How To Install Hardwood Flooring On Stair Landing? [Do It By Yourself]

Installing hardwood flooring on stairs is always about adding value to a space. But it requires caution. Though you can do it by knowing the correct procedure, many may think it is difficult. This happens as it requires a bit of knowledge and expertise. But it is possible to do it perfectly by following the proper steps. 

While you may panic a lot thinking of the hassle, knowing the correct procedure and applying it accordingly make the task more straightforward. It will become easier if you have the tools and learn how to install hardwood on stairs landings. This is why I am here with this article to tell you the entire procedure with tips and tricks. 

Being in the hardwood industry for years, I have eventually learned the best techniques for installing hardwood floors on the stairs landing. So here, I will be talking about my experience and knowledge. Keep reading this article to learn and take notes to make installing stairs with hardwood more manageable. 

6 Simple Steps To Install Hardwood Flooring On Stair Landing:

The installation procedure on the stair landing wood is a bit lengthy. Before installing, choose the best wood flooring ideas for stairs and landings. The process becomes time-consuming as you need to trim, shape, and position the planks on the stair landing. Especially when you are new at it, you would need some time to learn the techniques and tricks. 

Installing hardwood floors at the top of stairs require appropriate tools and equipment to accomplish the task properly. The following items are required for hardwood floor stairs installation:

• Tongue and groove hardwood flooring planks
• Stair nose strips
• Table saw
• Nails
• Nail gun
• Wood filler
• Putty knife

These are a few elements that you would need to install hardwood on the stair landing. Now let’s move to the hardwood floor installation with steps.

Step 1: Measure And Buy Planks And Stair Nose Strips

Before installing vinyl plank flooring on stair landing, buying adequate planks and nose strips is necessary. To get an idea about how many planks you may need to cover the stairs, you must use a measuring tape or scale to measure the area. 

Use the tape to measure the length and width of the stair landing. Now when you are going to buy the planks, give the measurements to the seller and tell the number of stair steps the staircase has. According to that, the seller would provide you with enough tongue and groove hardwood planks. 

You would also need to buy some stair nose strips along with the stair wood planks. The length measurement of the stairs would help you determine the length of stair nose strips. Note that Oak stair treads are wood flooring best for stairs and landings. Choose leather stair treads that are the best floor covering for stairs and landings.

Done buying the planks and stair nose strips? Let’s move to the next step. 

Step 2: Measure, Trim And Install The Stair Nose Strips

The first task is to trim and shape the stair nose strips and then install them across the outer seam of each stair landing. 

To do so, measure the length of the stair landing, transfer the measurement to the stair nose strip, and use a table saw to cut the strip into pieces. Now position the stair nose strips at the edge so that the lip touches the seam of the Oak stair landing platform. Hardwood floor stair transition protects it from stair edges.

After you place the stair nose strips, use a nail gun to fix the strips across the seams of the stair landings. Place the nails at an angle to fix them well to the stairs. This way, place the stair nose strips across the stairs’ seams. 

Step 3: Install Hardwood In The First Landing Platform- The First Line

Now that the stair nose strips are in place, you must install the stairs hardwood flooring. First, you would need to measure the length and width of the stair landing platform again. Transfer the measurement to the tongue and groove hardwood flooring and cut them into pieces using a table saw to fit the stair landing area. 

Next, adjust the tongue of the hardwood plank with the groove of the nosing strips. There are lots of hardwood floor nosing for stairs to choose from and stair nosing installation is easy. The plank is firmly seated on the wooden floor landing platform as they get attached. To improve the fitting, gently use a rubber mallet to hit the plank into the stair nose strip groove.

In the end, nail the plank and strip it together across the outer edge of the stair landing. Installing engineered flooring on stairs can be a perfect choice.

Step 4: Install Hardwood Plank To The First Landing Platform- The Second Line

As you move to the second line of hardwood, you would like to mismatch the length of planks.

For instance, if you have installed one long plank and then a short plank in the first row, do the opposite in the second row. This enhances the beauty of the stair flooring. 

So now, cut the pieces of hardwood planks to install hardwood floors for stairs in the second row of flooring on the stair landing. Mix and match the length of the boards and install them by nailing the boards on the stair landing platform.

Step 5: Install Hardwood Plank To The First Landing Platform- The Last Row

Just like you have installed the previous rows of hardwood flooring, do the same for the last row of the stair landing flooring. Measure the length and width of the remaining portion of the stair landing.

According to the measurement, cut and trim a hardwood plank. After you shape the hardwood plank, place it gently across the empty portion that meets the riser.

