of the first plank up enough to grasp it with your fingers.
- Wiggle and pull the plank at an angle to disconnect it from the adjacent piece. This method, similar to removing planks from a flat floor, works for click-lock systems if they aren't heavily glued.
- Stair installations often use adhesive. If the planks are glued down, you'll need to carefully pry them up, potentially breaking the tongue and groove connection.
- Work from the front (where the nosing was) to the back of the tread, removing each plank.
- Place the removed piece aside and move to the next plank in the row.
3. Tackle the Risers
After removing the treads, move to the risers (the vertical part of the stair).
- Riser laminate is typically glued directly to the underlying material.
- Use a putty knife or scraper to get under an edge of the riser laminate.
- Gently pry and scrape the laminate away from the riser board.
- You may need the pry bar for larger or more stubborn pieces.
4. Clean Up Adhesive and Debris
Once all the laminate is removed, scrape away any remaining adhesive from the treads and risers using a scraper or putty knife. Collect all debris and dispose of it properly.
Tips for Easier Removal
- Work Safely: Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Be cautious with sharp tools and lifting heavy pieces.
- Assess the Installation: Try to determine if the laminate was glued, nailed, or just clicked together on the stairs. This will help you anticipate resistance.
- Start Small: If a piece is difficult to remove, work on loosening the edges before applying more force to the center.
- Damage Control: Expect some damage to the underlying sub-stairs or adhesive residue, which will need preparation before installing new flooring.
Removing laminate from stairs can be time-consuming, especially if adhesive was used extensively, but following these steps will help you complete the task effectively.
