How to Add Stair Trim Molding

Trim molding can be added to enhance a staircase

Installing stair trim to your staircase can add a touch of elegance and detail to an otherwise ordinary staircase. Adding stair trim molding is a great way for enhancing the overall look of your staircase. Trim or molding that you can use for this purpose comes in a variety of designs and widths for any type of application. You can do this project by first determining what type of trim molding that you want to use for your staircase.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap trim Tape measure Pencil Straight edge Miter saw Finish trim Finish nails Nail gun

Instructions

1. Place a scrap piece of trim at the top of the flat landing of the staircase. Extend the scrap piece of trim over the edge three inches where the stringer board meets the landing. Verify that you have at least three inches with the tape measure.

2. Trace along the top of the scrap piece of trim with the pencil to make a line on the wall.

3. Move the scrap piece of trim to the sloped edge of the stringer so that the trim extends over the top of the landing. The top corner of the trim should touch the pencil line you drew in Step 2.

4. Trace along the top of the trim with the pencil to create a second line on the wall.

5. Place a straight edge on the point where the two pencil lines meet and where the stringer board meets the flat part of the landing. Draw a line on the wall with the pencil. This will indicate the angle you will need to cut on the stair trim molding.

6. Cut two scrap pieces of trim to determine the miter angle for the finished trim. Set the trim pieces on the wall to determine where angle on the boards will need to be. Mark the trim with the pencil and then cut the trim with the miter saw.

7. Place the scrap trim over the finished trim. Trace the angle onto the finished trim with the pencil. Cut the ends of the finished trim with the miter saw.

8. Determine the height you want to place the stair trim on the wall with the tape measure. Measure up from the stairs and make a mark with the pencil.

9. Set the trim pieces on the marks you made in step 8 and attach them with finish nails using the nail gun.

Tips & Warnings

• Baseboard molding can be used for stair trim.

References

• Ask the Builder: Stair Trim Molding