How to Install Hardwood Flooring Around Stair Railings

Check out this blog post for some help on how to install hardwood flooring around stair railings. This article will go over the basic materials needed and tips and tricks from professionals about how to make the installation process more manageable. In addition, we’ll provide some examples of before, and after photos, so you can see what a difference it makes!

How to Install Hardwood Flooring Around Stair Railings

So if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your home without breaking the bank, keep reading below! We are going through all of the steps that are necessary when installing hardwood flooring around stair railings. This includes discussing key points such as the number of stairs, stair spacing, and the tools you will need to get the job done.

Step by Step Guide on How to Install Hardwood Flooring Around Stair Railings 

Step One: Choose the Correct Type of Stair Stringer

The first step to installing hardwood flooring around stair railings is to choose whether or not you will be using a premade 5/8″ bullnose board or if you will need to cut and fit your pieces. If using premade boards, measure for each piece you need BEFORE cutting. If you cut and fit your pieces, you will need to measure each stair stringer for a custom fit before making any cuts or gluing each piece in place.

Choose the Correct Type of Stair Stringer

Step Two: Cut the Hardwood Flooring Board for Each Stair Stringer

After measuring and choosing the right type of flooring, cut the boards at a 45-degree angle using a miter saw. Each piece of the bullnose should fit around each stair rail perfectly without any gaps or overlapping, so take the time to measure and cut each piece carefully for a perfect fit.

Step Three: Apply Adhesive to the Bullnose Board

Once all pieces are cut and ready to go, you can begin applying adhesive to each bullnose board piece and place it around the stair railings. A notched trowel (a flat blade with grooves) works best, but a regular flat blade can also be used.

Apply a strip of adhesive directly onto the stair stringer where the flooring boards will be placed, then press the flooring board into place and spread adhesive on each side of the board.

Step Four:  Clean the Excess Adhesive

Once all boards are in place, you will need to clean up any glue that squeezes out of the seams. Please wait until the glue dries, then scrape it away with a floor scraper or towel. You can use mineral spirits if necessary to remove any residue left behind after cleaning up the adhesive.

Step Five: Sand the Hardwood Flooring Board Seams

Last but not least, you will need to sand the seams between each board down slightly to level with one another. Doing this before applying any finish or stain allows the boards to expand and contract at their natural rate without disrupting the finish of the wood. Sanding also prevents finishes from creating a buildup on top of the seams where boards meet, which allows each board to expand without leaving gaps in the finished hardwood flooring.

Use Brad Nails for Stair Treads

Step Six: Apply Finish or Wax to the Flooring Boards.

Once all of the adhesives have dried, sanded, and cleaned up, you can choose whether to stain or apply a protective topcoat over your hardwood flooring around stair railings. If applying a protective topcoat like polyurethane, use a clean lint-free cloth. Old t-shirts work best to apply the finish in the direction of the grain, then allow it to dry for 30-60 minutes. After the polyurethane has dried, you can apply paste wax for added protection and luster within a few short hours.

Step Seven:  Enjoy Your New Hardwood Flooring Around Stair Railings!

Congratulations, your hardwood flooring around stair railings are all done and ready for you to enjoy. You can now sit back, relax, and admire the finished project that you’ve just created!

Remember that if you apply a protective topcoat, a regular cleaning with a damp mop and a small amount of dish soap on a clean cloth will keep your hardwood flooring around stair railings looking beautiful and new for years to come. In addition, this will help in how to install hardwood flooring around stair railings.

Should You Nail or Screw Stair Treads?

Installing hardwood flooring around stair railings can be tricky, but homeowners prefer to use nailing as they want the railings and existing trim pieces to blend in with the rest of their design. However, when it comes time to install each riser (the stair treads), attaching them to the tread supports below is a little different from how you would attach a standard strip of flooring.

The stair treads can be placed above or below the flooring on your stairs, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Below, we’ll discuss how to install hardwood flooring around stair railings from both perspectives. For simplification purposes, we will use a staircase with two hardwood flooring strips and three stair railings.

Can I Use Brad Nails for Stair Treads?

No, you cannot. It’s a common mistake to use too many nails when installing stair treads. While it might seem like more is better, the opposite is true for this application. If your stair treads are too rigid or not adequately attached to the supporting structure of your stairs, they will flex and damage your hardwood flooring, along with the riser and any insulation in between.

Put Floating Floor on Stairs

Since a hardwood floor is a high-quality product that can last several decades if properly maintained, it’s best to use the proper fasteners when installing stair treads. Generally speaking, screws are much more appropriate for this job than nails, but every situation is different.

Frequently Asked Question

Does It Matter Which Way You Run Hardwood Flooring?

The decision to run the hardwood flooring in a particular direction depends on how much you want to spend and how much work it will take.

There are two options: running the wood in either a horizontal or vertical direction.

If you want to save money, then running it horizontally is your best option because this way, the boards will last longer and not need as many replacements. However, if you want a more expensive and complicated look that requires fewer steps, then running it vertically is your best option.

Can You Put Floating Floor on Stairs?

A floating floor is a type of flooring that can be installed on stairs. This type of flooring is made up of interlocking tiles, and it allows you to have a smooth transition from one level to the next. However, this kind of flooring should not be used on stairs where there are high traffic areas or near swimming pools as it can cause tripping hazards.

Can You Install Laminate Wood Flooring on Stairs?

It is always advisable to consult with a professional when installing laminate wood flooring on stairs. A professional can help you understand the best way to install the laminate wood flooring so that it will be safe and not cause any harm to the staircase.

How Do You Transition Directions on Hardwood Floors?

Transitioning a floor is a process that involves the removal of the old floor, installation of a new subfloor, application of finish coatings, and finally, the installation of the new floor.

Transition Directions  On Hardwood Floors

There are two methods to transitioning a hardwood floor:

  1. Traditional transition method: The transition is done by first removing all debris from the surface with a rotary scraper or an oscillating tool. It was then sanding down the entire surface with 150-grit sandpaper, followed by prepping and priming with TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution, which removes dirt and grease in preparation for finishing coatings. Finally, apply one or more coats of primer-sealer followed by several coats of paint to create an even finish.
  2. Fast transition method: This method involves removing all debris from the surface with a rotary scraper or oscillating tool, then applying oil-based finishes such as penetrating oil, varnish, or shellac directly over unfinished wood before finishing coats are applied.

Conclusion

Installing hardwood flooring around stair railings is a great way to add value and beauty. You can have the peace of mind that your new floors will be protected from spills, scratches, and scuffs from little ones who may not know how to use their feet yet. You can purchase hardwood flooring around stair railings in just one day, and you’ll be left with a stunning finished product that will enhance the overall look of your home.

Check It out – How to Keep Exercise Mat From Sliding on Hardwood Floors .

Smart Home Pick
Logo