How to Install Pergo on Stair Nosing

Preparation

• 1

  Examine the front edge of the treads. The tread is the horizontal surface your foot steps on when walking up stairs. If the risers are flush with the treads, no further work is required to prepare the treads. The riser is the vertical part of the stairs that connects one tread to the next.

• 2

  Place a tape measure under the overhang if the existing tread has an extended front edge. Transfer this measurement to several points along the top of the tread with a pencil. Use a straight edge and connect these marks to make a straight line.

• 3

  Cut along this line with a circular saw. If the circular saw is unable to cut the full length of the tread, use a saber saw to finish the cut at each end. Remove the extended edge, smooth the edge with a sanding block and wipe away any dust with a clean rag. Repeat this process for each step.

Measurements and Cuts

• 4

  Measure the width of the stairs, from one side to the other, and cut all the stair nose moldings to size. Use one of the sections of molding and place it on the front edge of a tread. Draw a line onto the tread along the back edge of the molding to use as a guide for measuring the tread planks. Repeat the process for all treads.

• 5

  Measure from the back riser to the reference line and add 1/4 inch to the measurement. This is the width of the plank for the tread and allows for an overlap of the nose molding. Depending on the width of the Pergo planks, you may need to use two planks and interlock them to cover the size of the tread. Measure the length of the tread from one side to the other. Transfer the measurements to the flooring and cut the tread piece to size. Repeat the process for all steps.

• 6

  Place a plank on one tread and butt it up against the riser. Take a measurement from the plank to the top of the riser and from one side to the other. Transfer the measurements, cut the riser and repeat the process for all risers.

Installation

• 7

  Dry fit the planks for one tread, the riser and the next tread. If no adjustments need to be made, follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply several beads of construction adhesive to the tread and riser and firmly press the planks into place.

• 8

  Dry fit the nose molding and if no adjustments are needed, apply construction adhesive to the back and press it into place. Measure two inches in from each end of the molding and place a reference mark. Place several evenly spaced reference marks along the length of the molding no more than eight inches apart.

• 9

  Drill pilot holes at the reference marks through the molding and into the tread. Screw 1-1/8-inch finishing screws into each hole until the heads of the screws are just below the surface of the molding. Fill the holes with matching filler putty.

• 10

  Repeat Steps 1 through 3 to complete the installation. Follow the adhesive instructions and allow the proper amount of time for the glue to set before walking on the stairs.