How to Install a Stair Nosing Strip

1. Measure the Stair

   Using a tape measure, measure the width of the stair tread. If the stairs are open on one or both sides, you can simply set the nosing in place and mark where to cut it.

2. Cut the Stair Nosing Strip

   Mark the width on the stair nosing. Cut the nosing to length. With metal stair nosings, preferably use a hacksaw. For plastic stair nosings, use a hacksaw or tin snips. Saw carefully to avoid leaving metal burrs along the cut edge, as aluminum is prone to this. If you see burrs, use a metal file to remove them and smooth the edge. 

3. Dry-Fit the Stair Nosing Strip

   Test the fit by placing the strip tightly on the leading edge of the stair tread. The strip has a flat side with nail holes and a curved side. The curved side will rest against the riser (front) of the stair. The flat side will rest on top (the tread) of the stair.

4. Pre-Drill the Pilot Holes

   On many stairs you may be able to simply pound the nails into the stair material. In some situations, such as encountering some solid hardwood flooring types, thick laminates, or tile require a different approach. You may have to pre-drill the nail holes to successfully penetrate the hard layers, underlayment, and subflooring.

   In these cases, transfer the location of the nosing strip’s holes by marking them on the step with a pencil. Remove the nosing strip.

   For hardwoods, laminates, or other hard surfaces, simply drill a pilot hole in each location using a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the nails’ diameter.

   Drilling Through Tile

   If your nails must penetrate tile, drill a hole with a tile or masonry drill bit (whichever is appropriate for your tile) that is the same diameter as the supplied nails. Drill only through the tile, being careful not to drill deeper than the thickness of the tile. Now, change the drill bit to a standard bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the nails and continue the pilot hole to the depth of the nail.

5. Add Adhesive Caulk

   Although it’s not required in all situations, applying a small bead of adhesive caulk under the stair nosing provides additional strength. Run a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch bead of adhesive caulk on the inside of the angle on the nosing strip.

6. Install the Stair Nosing Strip

   Place the nosing strip in its final location. Nail it in place, working from one end to the other. Immediately wipe away any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out. Be careful to hold down the loose end of the stair nosing strip to make sure that it remains in place.

   Warning

   Be sure to install nosings on all of the steps. Steps are safest when they are identical. Installing nosing on some steps and not others creates a trip or slip hazard.

When to Call a Professional

Installing a stair nosing strip is generally a simple process, and it is possible for most do-it-yourselfers to do it themselves. Installing stair nosing strips on an entire staircase can be a time-consuming process, so hiring a professional may be a good option.