Oak-Effect LVT Staircase Installation in Ealing, London

Philip, a building contractor renovating a house in Ealing, London, approached EXEN Flooring for advice on redesigning the property's staircase with luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Before recommending an installation method, our site team visited the property to assess the existing stairs, identify potential problems and determine the preparation required.

The staircase had 15 straight steps and six winders, each requiring accurate measurement and fitting. The existing steps were old and worn, with differences in level that needed to be addressed before the new flooring could be installed.

Our solution involved reinforcing the affected areas with 6mm plywood, ordering original Quick-Step stair nosings and creating individual templates for the six winders. Over two days of on-site work, our fitters installed the oak-effect LVT across the treads and risers, using Flexyfix Adhesive and finishing the edges with matching-colour silicone.

The project demonstrates why successful staircase flooring depends on careful preparation, accurate cutting and attention to the details where individual components meet.

Project Overview

• Location: Ealing, West London

• Client: Philip, building contractor

• Property: House undergoing renovation

• Flooring: Oak-effect LVT

• Staircase: 15 straight steps and six winders

• Preparation: 6mm plywood reinforcement to worn and uneven sections

• Stair nosings: Original Quick-Step components

• Adhesive: Flexyfix Adhesive

• Edge finishing: Matching-colour silicone

• Installation duration: Two days

1. Assessing and Preparing the Existing Staircase

The initial site visit was essential because the condition of the staircase would influence the entire installation. The existing steps were worn, and differences in level presented a challenge for fitting the new flooring consistently.

Rather than proceeding directly to installation, our team assessed the stairs and identified where additional preparation was needed. The affected steps required reinforcement with 6mm plywood to provide a more suitable surface for the new LVT.

This stage is particularly important when renovating an older staircase. New flooring must be fitted to a suitably prepared substrate, and uneven surfaces can complicate the alignment of treads, risers and stair nosings. Addressing these issues beforehand helps create a more consistent base for the finishing materials.

The plywood preparation was carried out the day before the main installation. Once the necessary sections had been reinforced, the team could move on to the more detailed measuring and fitting work.

The preparation required will vary according to the staircase's construction and condition. For this Ealing property, reinforcing the worn and uneven sections was an important part of the agreed installation approach.

2. Creating Bespoke Templates for Six Winders

Unlike straight steps, winders change shape as the staircase turns. Their dimensions can vary from one step to the next, so each piece of flooring must be measured and cut to match its individual shape.

This staircase contained six winders, making accurate templating a key part of the project. Our fitters created bespoke templates to record the dimensions of these steps before transferring the shapes to the flooring.

The templates helped guide the cutting process, allowing each piece to follow the staircase's geometry. Particular care was needed around corners and edges, where inaccurate cuts could affect the fit against adjoining surfaces.

With 15 straight steps and six winders to complete, the team needed to work methodically through each section rather than rely on standard rectangular cuts. This approach helped ensure that the flooring pieces were prepared for their intended positions.

3. Installing Oak-Effect LVT and Quick-Step Stair Nosings

For the staircase, original Quick-Step stair nosings were ordered to form part of the finished design. The installation began at the top of the stairs and progressed downwards.

Our fitters carefully measured and cut the flooring for each tread and riser, using Flexyfix Adhesive to secure the components in position. The treads are the horizontal surfaces people step on, while the risers are the vertical faces between consecutive steps. Both needed to fit neatly together to achieve a consistent appearance.

The stair nosings were another important part of the finishing work. Positioned at the exposed edges of the steps, suitable nosings help create a defined transition at the front of each tread. The selected components needed to work with the intended staircase finish.

The exact Quick-Step product model and colour were not provided in the project notes, so this article does not assign a specific product code or claim that a particular manufacturer's installation system was used.

For general information about staircase renovation products, see Quick-Step's official guide to installing vinyl, laminate or wood on stairs. The exact installation requirements depend on the flooring and stair-cover system selected.

4. Finishing Tread-to-Riser Joints and Edges

The installation continued into the second day, with particular attention given to the junctions between the treads and risers.

These joints needed to be neat and consistent throughout the staircase. Irregular gaps or poorly aligned edges would interrupt the appearance of the finished flooring, especially when repeated across multiple steps.

After fitting the flooring, our team applied matching-colour silicone to the edge gaps to create a more coordinated finish. Selecting a colour that complemented the oak-effect LVT helped the finished edges blend with the surrounding material.

The final appearance depended on the combined effect of the preparation, bespoke cutting, stair nosings and finishing work. Each stage contributed to a staircase that looked consistent from the upper steps down to the bottom.

The Finished Staircase in Ealing

After two days of installation, the staircase was completed with an oak-effect LVT finish.

The work addressed the main challenges identified during the initial assessment: worn steps, differences in level and the complex shapes of the six winders. Reinforcing the affected areas with 6mm plywood provided the necessary preparation, while the bespoke templates helped the flooring follow the individual shapes of the turning steps.

The original Quick-Step stair nosings and matching-colour silicone completed the installation, giving the staircase a coordinated appearance suited to the property's renovation.

For contractors and homeowners planning a similar project, this installation highlights the importance of assessing the existing stairs before choosing an installation method. The condition of the substrate, the number of winders and the finishing components all influence the preparation and fitting work required.

LVT Staircase Installation in Ealing and West London

LVT staircase installation requires a different approach from fitting flooring across a flat room. Each tread and riser must be measured, and turning steps may need bespoke templates. Older stairs may also require repairs or reinforcement before the new flooring can be fitted.

EXEN Flooring provides flooring installation services in Ealing and across London. If you are planning a staircase renovation, our team can assess the existing steps and discuss the preparation and finishing required for your project.

You can learn more about our LVT installation service or visit our carpet and flooring contractor page for Ealing.

Planning an LVT staircase renovation in Ealing? Contact EXEN Flooring to discuss your staircase, installation requirements and quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LVT be installed on a staircase?

LVT can be installed on a staircase when the selected product and installation system are suitable for that application. The existing stairs need to be assessed, and the appropriate preparation, adhesive and finishing components must be used.

Does an old staircase need preparation before LVT installation?

It may do. Worn, damaged or uneven steps can require repairs or reinforcement before new flooring is installed. In this Ealing project, our team applied 6mm plywood to the affected sections to reinforce the steps and prepare them for the installation.

How is LVT fitted to staircase winders?

Winders have individual shapes and dimensions, so they require careful measuring and cutting. Bespoke templates can help record the shape of each step and guide the cutting of the flooring to suit the staircase.

What are stair nosings?

Stair nosings are finishing components fitted along the exposed front edges of staircase treads. They help define the step edge and must be compatible with the selected flooring and installation system.

How long does LVT staircase installation take?

The duration depends on the number of steps, the staircase's condition, the amount of preparation required and the complexity of the design. The on-site installation and finishing for this Ealing project took two days, following the initial assessment and preparation work.

Can uneven steps be reinforced before installing LVT?

Depending on the construction and condition of the stairs, preparatory work may be required before the flooring is fitted. For this project, 6mm plywood was applied to worn and uneven sections. The appropriate solution should be determined after inspecting the existing staircase.

Does EXEN Flooring install LVT in Ealing?

Yes. EXEN Flooring offers flooring installation services in Ealing and across London. You can find out more about our LVT installation service or contact our team to discuss your project.