A capping apparatus for covering a pre-existing stair structure can include: a tread element; and a trim piece attached to the tread element proximate a longitudinal edge of the tread element. The trim piece includes a back surface defining: a first recess for receiving a thick sub-tread for a first type of pre-existing stair structure; and a second recess for receiving a thin sub-tread for a second type of pre-existing stair structure. Methods of manufacturing and installing the capping apparatus are described.

Provided herein is a molding assembly for bridging a gap between floor covering materials, or for finishing an edge of a floor covering material. The molding assembly comprising a molding and a track is configured with a hinge portion to allow tilting of the molding when attached to the track attachment component. Floor installations are also provided herein. The floor installations comprise floor covering materials adjoining respective sides of a gap, and a molding assembly to cover the gap and accommodate any difference in thickness between the respective adjoining floor covering materials.

A returned stair tread assembly comprises a tread plate, a front nosing and a return nosing fitted flush against each other to form an exposed joint between the front and return nosings, and a device for securing the return nosing to the front nosing and the stair tread plate. The tread plate has a side tongue. The front nosing has a front nosing tongue spaced from a forward end of a side edge surface of the front nosing. The return nosing receiving the front nosing tongue of the front nosing and the side tongue of the stair tread plate therein. A front end of the side groove is spaced from a forward end of the return nosing. The front nosing tongue and the side tongue are disposed in the side groove and configured to slidably connect the stair tread plate and the return nosing.

A molding is made from a first flooring plank. A first groove is formed into the first flooring plank with a first flat bottom surface. A second groove is formed into the first flooring plank with a second flat bottom surface. The first flooring plank is folded at the first groove and second groove. A second flooring plank is disposed adjacent to the molding. A color and pattern of the first flooring plank and second flooring plank match.

A capping apparatus for covering a pre-existing stair structure can include: a tread element; and a trim piece attached to the tread element proximate a longitudinal edge of the tread element. The trim piece includes a back surface defining: a first recess for receiving a thick sub-tread for a first type of pre-existing stair structure; and a second recess for receiving a thin sub-tread for a second type of pre-existing stair structure. Methods of manufacturing and installing the capping apparatus are described.

A method for bending a vinyl floor plank to form a stair nose plank. A first bending gap is established between two blending blocks and a second bend gap is established between two second bending blocks. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a first bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the first bend gap. A user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a first right angle bend. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a second bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the second bend gap. The user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a second right angle bend. The first right angle bend and the second right angle bend combine to form a U-shaped bend to form a stair nose plank. In a preferred embodiment the stair nose plank includes a locking mechanism along its edges. In a preferred embodiment heat is applied by utilization of an acrylic bending machine.

A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one friction region is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one gripping region is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

A returned stair tread assembly comprises a tread plate, a front nosing and a return nosing fitted flush against each other to form an exposed joint between the front and return nosings, and a device for securing the return nosing to the front nosing and the stair tread plate. The tread plate has a side tongue. The front nosing has a front nosing tongue spaced from a forward end of a side edge surface of the front nosing. The return nosing receiving the front nosing tongue of the front nosing and the side tongue of the stair tread plate therein. A front end of the side groove is spaced from a forward end of the return nosing. The front nosing tongue and the side tongue are disposed in the side groove and configured to slidably connect the stair tread plate and the return nosing.

A method for bending a vinyl floor plank to form a stair nose plank. A first bending gap and a second bending gap are established. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a first bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the first bend gap. A user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a first right angle bend. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a second bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the second bend gap. The user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a second right angle bend. The first right angle bend and the second right angle bend combine to form a U-shaped bend to form a stair nose plank. In a preferred embodiment the stair nose plank includes a locking mechanism along its edges. In a preferred embodiment, the first bending gap is established between two blending blocks and the second bend gap is established between two second bending blocks. In a preferred embodiment heat is applied by utilization of an acrylic bending machine.

A molding is made from a first flooring plank. A first groove is formed into the first flooring plank with a first flat bottom surface. A second groove is formed into the first flooring plank with a second flat bottom surface. The first flooring plank is folded at the first groove and second groove. A second flooring plank is disposed adjacent to the molding. A color and pattern of the first flooring plank and second flooring plank match.