How to Install Nosing on a Hardwood Stair

Measure the height and width of your hardwood stair tread with a tape measure. Purchase stair molding of the same height as your stair, but with greater width so that you can cut them down to fit. For stair treads with tongue and grooves, purchase a tongue-and-groove stair nose. For stair treads without the tongue-and-groove connection system, purchase a flush-mount stair nose with a flat edge to mount against the front of the tread.

Measure the width of the step with the tape measure. Place a line across the molding at the measured length with a pencil, and then cut the molding to fit using a circular saw.

Place a bead of construction adhesive along the front edge of the step. Place a second bead of the adhesive running parallel to the edge of the step along the top, about an inch from the edge.

Press the molding to the step, making sure that the edge of the step is flush with the rear of the molding overhang on the front of the nose. Hold the stair nose in place for 30 seconds.

Place two lines of construction adhesive onto the stair step, running parallel to the edge of the molding, spaced about 3 inches apart and centered where you intend to install the step.

Install a tongue-and-groove tread to a tongue-and-groove stair nose by placing a bead of adhesive onto the tongue of the tread. Place the tongue of the tread into the groove along the molding edge, and then press the tread down flat onto the step, locking it into place against the adhesive.

Install treads without the tongue and groove by placing a bead of adhesive onto the front edge of the tread and then placing it onto the adhesive of the step with the glued edge against the edge of the molding.

Place a strip of masking tape over the joint between the two pieces to hold them flush together as the glue sets.

Repeat the process for the remainder of the steps.