skip to main content

what to tranistion to stairs with new hardwoods

16 years ago

I am installing hardwoods upstairs in my home. It occurred to me tonight that I had no idea what piece to buy to transition to the stairs. It is an end cap, a T molding or is there something else? And can you tell me what it looks like as well as it's name.

Also can I use T molding to transition to carpet ( my 5 year old is not getting hardwoods in his room)? If not what molding should I get? The carpet is the same height as the hardwoods will be.

Comments (6)

lmhall2000
16 years ago
My hardwood layers just did this today for me...I bought a separate bullnose piece that fits over the top landing and curves over...you can then start your carpet at the riser going down from there...for the change from door opening to carpet, they put a strip of wood horizontal if the floor was running perpindicular into the room...otherwise they just let the boards go right up to where the carpet will be.

Tara
jerry_t
16 years ago
What Tara said if you are using a 3/4" solid hardwood.
Related Discussions
hardwood flooring...but what about the stairs?
Q
Comments (2)
I do alot of stair work like that and prefer installing new solid treads/risers instead of flooring and nosing's. 20 grand? .... an average price in my area would be 3500 to 4500 including material and using the existing balusters and rails "if" they can be salvaged. Condo's could add more depending on parking, hi-rise, and/or a place to set up equipment.
...See More
Stairs - replace carpet with hardwood, etc.
Q
Comments (6)
Thanks for the replies! Here's another example of the before/after of what I'm trying to do - although my staircase is open on the entire side where the "kneewall" needs to be cut down (like the first link above) versus just 5 stairs. http://www.mitrecontracting.com/stairway-remodel.html. I did find out that they do plan to just cut down the kneewall and put the new treads over the "newly exposed stringer" (from estimate). The estimate is just about half of what the full replacement quotes. One of the other estimates says: "Remove existing stair & rail systems, stair back. Cut access hole to get under lower section if needed and cut down existing rake wall and install new [list of new stair info, including stringers, treads, risers, etc.]. Here is a link that might be useful: Before/After Example
...See More
What did you pay to convert to hardwood stairs?
Q
Comments (5)
Not sure if this will help, but we had our carpeted stairway converted to hardwood last year as part of our first floor remodel. Ours is open for 5 stairs at the bottom. In addition to the stairs, we had a new newel post, ballisters, and hand rail installed, some of which is cherry. The price we paid ($5,950) also included all new trim on the first floor (8 windows, 6 doorways, plus baseboards in 4 rooms).
...See More
How to handle hardwood on stairs issue?
Q
Comments (10)
It's not a plywood tread, if what you show in the picture is your tread. Will you be installing the bamboo on the hallway at top? If so, and the rise of the steps will be the same as the rise of the final tread and the top hallway landing, then just cutting the nosing off each southern yellow pine tread would work. You cannot take the existing treads out; they are let into the stringer and joined at the tread and riser juncture by nails from underneath. You could possibly take out the treads and put in new, but that would require further demolition and the removal of what you call your banister trim to allow for that. And, we haven't a clue how the opposite side is done. Also, doing that, and installing the bamboo on the top hallway, could screw up the rise at that top step. Check your measurements to see how your plan will affect the rise. And, think how you're going to scribe each tread to fit. Lots of ways to do that...low tech simple pattern making or high tech tread scribing tools.
...See More
lizdc
Original Author
16 years ago
I am using 3/4 hardwood. So I use a bullnose piece that goes over the top landing. DO I do that even if my stairs aren't covered with wood. You mentioned carpet on the stairs. My stairs are wood but not the same hardwood. I will get them redone and probably covered with hardwood but for now.

My installers are independent (meaning I need to have all the wood supplies or pay them to go shopping. That is why I am trying to understand so I can go get the piece. I have a T molding for the wood to carpet, the shoe molding, the hardwood (25 boxes now that was fun moving that).

So I am looking for a bullnose piece that goes over the top of the stairs. Is it called that?

Thanks for all your help.

Liz
lmhall2000
16 years ago
Liz, yes, just ask for a bullnose piece, just make sure it's a bit wider than you need so they can cut it to the proper length...here's a website
http://www.woodfloorsonline.com/techtalk/stairs_stairparts_staircases.html
You do that if your stairs are covered with wood or carpet and are using wood floors as your landing at the top of the stairs...it would give a better look. I bought all the supplies from my local wholesaler, 3000 pounds of 3/4 white oak my son and I had to bring inside...so I know your pain, ours wasn't in boxes..60 7 foot strips that were tie bundled and it wasn't pretty when the ties wiggled free...on the shoe molding...you might want to make sure you get quarter round, it is a bit deeper than typical shoe molding and will hide more flaws if they don't take the wood flush with the wall...
Good luck! I'll show pictures of our floor today and the bullnose installed for you! :)
Tara
floorguy
16 years ago
T molding is the wrong molding to go from wood to carpet. The c arpet does not provide the support needed on that side, to keep the T molding from cracking or coming loose.

You need an endcap molding, Or a router bit to use on the flooring itself, and no transition molding will be needed next to the carpet.
jerry_t
16 years ago
Lizdc, for what it's worth you are asking the right questions. You would use a stair nosing at the top to make the stairway transition.

Who is in charge of fitting the carpet back at the bedroom doors... you or the installer? If he's going to do it ask him what you should get. I normally do that part myself and I don't use any transition trims.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

MATERIALS What to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor

By Mitchell Parker

We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring

REMODELING GUIDES Transition Time: How to Connect Tile and Hardwood Floors

By By Any Design Ltd.

Plan ahead to prevent unsightly or unsafe transitions between floor surfaces. Here's what you need to know

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

DECKS Decking Materials Beyond Basic Lumber

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know Before Refinishing Your Floors

Learn costs and other important details about renewing a hardwood floor — and the one mistake you should avoid

MATERIALS Mesquite: The Brawny Beauty for All Over the Home

By Karen Peterson

Denser than other hardwoods and sporting beautiful coloration, mesquite makes a fine material for flooring, countertops, furniture and more

KNOW YOUR HOUSE Stair Design and Construction for a Safe Climb

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Learn how math and craft come together for stairs that do their job beautifully

UNIVERSAL DESIGN Design Safer Stairs and Halls With Universal Lighting Strategies

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

See how lighted handrails, stair treads and more can make navigating inclines and passages easier for all ages

CONTRACTOR TIPS An Expert Guide to Safe and Stylish Staircases

By Buckminster Green LLC

Understanding how stairs are designed and laid out can help you make the best decisions for safety and beauty in your home

STAIRWAYS Clear Staircases — They're a Real Glass Act

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

If you're flush with funds, you can have a ball with crystal on your stairs. The rest of us can just marvel from afar

Sponsored

More Discussions

Floor & Decor Aquaguard laminate

0

Avoiding white countertops

11

bathroom floor options

10

Provenza Good Life

1

Which stain or finishing will soften the variation of hickory floor?

0