I have a set of stairs that formerly were totally carpeted. I am reworking them so I can paint them and just put a runner on the center of the stairs. I am wondering what to do about the transition to the carpeting at the top of the stairs. The easy way would be to just wrap the entire edge of the top floor subfloor with carpet, although that might look odd, since the rest of the stairs will just have a runner. Is it possible (or even allowed by code?) to put some kind of painted or natural oak threshold at the top edge where the subfloor ends and the stair begins? I believe the carpet could just be butted into this threshold; however I am concerned that it might create a tripping hazard for people heading downstairs if the carpet wasn’t installed properly. If anyone has any thoughts on the subject I would greatly appreciate it.
Replies
Berg
Call a good lumberyard and ask to see what's available in a transition pc. The proper name escapes me but this transition will do all you ask and more, if properly fastened.
It will have a good 3+ inches of shaped nosing and maybe even a plowed out area to tuck the carpet.
If it doesn't, no big deal as you can tack strip and tuck (adjust the padding etc to make it a nice transition.
you'll have to cut back the floor boards to fit it. Make sure to get a good job fastening, glue , screws and plugs will insure no rock later on. Spend time on that and think it through before you attack.
best of luck.
Edit: find out how much you need to cut the floor back to work the nosing in and check the framing b/4 to make the fatal cut.
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Top of stair threshold
Many thanks for your suggestion.
Berg
Let me know your results and maybe I will remember that top of stair transition.
Top of stair threshold
I have conferred with the Boss (wife) and we have decided to go with wrapping the upstairs carpet over the edge of the subfloor and forgo the top of stair threshold. This is because we also plan to have a matching carpet runner going down the stairs, so we decided it would look better without the threshold. Thanks you for your suggestions though.
Berg
You didn't confer first?
boy, that was a balsy move.