Can Hardwood Be Attached to a Metal Stair Step?

Epoxy Glue

• Attaching hardwood flooring to metal steps may be as simple as gluing it in place. Special glues, known as epoxies, include a catalyst which when mixed with the other chemicals in the glue, will bond most substances together. The bond is typically strong and durable. To attach the hardwood to the metal steps using this method, begin by cutting the wood pieces to fit the steps. Select a multipurpose epoxy that specifically says it is for use on wood. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's directions and apply it to the metal. Place the cut boards in place and weigh them down for several hours to allow the adhesive to dry.

Reamer Screws

• Reamer screws present an additional option for attaching hardwood to metal stairs. These screws have special tips designed to go through wood and metal. These tips come off once in place to hold in the steel. To use reamer screws, you must have a diamond-tip drill bit. Cut and put the hardwood pieces in place on the stairs. Drill through the wood and into the steel using the diamond bit and then drill in the screws. While the hardwood will be held in place, the flat screw heads will be visible. This may be undesirable in the finished project.

Open or Decorative Metal Steps

• If the stairs in questions are not solid, epoxy glue or reamer screws may not work for attaching hardwood flooring. Without a solid surface, neither will grasp to form a strong bond. In this situation, try building felt. Building felt, sometimes also referred to as roofing felt, is available at most home improvement or building supply stores. This fairly lightweight material can be cut with a utility knife to fit the stair. Use multipurpose epoxy glue to attach the edges of the heavy-duty felt to the stair edges and allow it to dry. The hardwood may then be glued to the felt. Consult with a construction or remodeling professional for the best grade of felt to use and the best glue to use for attaching the wood to the selected felt.

Other Considerations

• Before attaching hardwood to metal steps, there are several points to consider. The addition of the hardwood will raise the height of each step, in some cases up to an inch. This may cause issues at the top of the staircase as the top step will not align with the original landing. For open stairs, without external stringers, the addition of the hardwood flooring will be visible. The edges of the wood will need to be covered with strips of trim to hide the cut ends.