How to Cover Stairs With Engineered Hardwood Flooring With Nosing Pieces

Remove the runner or carpeting from your stairs where you want to install the engineered hardwood flooring planks. Loosen and remove the staples that secure the padding to the stairs with pliers, and remove the tack strips using a hammer. Clean the treads and risers to remove leftover adhesive, dirt and debris and allow the surface to dry.

Measure the width of the topmost tread, or the distance from left to right. Also measure the depth of the tread. Divide the depth by the depth of an engineered hardwood plank to determine how many pieces you need to cover the tread. Repeat the process at the stair riser.

Measure the depth of the engineered hardwood nosing piece. Measure and mark the depth on the plank you will lay along the front of the tread. Cut along the line on the flooring plank to accommodate the nosing piece.

Cut the engineered hardwood planks to the desired width of the tread using a circular saw. Dry-fit the plank on the tread to ensure they form a tight fit and cover the space. Also lay the nosing piece along the front of the tread to ensure it forms a tight sea with the plank directly behind it. If required, trim excess length around the edges of the pieces. Remove the planks and set them aside.

Spread a thin layer of urethane adhesive over the riser with the applicator provided. Center and press the engineered hardwood plank over the riser. Gently tap down any high spots on the plank to help it adhere to the surface. Repeat the process to install as many planks as required over the riser to cover it completely, forming a tight seam between adjacent planks.

Apply a thin layer of glue over the stair tread. Center and lower a plank on the tread, with its long edge against the base of the riser above. Continue to lay riser planks until you reach the front edge of the step.

Press the nosing piece over the adhesive along the front of the tread, pressing it backward so it forms a tight fit with the adjacent plank.

Spread a level across the tread to ensure it sits flat, or gently tap high sections. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp sponge. Repeat the process to cover the remaining stairs with engineered hardwood planks and nosing pieces.