I am planning to do 2nd floor hall/foyer and master bedroom with a floating 5" x 3/8" engineered h/w. The hall/foyer has a stairway in the middle so I was planning to install bullnose at top of stairs and start laying the floor off the bullnose. This will result in the last row in the hall being about 2" from the wall (before quarter round). I was also planning to install into the doorways of the other rooms which will result in the doorways finishing with a 2" board that butts against carpet. I'm not thrilled with having the narrow boards but don't really see any other good options. Any advice on better options?

Thanks!

Why are you floating it over a wooden substrate when nailing is better and a more solid feel? Also then - you need an overlap stair nose at the top which results in a tripping hazard.

Thanks for responding.

I'm comfortable with the floating floor install. I've done some in other parts of the house and it has worked well.

The bullnose I plan to use is not an overlap. It is installed tongue and groove same as the regular floor boards.

Hmm, well what happens when the floor wants to move and its adhered to a stair nose thats fastened down. You do have to fasten it down you know. Although a guy I know did an amazing job of designing a floating fastened stair nose. You can see it here.

http://www.flooringforum.com/forum/show ... php?t=3493

I think your start point is good unless you can cut and router out a starter. Course you can always rip the plank and use a biscuit joiner instead. But ya only got a five inch wide plank so....