How to Install Engineered Wood Flooring on Stairs

Check the stairs to make sure they are clean and free of protruding nail heads or staples. Use a hammer to remove the nails or pound them so they are flush with the wood. Screw down any areas of the floor that squeak with a screwdriver and screws.

Determine if the subflooring steps include a nosing. If there is a nosing installed on the steps you will need to remove it. Snap a chalk line to mark where to make the cut on the steps. Use a reciprocating saw to cut away the nosing. Work slowly and carefully as you make the cut. Use a vacuum to clean up the dust and mess.

Measure each of the stair risers on the stairs. Transfer these measurements to the hardwood stair risers with a pencil and cut the boards with a miter saw or a table saw. Nail the cut stair risers into the stairs with a nail gun.

Measure and cut the stair nosing for the stairs. Use a miter saw to cut the nosing to size. Apply urethane adhesive to the back of the nosing before nailing it into place.

Cut the engineered wood planks for the steps. Measure the pieces with a measuring tape and then cut them with the miter saw. Rip the last row of planking for each stair on the table saw. Cut all pieces of wood before gluing them down.

Glue the wood planking down. Spread urethane adhesive on the steps and fit all of the pieces of wood planking into the glue. Use a nail gun to nail down the last row of planking. During this process make sure to work from the top of the stairs to the bottom. Allow the urethane to dry overnight. Fill the nail holes with wood putty.