How to Build a Simple Stair Nose

If you have old wooden stairs that were built without the overhanging nose, add a simple wood trim to your steps as nosing. Normally, the horizontal surface or run of each step would be set far enough back allowing you space to attach a flush, formed nose over the front of each stair tread. Check with your local building inspector for stairway codes before beginning any alteration; stairs must pass strict codes for safety reasons.

Measuring tape
1-by-1-inch square wood trim or doweling
Saw
Wood glue
Drill
Drill bit
2-inch wood screws
Medium-grit sandpaper
Stain
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the top front of the step "face," or rise.
- 2
  Cut a length of doweling to use as a nose on the step's riser.
- 3
  Drill four or five evenly spaced holes along one side of the trim using a bit that is slightly thinner than your screws.
- 4
  Spread a generous layer of glue over the mounting side of the dowel.
- 5
  Attach the nose flush with the top tread of the step using the glue and screws. Continue to measure, drill and attach nosing to each remaining step.
- 6
  Sand the new nosing to remove all sharp edges. Dust the steps using a damp rag.
- 7
  Wipe stain in a matching color to your stairs over each nose.

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