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 manufacturing a folded panel including the following steps: providing a longitudinal recess at the rear side, such that at the front side between remaining panel sections on both sides of the recess a flexible transition section remains, bending the panel sections relative to each other and applying an adhesive in the recess. Before the panel sections are bent relative to each other, a template is inserted into the recess.

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 decorative layer removal tool for flooring is configured with a removal shaft and either a drill attachment or handle to remove the decorative layer from a plank. The removal shaft includes a threaded end to attach to either the handle or drill attachment. The handle can be used when the user wishes to manually rotate the shaft and remove the decorative layer; the drill attachment can be used with a power drill for a motorized removal. The removal shaft includes a slit that extends from an unthreaded end to the threaded side. In typical implementations, the slit may not extend to the shaft's threads. At least a portion of the slit is used to receive the decorative surface layer from a plank, thereby enabling the decorative layer's removal.

A stair tread overlay for installation on the stair steps of an existing stairway construction. The overlay includes a stair tread member having a top planar tread surface, a bottom surface for positioning on top of an existing stair step, and a front edge extending along the stair tread member and forming a nosing for receiving the weight of a user. A face strip member extends along the front of the stair tread member and projects downwardly from the bottom surface thereof. The face strip member is positioned beneath the nosing of the stair tread member and, thereby, is protected thereby. The stair tread member is fabricated of a more dense material for withstanding wear and tear on the overlay, and the face strip member is fabricated of a less dense material for facilitating shaping or machining of the face strip member.

A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.

A system and method for automating construction that includes collecting a multi-dimensional point cloud measurement of at least one construction structure that includes at least one surface; generating a construction plan from the multi-dimensional point cloud measurement, wherein the construction plan defines an assembly arrangement of a set of parts; from the construction plan, automatically generating a cut list for a subset of parts; communicating the cut list to a cutting device; and at the cutting device, cutting a set of materials according to the cut list.

A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.

A flooring accessory item, such as a transition, stair nosing, stair tread, floor vent cover, molding, or other accessories, is configured with an outer dry adhesive film layer to which a decorative surface skin layer can attach. The outer adhesive film layer is utilized to receive and secure a decorative layer for exposure at a later date. In some implementations, the film layer may be covered with a protective release paper to protect or preserve the outer adhesive, depending on the adhesive film type. The adhesive film layer can consist of a single layer of a dry adhesive film without a carrier, such as an internal scrim. Alternatively, the adhesive film layer may include a scrim-reinforced adhesive film, a woven fabric, foil carrier coated on both sides with an adhesive film, or an adhesive component that is chemically, thermally, or electronically (radio wave) activated at the installation site.