Laminate Flooring on Stairs

Choose a Durable Finish

Q: We are trying to decide whether to use laminate flooring in our living room. The entryway is ceramic tile, and there are five stairs going up to the living room. Can you install laminate on stairs or is there a better solution to make the spaces flow together?

A: Yes, you can install laminate on stairs, and anywhere else where you would install hardwood flooring. Using laminate flooring on stairs could help to visually incorporate them into the living room area beyond.

The greater question may be durability. Because stairs tend to receive a lot of wear and tear, laminate might not hold up. Plus, some laminates are high-gloss and slippery—not an ideal surface for stairs. Look for a textured, matte finish for a high-traffic zone like your entryway.

If you want to make the entryway/stair area feel larger, use the same flooring material on the stairs as used in the entry—tile in your case.