diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
index f7dccbf259..f4299b71ba 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
@@ -2018,6 +2018,11 @@ void PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR_PARSER::parseSetup()
     // not the default value (0.25mm)
     bds.m_SolderMaskMinWidth = 0;
 
+    // Set up a default stackup in case the file doesn't define one
+    BOARD_STACKUP& stackup = bds.GetStackupDescriptor();
+    stackup.RemoveAll();
+    stackup.BuildDefaultStackupList( &bds, m_board->GetCopperLayerCount() );
+
     for( T token = NextTok();  token != T_RIGHT;  token = NextTok() )
     {
         if( token != T_LEFT )