How to Install Hardwood Flooring on Angled Stair Landings

Cut the riser planks to the length of the angled sections and to one-half the angle of the corner with a miter saw. For example, if the angle of the landing is 45 degrees, miter the angles of the risers at 22 1/2 degrees so the two boards fit together make a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind the cuts for the risers must be "oppositely" angled so they fit together. If you have two sections per riser, one board will be cut at an inward 22 1/2-degree angle and the other will be cut at an outward 22 1/2-degree angle.

Hold the risers in place with your hand where they will be installed and draw a line across the plank to show where the top of the stair will be. Rest your pencil on the stair to create the line. This allows you to get the correct height of the riser so it'll be flush with the top of the landing.

Cut the risers along the mark with a table saw.

Spread the back of the riser with thick, serpentine beads of construction adhesive and press it into place.

Nail the risers with a nailer for additional stability.

Measure and cut the pieces of stair nose for each section of the landing. Cut the angles into the stair nose as you did the risers -- each piece that connects should be one-half the total angle.

Snap chalk lines or pencil-in small marks that show the needed gap between the edge of the landing and the spot where the hardwood flooring must end to allow for the stair nose. The particular measurement should be included with the manufacturer's instructions; if it's not, contact the manufacturer.

Install the hardwood flooring on the landing. Lay the boards straight without following the angle and cut only the ends at an angle when they meet the wall or stair nose. Follow the manufacturer's detailed instructions as to the needed expansion gaps and the method of installation, such as glue-down, tongue-and-groove or nail-down. Nail down the edges of the hardwood -- as close to the edge as you can get.

Apply a serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the stair nose and press it into place. The stair nose should overlap and fit flush against the riser.

Finish by nailing if required. Nailing is a safe bet even if it's not required because it adds to the stability of a high-traffic area such as a landing.