How do I install hardwood or laminate on top of cement stairs?

Question

I want to remove carpeting and replace with laminate or hardwood. I would like advice on the actual wood or pseudo-wood material, any required under layers (moisture proofing, etc.), and how to best glue the planks to the cement (also the best glue to use).

Answer 1

Lay a subfloor, I think this will help with insulation as well.  After you have attached the subfloor ie..luion (however the h**l you spell it).  Apply your glue using texture trowel.  The laminate should go on and stay on easily.  Also if you add the subfloor, you will be able to even out any cracks or imperfections in the cement.  Hope that helps.  h**l ask Home Depot if you need any other ideas..they wold LOVE to sell you all the c**p you need.

Answer 2

not sure.

Answer 3

You're going to need glue....LOTS of Glue!

Answer 4

Use a gap filling glue Gripfix or similar. If the steps are very rough level off with an epoxy screed and then fix your boards. You could use an epoxy (two part) glue.

If noise is an issue s***w fix insulation board, and then glue to that -you could use pva depending what the back of the laminate is like otherwise gripfix or other thixotropic (contact) adhesive. You need to be careful if there is risk of moisture building up, as  this wouldn't be the best choice of finish.

Answer 5

Look, you can't glue the faux wood directly to the stairs. It will need a vapor barrier or else the faux wood will continually warp and you'll be ripping it out in no time. Best to lay down a good thick vapor barrier, then top with some plywood, anchored into the concrete with concrete anchors. Then, you can lay the laminate on top of the plywood per regular manufacturer's instructions.I hope the stairs are not outside or exposed to the elements, it will not last.

Answer 6

you need this padding, which you can get at home depot. Also, i wouldn't glue it, I would staple the floors. If you don't want to do either, I have seen laminate at home depot that just lock together and they already have padding on the bottom. I have also seen one the had stones; it was breath-taking!!