How to Cut Laminate Flooring Around Stair Spindles

Measure the width of the step from the wall to the inner edge of the stair spindle. Cut the laminate plank to the floor down to this length, so that the laminate sits perfectly between the wall and the spindle. If the laminate plank is too wide for the stair, cut it lengthwise to fit the stair.

Install the laminate plank on the stair using the adhesive the manufacturer recommends. Push the laminate flush against the back of the stair and the wall when securing it to the stair surface.

Measure out from the end of the laminate plank that you installed to the end of the stair. Turn a piece of bullnose molding over so that the ledge of the molding faces up. Measure the same distance from the lip of the molding in toward the center of the molding and mark the molding piece on both sides.

Lay a straightedge between the two marks on the molding and draw a line between them. Cut the molding across this line to cut it to the length of the side ledge of the step.

Measure the depth of the step from the back edge to the front edge. Measure this distance across the piece of cut bullnose molding and cut it down to this width. At this point, the bullnose molding should fit the end of the step if the spindles were not in the way.

Measure the distance from the front edge of the step to the first spindle, the width of the first spindle, the width between the first and second spindle, the width of the second spindle and the width between the second spindle and the back of the step. With the lip of the bullnose molding facing up and away from you, recreate the same series of measurements across the bottom edge of the molding and mark them.

From the marks that represent the side of each spindle on the bullnose molding, measure in the same width as the spindle and make a mark on the molding. Connect the spindle marks using a straightedge to create a square where the spindle should go. Cut these squares out of the molding using a jigsaw.

Slide the bullnose molding onto the end of the stair to ensure that you cut the sections for the spindles properly. If the piece fits, install it with the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive. If the piece doesn’t, trim it some more with the jigsaw until it fits.