I am newbie here looking for advice on a couple of questions regarding an upcoming installation. I hope someone out there can help.

1. I am installing hardwood, lengthwise, in my hallway. One end abuts a tile floor in the kitchen. There is already a wood transition in the doorway that I intend to utilize. At the other end of the hallway there is a sunken living room. The step down is at 45 degrees across the hallway. The angled step starts out about a foot from each wall. I plan to install bull-nose on the step edge. Obviously, all boards will need to be cut at 45 degrees. Thus my question: What is the best way to do this? I am doubtful that I can get each board cut to the perfect length if I use the miter saw. I think it might be easier lay them down and cut them in place with a circular saw or router using a guide. I am curious how the pros would tackle this?

2. I am considering using a different color, or type of wood, for the bull-nose (The floor will be natural oak). This is for safety reasons. We have had numerous people miss this step in the past. Would this look funny?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

Install the bull nose, and work from that side butting it tight to the bullnose, and work your rows away from it. It doesn't matter if you work left to right, or right to left. Speed will make a difference if your right or left handed, though.

On your nosing ... I think if you chose the right contrasting color that picked up another color going on in the room that would look fine and be safer too.

Thanks guys for your insight. Now one more question, if you do not mind. If I start at the step and work the other way, as suggested, should I do anyting extra to secure the ends of the boards? I had assumed if I was coming the other way I could route a groove and insert a spline before attaching the nosing. Should I still try to use a spline or will it be ok without?

Thanks again.

Dave