How to Install Bullnose on Engineered Flooring

Measure the width of the transition area between the two levels where you’re placing the bullnose molding with a tape measure.

Mark the measured length onto the piece of bullnose molding with a pencil; use a straightedge to keep the marked cutting line straight across the rear of the piece. Cover the mark with masking tape placed over its center then repeat the mark across the center of the tape.

Place the bullnose molding onto a cutting surface face-down. Cut through the molding down the masking tape mark with a circular saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade. The small numerous teeth on the blade, along with the masking tape cover, will prevent the molding from chipping along the cutting line. Remove the masking tape after making the cut. Sand the cut side smooth with fine-grit sandpaper if you intend to place the molding in a way that exposes the edge to view.

Test-fit the bullnose molding, before placing the engineered flooring plank that connects to it, to ensure that the molding fits flush with the transition ledge between the two surfaces. You can cut the plank to fit the mold or build the floor covering from the molding over the surface the flooring covers.

Place two 1/4-inch wide beads of constructive adhesive onto the subfloor running in parallel with the full length of the molding beneath where the bullnose molding will be located. Press the molding onto the floor over the adhesive, making sure that the nose is flush with the transition edge and the main body of the molding overlaps the top surface of the two. Press down onto the molding for about 30 seconds to bind it in place then tape the molding into position while the adhesive cures overnight. Remove the masking tape.

Cut the engineered flooring plank to fit the transition length and width, if necessary, to allow the board to fit the space between the floor surface and the molding. Use the same masking tape, upside-down cutting process to avoid chipping the flooring plank while cutting. Apply a bead of adhesive to the plank’s tongue then place it into the groove of the molding piece before lowering the plank flush onto the upper floor surface, locking the plank into place against the bullnose molding. Build up the rest of the floor surface from the installed plank.