Intersection of stair bullnose, hardwood floor and Newel post

[Michael Iannacci]

Hi All. New member and first post. In the middle of my first ever DIY flooring project. I am removing carpet and installing 1/2 inch engineered click install strand woven bamboo for the entire second floor. All 4 bedrooms are complete and I am now dealing with the hall and stairs. I am currently stumped with teh following and am looking for advice. How would you handle the top of the stairs where the stair bullnose from the top and side of the stairs meet at the Newel post. There is not enough room to do a standard 45 deg joint. I am thinking of building out the side to extend another inch or so before putting the bullnose on. This would buy me a little more room but still not enough for a 45. Any thoughts? Here is a picture of my dilemma.

 

[Ernesto]

Can you build out both sides?

 

[Michael Iannacci]

I thought about that but decided against it. The bullnose on the top step will be absorbing a lot of the load of the foot traffic going down the stairs. It is only 0.5 inches thick. I am worried about it cracking if I build it out and increase the moment arm.

 

[Ernesto]

I glue and nail them we with a 15ga nailer. Never lost a client yet.

 

[Michael Iannacci]

Thanks! What is the most you recommend that I build it out? I wish I hadn't trimmed off the old overhang before I installed the riser

 

[Ernesto]

Well you have to keep in mind building code for stairs. So you may have to go all the way down on the risers.

 

[Michael Iannacci]

I was able to build out the side enough such that I was able to create enough space to do a full 45 joint

 

[Ernesto]

Looks nice