How to Install Hardwood Floor Steps

Follow accepted procedures to install hardwood on your stairs.

Laying down hardwood on your stairs helps protect against high-traffic wear. Done incorrectly, your hardwood will appear mismatched and uneven. Done correctly, it will protect your stairwell. Follow established procedures to ensure your stairs look -- and function -- great in hardwood.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Finishing nails
• Wood glue
• Brass corner trim
• Black metal instep trim
• Tape measure
• Table saw
• Metal snips

Instructions

Lay the Horizontal Planks

1. Measure the depth of your steps.

2. Select hardwood that matches the rest of your floor and that equals one-third to one-fourth the depth of your stairs.

3. Glue the bottom of one strip of hardwood, pressing it against the horizontal instep of the bottom stair with the "tongue" facing outward. This first strip represents "strip number one," and the horizontal instep of the stair consists of the inside corner of the step that connects to the vertical instep (rising face) of the next step. The tongue of the hardwood consists of a small 1/4-inch outcropping of wood that slips into a 1/4-inch "groove" of a connecting strip.

4. Glue the bottom of one strip of hardwood, pressing it against the vertical instep and on top of hardwood strip number one. Ensure the tongue faces up. This strip represents strip number two.

5. Wipe away any glue that seeps out.

6. Insert a second strip of hardwood with the groove of strip number two against the tongue of horizontal hardwood strip number one.

7. Insert a second strip of hardwood, with the groove of strip number two against the tongue of vertical hardwood strip number one.

8. Measure the remaining distance on the horizontal face of the step.

9. Cut the strip of wood to width, allowing for an additional 1/4 inch, making sure to cut off the "tongue-side" of the strip.

Lay the Vertical Steps

1. Insert a third strip of hardwood with the groove of strip number two against the tongue of vertical hardwood strip number two.

2. Measure the remaining distance on the vertical face of the step.

3. Cut the strip of wood to width, making sure to cut off the "tongue-side" of the strip.

4. Insert the groove of vertical strip number three onto the tongue of vertical strip number two, making sure the third strip fits flush against the next step's horizontal edge.

Apply the Corner Trim

1. Measure a length of brass corner trim.

2. Cut the brass corner trim to length, using the metal snips.

3. Glue the reverse underside of the strip of brass corner finish.

4. Press the brass corner finish into place over the outermost edge of the step.

5. Wipe away any glue that seeps out, using the cotton cloth.

References

• Woods The Best: How to Install Solid Wood Stairs
• Hardwood Installer: Installing Hardwood On Stairs