Installing Molding on Stairs

Installing molding (also known as trim) on your stairs serves to create an elegant and classy appearance to the area where the stairs are and to the stairs themselves. The molding is not directly attached to the stairs but is instead installed along the stairs and on the wall which makes installing molding somewhat easier. This is a project that is not as drastic as doing a complete makeover to the wall and, when you are finished, will tie the room together. Installing molding to the stairs is easy and any homeowner can do it and this article will show you how.

Step 1 – Template

When stairs are installed they are exactly the size. Each step is the same width and depth and, more importantly, exactly the same space apart. This means that creating a single template will allow you to make all of the pieces you will need. Use the pencil and measuring tape to create a line that is located at the top of the landing of the stairs and parallel to it by 3 inches. Use a piece of molding that is a foot long and go to the bottom of the stairs. Find the intersection located between the landing and stringer. Measure 3 inches away from the intersection and create a line that is parallel. Now, create a line that is straight down all the way.

Using this same piece of molding; place it at the top of the stringer. Slide it up to the top of the landing and making a mark as you ascend. When the line that is sloping intersects with both of the parallel lines you can stop. You will have a line that is diagonal and parallel with the stringer of the stairs.

Step 2 – Marking the Angles and Cutting

Installing molding correctly requires properly cut angles. Place the piece of molding along the stringer that slopes and move it upward until it touches the intersecting line. Inspect the bottom edge of the molding. Find where the stringer and landing intersect and mark it on the molding. Connect the top corner of the molding's mark with the bottom edge utilizing the measuring tape as a guide. Cut this piece off of the molding. Place this molding template on top of the rest of the molding marking off the angle and length. From this you can make as many pieces as you need. Sand down the cut edges.

Step 3 – Installing Molding to the Stairs

Dry fit the pieces before installing molding. Start at the top of the stairs by placing a piece of cut molding along the lines you drew. Nail it in place when you're sure it is straight, centered and snug. Dry fit the next piece. Add a line of wood glue to the edge of the molding you just installed. Place another piece of molding against this edge and nail in place. Wipe away any excess glue. Continue until you're done installing molding to the stairs.