Common Stair Nosing Compliance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Stair nosing plays a critical role in building safety and accessibility. But even well-intentioned projects can fall short of compliance with UK standards like BS 8300, the Equality Act 2010, and Building Regulations Parts K and M.

In this guide, we highlight the most common stair nosing mistakes seen across UK commercial and public buildings—and how to avoid them. Whether you're an architect, contractor, or facilities manager, steering clear of these pitfalls can help you reduce risk, save costs, and meet legal obligations.

1. Using Low-Contrast Nosing

The mistake: Stair nosings that blend into the tread or riser colour can make steps nearly invisible to people with visual impairments.

The standard: BS 8300 and the Equality Act recommend a minimum of 30 points Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference between the nosing and surrounding floor.

The fix: Choose stair nosings tested for LRV and select colours that visibly contrast with both the tread and riser.

Download LRV Stair Nosing Guide (PDF)

2. Incorrect Nosing Width

The mistake: Installing stair nosings that are too narrow or wide can create trip hazards or fail to comply with best practice standards.

The standard: BS 8300 specifies nosing widths between 50mm and 65mm.

The fix: Ensure the nosing profile width fits within the compliant range and is consistent across all steps.

3. Inconsistent Installation

The mistake: Different nosing styles, colours or fitting techniques used on different staircases—or even steps—within the same building.

Why it matters: Inconsistency confuses users and poses safety risks, especially for people with low vision who rely on visual cues.

The fix: Standardise your stair nosing specification across projects or buildings. Use a master schedule or specification sheet.

Read How To Install Stair Nosings Guide for help standardising your approach.

4. Neglecting Slip Resistance Over Time

The mistake: Installing nosing with anti-slip inserts but failing to maintain them, allowing surfaces to become smooth and hazardous.

The fix: Use nosing with certified slip-resistant inserts and include them in regular maintenance inspections. Replace worn inserts as needed to maintain grip and visual contrast—especially in high-traffic environments.

Shop replacement PVC inlays for stair nosings to keep your installations safe and compliant without needing to replace the full nosing.

5. Wrong Product for the Environment

The mistake: Using materials not suited to the conditions—for example, aluminium nosings in constantly wet areas, or soft rubber inserts in heavy-traffic locations.

The fix: Match nosing specification to the building use, traffic levels, and moisture exposure. Wet areas should have nosings with waterproof, high-grip inserts.

Explore Best Stair Nosings For Wet & Outdoor Areas Guide

6. Ignoring Building Regulations

The mistake: Focusing only on DDA or BS 8300 guidance and overlooking relevant Building Regulations, like Part K and Part M.

The fix: Always review how stair nosing choices support compliance with Building Regs. These documents offer context for stair geometry, dimensions, and access standards.

For a regulatory overview, see our 2025 UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide.

7. Retrofitting Without a Compliance Review

The mistake: Retrofitting nosings onto existing stairs without considering visual contrast, slip resistance, or compliance with BS 8300 or the Equality Act.

The risk: You could still be liable if a poorly retrofitted nosing contributes to a fall or fails to support access for all users.

The fix: Conduct an accessibility audit before installing or upgrading stair nosing in existing buildings. Retrofits must still comply with modern standards.

Final Thoughts: Get Compliance Right the First Time

Stair nosing is a small detail with big implications. From safety to legal liability, overlooking standards like BS 8300 or underestimating product wear can cause serious problems later.

By avoiding these seven common mistakes, you’ll be better positioned to deliver staircases that are not only visually accessible and safe, but also legally compliant.

For help selecting the right nosing for your building type or compliance needs, see our Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide or explore our compliant nosing range.

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