First Floor Staircase Installation and Finishing
Before installing the staircase, ensure the edges of the staircase opening are finished, as they will be inaccessible after installation. The front-facing edge, which will be the last step, should match the staircase's finish. Dry fitting the staircase is crucial. It helps identify potential issues, such as insufficient wallpaper coverage, allowing for necessary adjustments before gluing.
If you've modified the staircase to create a closet, prepare the flooring area underneath beforehand. For sheet flooring like tile paper, create a template of the closet floor before installation to facilitate later application in the confined space. This step is unnecessary for plank-by-plank flooring like hardwood.
When installing the staircase, apply glue only to the floor edge and top ceiling edge. Avoid gluing the side against the wall to allow for adjustments and prevent wallpaper smearing during placement. Prioritize fitting the staircase flush against the wall over perfect tab-and-slot alignment. Minor floor gaps can be concealed with baseboard trim, but gaps between the wall and staircase cannot be hidden easily. A square assembly during construction should minimize fitting issues.
