Hi guys, Im working on my 2nd floor hallway and convert to solid hardwood floor. i know about the expansion gap against the wall, do i also have to put an expansion gap that leads to the stairs and railing? if i do, how can i cover it so it looks flush with the railing or steps?

Thanks for all your help

The wider the hall, the more important it is to leave an expansion gap. One side will recovered by the baseboard. The exposed side where the nosing is located should not necessarily have a gap between the floor and nosing. The nosing so me times has a groove made on the edge so it fits into the tongue of the flooring, or for a spline to keep it aligned with the groove of the flooring edge. You can leave a gap to be covered with a shoe that has a groove/ploughed chanel with a base shoe on both sides that will house the balusters with a fillet between each one instead of dowelling the balusters into the floor. The shoe for the balusters would be for sale where you buy the handrail. You may want to get a book on finish carpentry or talk to a stair mechanic.

Can you post a picture of the railing and stair area?