How to Make a Wooden Stair Bullnose

A stair bullnose is a device intended to soften the sharp point of an angle. This is particularly relevant in situations where a human being might come into contact with the angle and perhaps be injured. The stair bullnose is designed to fit across the edge of a step, and round out the angle of the vertical and horizontal parts of the stair.

You can choose to have these bullnoses fitted to your stair when you have the steps installed, or you could fit them yourselves. If you choose the latter, you should have at least some knowledge of home improvement, as this will make it easier to follow the step-by-step instructions that can help you to get the job finished quickly and efficiently.

Measure the Wood

The first thing you will need to do is check that the wood is the correct length to fit around the edges of the step. You should be able to get a close enough measurement to ensure that the stair bullnose covers the majority of the step, where people are most likely to be traveling up and down. Once you have measured the wood, you can cut it to length using your saw.

Making the Bullnose

You should now turn the wood, and make it into the right angle to fit over the step. The other corner should be carved into a round shape using your chisel. When you have finished carving the wood, use a piece of sandpaper to smooth over the entire surface. While you have the bullnose in your hand, use the drill to make five or six holes in the top side of the wood. These holes should be evenly spaced, and in the middle of the top piece so that the screws support the wood completely.

Installing the Bullnose

Once the bullnose is sanded down, lay it upon the first step. The drilled side should be uppermost, and the round end curving over the edge of the step. Screw in the two holes furthest away from the center, and using your sandpaper, smooth the bullnose down so that the edge is flush with the stair. You should then tighten the screws, and fit the others so that you have a small rise in the step, but there is no likelihood of tripping.

Finishing the Step

Once you have finished the first step, move on to the other runners, and place bullnoses on each. You should be able to use your bullnose design on every step. Ensure that the screws are very tight into the stair, and then sand down the entire step again. You can also cover over the bullnose with carpeting so that you only have the curve to show the bullnose.