Removing a Stair Nose

Taking the stair nose off of a set of stairs is one way to give a new lease of life to your staircase. The stair nose is usually fitted to the staircase to overhang the runner and is usually glued or nailed to the runner. These types of overhang were typically used in Victorian and Edwardian houses, and these types of noses can sometimes be built into the stairs, so you will need to check first where the stair nose begins and ends. Once you have located the nose, you can set about removing it with a few basic household tools.

Step 1 - Locate the Stair Nose

Begin by looking at the stairs. Remove the carpet around the stair, so that you know exactly where the nose begins. Examine the stair runner carefully, noting whether the nose is screwed on or glued on. If you have stairs that are screwed on, you can then simply unscrew them using a simple screwdriver. You can also try lifting up the stair nose by using a crowbar to lift up the nose. If you cannot move it in this way, then you will have to proceed by sawing off the stair nose.

Step 2 - Measure the Stair

Once the carpet has been removed, you can then measure the length of the overhang on your stars. You will need to measure along both sides of the stair nose in order to ensure that the measurement is completely accurate, as there may be slight differences in lengths between the two stairs. Once this is done, measure along the stairs, going from the point of the riser above to the very edge of the stair. Mark around these lengths to mark off a straight line along the stair.

Step 3 - Cut the Stair

Use your saw to mark a drop cut along the line of the stair. You will have to hold the saw level and then drop down the saw slowly and evenly in order to ensure that you get as close a cut as possible. Cut along the edge of the stair until you reach the other side. You will then be able to cut along the middle of the stair nose.

Step 4 - Remove the Stair Nose

In order to get the nose up, once you have made the cuts you should use the crowbar to pry up the wood along the side of the cuts. The ends which have not been cut should snap off easily in this process. Using a chisel, or the front of your saw, remove all of the excess wood along the riser.

Step 5 - Finish Up

Once you have completed the removal, it is a good idea to use sandpaper to smooth down the edges of the wood. Using a piece of sandpaper, wipe down the edges of the wood to remove any splinters. You can then replace the carpet, or paint over the stairs.