Stair Nosing : A Helpful Guide

At Speciality Metals, we have a lot of products to choose from. There are so many questions about applications, lifespans, etc that need to be asked and answered that we have set up a twice weekly series of guides. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what’s possible and what’s needed for every requirement.

One application that we field a lot of questions about is stair nosing. We hope that this guide can answer some of the questions to help you to decide whether metal is right for use for your application.

As well as these help guides, please do contact us if you need any assistance at all. We’re always happy to help.

Let’s get into it….

What Is Stair Nosing?

Stair nosing is a protruding strip of material that is installed on the edge of a stair tread. Its purpose is to improve safety by providing a visual cue to the step edge, as well as improving traction and reducing the risk of slips and falls. Stair nosing can be made of various materials, including metal, wood, or rubber, and can be used in both residential and commercial buildings.

In the UK, stairs are typically required to have a nosing, according to building regulations. The purpose of stair nosing is to improve safety and accessibility by providing a clearly defined edge, which helps to reduce the risk of tripping.

Stair nosing also helps to protect the stair edge from damage and provides a finished look. Building regulations require stair nosing to be slip-resistant and to extend beyond the tread at least 16mm to 19mm, depending on the specific requirements.

It is important to follow the building regulations when installing stair nosing in the UK to ensure the safety of users and compliance with the law.

Can I Use Tread Plate For Stair Nosing?

Yes, aluminium 5 bar tread can be used for stair nosing. It provides slip resistance and durability, making it a popular choice for stair nosing applications.  We offer a large range of checker tread plate which we would happily supply at an angle for stair nosing if required.

Here are the steps for using tread plate for stair nosing:

1. Measure the stair treads: Measure the length, width and depth of the stair treads to determine the required size of the tread plate.
2. Cut the tread plate to size: Cut the tread plate to the appropriate size using a metal cutting saw.
3. Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the stair treads to ensure that the tread plate adheres properly.
4. Apply adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive, such as a construction adhesive, to the back of the tread plate.
5. Install the tread plate: Carefully place the tread plate on the stair treads and press it firmly into place. Make sure it is level and properly aligned.
6. Secure the tread plate: Use screws or nails to secure the tread plate to the stair treads. Space the screws or nails evenly along the edge of the tread plate.
7. Finish the edges: If necessary, use a metal file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or seams on the tread plate.

Inspect and test: Inspect the installation to ensure that it is secure and safe. Test the tread plate by walking on the stairs to make sure it is stable and provides adequate traction

Would Angle Iron Work?

Yes, angle iron can be used for stair nosing. Angle iron is a durable and cost-effective material that provides good slip resistance and is easy to install. However, it may not be as visually appealing as other materials like wood or metal tread plates, and may be more prone to rust and corrosion over time. Before using angle iron for stair nosing, it is important to consider the specific requirements and conditions of the space, including foot traffic, environmental factors, and code requirements.

Here are the steps for using angle iron for stair nosing:

1. Measure the stair treads: Measure the length, width and depth of the stair treads to determine the required size of the angle iron.
2. Cut the angle iron to size: Cut the angle iron to the appropriate size using a metal cutting saw.
3. Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the stair treads to ensure that the angle iron adheres properly.
4. Apply adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive, such as a construction adhesive, to the back of the angle iron.
5. Install the angle iron: Carefully place the angle iron on the stair treads and press it firmly into place. Make sure it is level and properly aligned.
6. Secure the angle iron: Use screws or nails to secure the angle iron to the stair treads. Space the screws or nails evenly along the edge of the angle iron.
7. Finish the edges: If necessary, use a metal file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or seams on the angle iron.
8. Inspect and test: Inspect the installation to ensure that it is secure and safe. Test the angle iron by walking on the stairs to make sure it is stable and provides adequate traction.

We offer a large range of angle iron which we would happily supply at an angle for stair nosing if required.

Which Is Better?

Angle iron and tread plate are two common materials used for stair nosing. The choice between the two depends on several factors, including:

1. Durability: Tread plate is made from thicker and stronger materials, making it more durable than angle iron.
2. Slip resistance: Tread plate has a raised diamond pattern that provides better slip resistance than the flat surface of angle iron.
3. Aesthetics: Tread plate has a distinctive look that may be more aesthetically pleasing in some settings, while angle iron has a more simple and industrial appearance.
4. Cost: Angle iron is typically less expensive than tread plate, but the cost difference can vary depending on the specific type and size.
5. Installation: Angle iron is easier to cut and fabricate, making it easier to install, while tread plate requires specialized tools and may be more difficult to install.

Consider the specific requirements and priorities of the project, such as safety, durability, aesthetics, and cost, when deciding between angle iron and tread plate for stair nosing.

What Should I Know Before I Add Stair Nosing?

Before adding stair nosing, it’s important to consider the following:

1. Building codes and regulations: Ensure that the stair nosing meets the local building codes and regulations for safety and accessibility.
2. Measurements: Accurately measure the length and width of each stair to ensure that the nosing fits properly.
3. Material compatibility: Consider the material of the stairs and the surface to ensure that the nosing material is compatible and does not cause damage.
4. Slope and angle: The slope and angle of the stairs should be taken into account when choosing and installing the stair nosing to ensure a safe and accessible transition.
5. Slip resistance: Choose a stair nosing material with a slip-resistant surface to prevent accidents.
6. Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning when choosing a stair nosing material.
7. Aesthetics: Select a nosing material that complements the overall design and style of the space.

As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. 

Please also check out the other articles in our helpful guide series. We have written about aluminium sheeting and checker plate recently to name but two of our articles.

We are also proud to sell this product on our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.