After you place the last row of planks, fix them gently into the groove of the adjacent plank. Use the rubber mallet to make the fitting better. As the fitting improves, nail the plank to the stair land flooring. 

Step 6: Repeat And Complete The Installation

As you install the first carpet stairs with a landing of the staircase, do the same for the other landing areas in the staircase. Take measurements for each row to fit the planks accurately on the stair landing. Therefore, repeat the procedure for all the other stair landings. 

Step 7: Finish With Wood Filler:

If you see the nailed areas are too visible that it is ruining the beauty of the flooring, you can fix the issue with wood filler. Also, if the lower portion of the stair nose strip has any gap, you can fix it with the wood filler. 

Use a color of wood putty that matches the tone of the hardwood flooring. Use a putty knife to apply the filler to the desired areas. Let it dry well, and then you can sand the area to make the portion flat and smooth. If required, you can polish and stain the flooring too. 

However, wipe off the stair flooring even if you don’t stain or polish it. Also, apply sealant on the stair wood flooring.

Note: You can also install laminate flooring on stair landing as it easy to maintain and install.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring On Stair Landing:

What Type Of Wood Is Best For Stair Landing?

Choosing moisture-resistant and impact-resistant hardwood flooring is essential for hardwood stair landing flooring installation. From the hardwood grade to the durability, all should be scrutinized while selecting the wood for stair landing. 

Usually, pine is the best wood for a stair landing platform. It is the best value hardwood for stairs as it is incredibly durable and beautiful. Pinewood is also a popular choice for its affordability.

Besides pine, you may also install oak stair treads or hickory for stair landing flooring. Red Oak stair landing is a top-notch choice for many.

What Is The Minimum Size Of Stair Landing?

The size of the stairs’ hardwood installation landing may differ. Some can be large, while others are small. But there is a minimum measurement of the stair landing area. Ideally, any wood stair landing platform should be at least 36 inches.

If you measure stairs for flooring, determining size will be time-saving. The calculation is that the door can get a sufficient area to move over the stair landing and leave a small space ahead. The minimum stair landing area is denoted to make the door have enough space when open.

Across the stair landing wood direction of travel, at least 36 inches of space should be there for the door to have enough space.

How Thick Should Stair Treads Be?

If you use stair treads to cover the edges of the stair landing platform, you should also know the tread’s thickness. Generally, a tread of 1 1/16 inches is preferred for installing across the edge of a stair landing.

This is the ideal thickness for almost any area of the stair landing platform. Most stores would sell treads of this thickness only. As a result, choose this thickness of tread because it is the best. Installing wood stair treads is easy, and you should do it perfectly.

How To Finish A Stair Landing?

If you want a fine finish in the stair landing, using a stair nose strip or landing tread installation is the best way out. Installing a stair landing tread or nose strip will provide a smooth, beautiful edge across the stair landing.

As a staircase landing edge becomes smooth, you can install the planks next to the stair nose strip or landing tread. Use the tongue and groove lock to fix the planks with the tread or strip, whichever you prefer.  Besides, any gaps can be covered by the wood filler and a putty knife. With that, you can get a fine and smooth finish and edge on the stair landing.

Is Carpeted Stairs Or Hardwood On Stair Landing Suitable?

If you are choosing between hardwood and carpet, thinking of the safety measures, you must go for carpet flooring. As carpets are not slippery and hardwood floors on stairs can be slippery, carpet is a safer option.

However, in terms of aesthetic value, hardwood is a better option. Another significant advantage of putting hardwood flooring on stairs landing is that it is easy to clean and maintain. Note that thick carpets can make the situation worse. So even if you choose a rug, choose cautiously.

How Much To Put Hardwood On Stairs?

Installing hardwood on stairs is a pretty good thing you should taste. But how much are the costs to install hardwood stairs landing? Well, it varies on the wood quality and stairs numbers. On average, it costs $75 to $200 per stair, including everything (labor costs, equipment). So if you have 10 to 20 stairs install wooden stairs.

Conclusion:

Installing or laying hardwood flooring on stairs landings is not rocket science. You can crack the puzzle with the right set of tools and knowledge. And by now, you have learned how to install hardwood flooring on stair landings. Therefore, I believe it would be easier for you now. Also, many stair landing platform ideas help you to bring tremendous change to your stairs. 

In addition, look some upstair landing flooring ideas to make it more gorgeous. Hence, accumulate the tools and materials and beautify the stair landing platform with hardwood flooring.