Thread: Laminate transitions at stairs

Is this configuration acceptable?

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I always wrote them up as a trip hazard.

Because they are.

They are also not code compliant either, but the trip hazard is the reason to write them up, and the reason they are not code compliant.

Might as well string a trip wire across the nosing and wait down on the couch for that thump, bump, thump, crack, crash, thud you KNOW will be coming ...

Make SURE that hand rail will support the required 200 pound load in any direction be it WILL need to do so ... and then hope that the load it needs to stop is not greater than 200 pounds ... IF they can even grab the hand rail on their way down going head-over-heels ...

I'd write it up as a trip hazard. The issues for me would be:
- you don't know how strong/stable the pieces were installed
- WHEN they will separate
If the edging were secured down really well then it might last a while. Since the product is only 1/4" to 3/8" thick there isn't much body to hold for the glue or finish nails.
Based on the older pine skirt, the stairs underneath are likely old paint grade pine stairs. I don't like it but must admit it is a pretty clever DIY, 'let's throw in good looking oak stairs on the cheap' for the home sale.

Originally Posted by Markus Keller

I'd write it up as a trip hazard. The issues for me would be:
- you don't know how strong/stable the pieces were installed
- WHEN they will separate
If the edging were secured down really well then it might last a while.

My main and first and foremost problem is that those nosings, and that one looks to be the same as all which I've seen, are not level with the treads. Those nosings protrude up about 1/8" to 3/16" above the treads, and that creates the trip hazard. THEN the same concerns Markus stated in addition to the different in level.

If the nosing was level with (even with) the treads, then I would the same concerns Markus stated above.

I'd add that - as I know from painful personal experience - some laminate floorings are too slick to be safe as stair treads when traversed (for example) in stocking feet.

Both forms of stairs are good but I am reminding one thing that is very necessary to keep you secure from slipping.