Q: I got a Westhollow Algonquin floating cork floor from iFloor. I want to install some of it on the tops of 3 stairs. This is new construction and the flooring will be sitting on plywood. How do you recommended I attach the floor to these stairs? Should I nail it on? screw it on? or glue it on? – what kind of glue?
Thanks,
Marabeth
A: Typically any installation on stairs is done using glue, though in some cases nails work better. For cork, even the floating types, you will want to glue the cork down. Because of the size of cork planks, I would suggest using a troweled out adhesive or a contact cement as opposed to something like carpenter’s glue. For ease, you will likely be best off with a water-based polyurethane which is suited for Cork.
As far as procedure is concerned, take plenty of time to measure everything out, leave a small expansion gap beyond the scribe line, so that your risers will cover this expansion gap visually for the treads. When applying the adhesive, make sure its nice and even, I would use a 1/8″ square-notched trowel as this should give you a good spread. Remember, when installing, do the tread, then riser, this will make everything much easier on you.
