So I am putting down engineered flooring. I pulled the railing and plan to rebuild a new one. What my best plan of action?
The flooring will be laid perpendicular to the stairs.

Railing will have horizontal spindles not vertical.

A. Run a strip of flooring parallel to the stairs right on the edge of the wall and the build my railing and set my post on top of the hardwood. The run my hardwood off of that strip.

B. Install a baseplate with one by notch out the bottom so I can run the hardwood underneath for expansion and attach my newel post to the one by?

I think the first one would look cleaner but am I sure how I would finish the edge and still have an expansion gap. Or would I need a gap there?

Sorry trying to figure out how to post a photo but I can’t find and upload button.

Or would I adding bullnose to the edge of the wall be ok? Sorry without adding a photo it tough to under stand.

You will not need an expansion gap next to the stairs. A nosing will be what is usually needed at the top of the steps. If you find the right thickness to match the flooring, then run it next to the wall and build your handrail on top.

After searching around this is what I found out as well. I ordered the matching stair nosing for my wood.

Thank you for the confirmation much appreciated.