Hello all,
This is the first time I am installing hardwood. I have finished installing in my living room and kitchen. I need to now install the planks on the stairs. With a tongue and groove fitting, how to fit the last board with no gap between the board and riser? If I make an exact cut, the wood wont have space to slide into the groove of the previous row. Please provide me some tips.

Thanks

spline the groove side if the bullnosing and lay opposite..cut a tight board to the riser..

or better yet..cut in a retro tread.....I assume you are installing prefinish.

The problem is if I cut a tight board to the riser.. i wont have enough space to fit its groove in the previous boards tongue.. not sure how is that possible..
I am sure there is a technique to this..

You could always cut the bottom of the groove off and glue it in.

And how do i tighten if there is no space.. I wont be able to put a pry bar or anything..

Finesse. Im guessing the riser is already in? Normally the riser is put on after so it sits on top of the tread/flooring. I start at the bottom riser and work up the stairs. riser then tread so you wont have that issue. if your trying to get away without adding a riser your gonna have some gaps.

The risers are not installed yet.. so i guess that's the solution to my gap problem.install 1/4 plywood risers on top of the old ones after I install the planks... right?

Yep, if your going to paint you may just want to use a poplar 1x8. plywood sucks to paint.