Best Stair Nosings for Wet & Outdoor Areas | UK Anti-Slip Guide

29th Jun 2025

Choosing Stair Nosings for Wet or Outdoor Areas

When it comes to safety in wet or outdoor environments, selecting the right stair nosing is not just a design choice—it’s a safety essential. Whether you're upgrading outdoor public staircases, commercial premises, or steps at home, the correct stair nosing helps reduce slips, improve visibility, and extend the life of your stairs.

To explore stair nosing standards, regulations, and in-depth guidance, visit our Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide.

Why Stair Nosings Matter in Wet or Outdoor Areas

Outdoor steps are frequently exposed to rain, frost, algae, and other slip hazards. Stair nosings play a vital role by:

Providing an anti-slip surface to reduce fall risks
Creating a visual contrast to enhance step visibility
Protecting stair edges from damage and wear
Helping meet building safety and DDA compliance standards

Shop All External Stair Nosings

Key Features to Look For in Outdoor/Wet Stair Nosings

1. Weather-Resistant Materials

Aluminium: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and often anodised for extra protection
GRP : Hardwearing,weatherproof
Rubber inserts: Flexible, shock-absorbing, and naturally slip-resistant
Composite: Weatherproof plastics with grit inserts
Stainless Steel: High durability but less common and pricier

Avoid materials like untreated steel or basic PVC that degrade quickly outdoors.

2. Anti-Slip Performance

Look for nosings with anti-slip inserts or textured surfaces that meet PTV (Pendulum Test Value) ≥ 36, the recommended slip resistance for outdoor and wet environments according to UK health & safety guidelines.

Materials and inserts to consider:

GRP stair nosing and tread covers
Carborundum grit strips
Ribbed PVC,Rubber inserts
Aluminium/stainless steel nosings with treadsafe inserts

3. Visual Contrast & Compliance

Outdoor stairs still need to comply with UK Building Regulations (Part M) and BS 8300 for accessibility, requiring:

A visual contrast of at least 30 LRV difference between tread and nosing
Tactile surfaces to assist partially sighted users

Ensure your outdoor stair nosing has a clear contrast strip or colour variation.

Top Stair Nosing Options for Outdoor and Wet Conditions

1. GRP Stair Nosing – Unmatched Slip Resistance

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) stair nosings and tread covers are designed for high-risk environments where durability and grip are critical. The gritty surface ensures slip resistance even in heavy rain or industrial settings.

Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting
Chemical and UV resistant
Simple installation over existing steps

Best for: Factories, marine stairs, outdoor industrial areas.

2. Rubber Stair Treads – Durable Comfort

Rubber stair treads combine slip resistance with shock-absorbing comfort. They’re great for places that need safety plus noise reduction.

Effective grip in wet conditions
Resilient and weather-tolerant
Comfortable and anti-fatigue

Best for: Outdoor entryways, schools, and playgrounds.

3. Aluminium or Stainless Steel Stair Nosings with External Inlay

Metal nosings offer a sleek look and robust performance. Designed with external-grade anti-slip inserts, they’re ideal for high-traffic outdoor environments.

Available in brushed aluminium or polished stainless steel
Resistant to weather, corrosion, and wear
Perfect for modern exteriors

Best for: Retail entrances, offices, and commercial stairways.

4. Stair Nosings with Ribbed PVC Tread – Economical Safety

Ribbed PVC treads offer slip resistance and visual contrast at a cost-effective price point. Ideal for low-traffic areas that still require compliance and safety.

Slip-resistant ribbed tread
Lightweight and easy to install
Available in contrasting colours

Best for: Community centres, public buildings, and stair upgrades.

5. Anti-Slip Tape – Fast and Flexible Safety

Anti-slip tape provides a rapid safety upgrade on virtually any surface. Great for short-term fixes or budget-conscious improvements.

Quick peel-and-stick application
Multiple colours and grit levels
Outdoor-grade options available

Best for: Rental properties, temporary work zones, or fast fixes.

Comparison Table: Outdoor Stair Nosing Materials

Product Type	Slip Resistance	Weather Resistance	Durability	Best Use Areas	Key Features
GRP Stair Nosing	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	Industrial plants, marine areas, outdoor steps	Heavy-duty grit surface, corrosion-resistant
Rubber Stair Treads	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Outdoor entryways, schools, playgrounds	Cushioned, anti-fatigue, noise-reducing
Aluminium Stair Nosing (Ext. Inlay)	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Commercial exteriors, offices, retail steps	High-end look, external-grade non-slip inlay
Stainless Steel Stair Nosing	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	high-traffic outdoor areas,marine,and food industry	Premium durability, modern architectural finish
Stair Nosing w/ Ribbed PVC Tread	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	Public buildings, light external stairs	Cost-effective, visible tread colours
Anti-Slip Tape	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Temporary areas, rentals, quick fixes	Peel-and-stick, quick install, budget-friendly

Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Stair Nosings

Regularly clean to prevent moss and algae build-up
Inspect anti-slip inserts for wear and replace as needed
Check for corrosion or damage annually
Use appropriate cleaning agents that don’t degrade materials

UK Regulations & Safety Standards Overview

For a full regulatory breakdown, see our main post: UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide:

Key points:

Outdoor stairs are subject to Part M for accessibility
Slip resistance requirements are crucial for public safety
Photoluminescent or LED nosings may be needed for external emergency routes

Shop Now: High-Performance Stair Nosings for Outdoors

Browse our top-rated safety products for wet and external staircases:

Choosing the right stair nosing strip for wet or outdoor areas is vital for safety, compliance, and durability. By selecting materials with strong anti-slip performance and weather resistance, and ensuring proper installation, you protect users and extend your staircase’s lifespan.

Need help choosing the right product? Contact our team for expert guidance.