Hi

I'm planning to install solid hardwood on the second floor. However, I need some advice on where to start. Should I start with the stair nosing and move towards the hallway wall/bedrooms or from the hallway wall/bedrooms and move towards the stairs? My concern with the second option is I will be left with a narrower plank.

Thanks
Marko

I like to have a full board next to the nosing. You will b e able to adjust the direction of the floor installation a little bit to get the flooring parallel to your walls. Check this out before you glue the nosing and first board.

It usually depends on the layout and where its more important to you to have full boards. Like Pete, I always have my guys start at the nosing and work out as that full board is the first thing you see walking up the stairs. If you have a sliver piece there because you started elsewhere, it looks bad and they is usually lots of filler used. I've had to replace several of these sliver pieces under warranty as it gets flagged often as a deficiency with the installation.

The exception to this is when you tiles in the upper hallway to come flush to at the bathrooms/ensuite. Depending on the direction of the floor, a threshold piece may not be possible and you'd have to put the smaller ripped board there. Take the time to measure it out and see where you'll end up at each different termination (tiles, walls, nosings, casings) and make the call.