Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide
1st Jun 2025
The Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide: Safety, Compliance & Specification
Whether you're managing a commercial fit-out, public access upgrade, or residential staircase, stair nosings are a small detail with major safety and compliance impact. This guide walks you through what stair nosings are, when they’re required, how to stay compliant, and how to choose the right product for your environment.
What Are Stair Nosings — And Why Do They Matter?
Stair nosings are the visible edge of a stair tread, often fitted with an additional material to improve grip and visibility.
- Improve safety by reducing slip risk
- Protect stair edges from wear and chipping
- Enhance visibility for users with impaired vision
Without proper nosings, stairs become a major fall hazard — especially in wet, public, or poorly lit environments.
Where Are Stair Nosings Required in the UK?
Stair nosings are recommended or required anywhere stairs present a safety or access risk, especially in:
- Commercial buildings (offices, retail, venues)
- Public buildings (schools, hospitals, town halls)
- Social housing and apartment blocks
- Outdoor stairs (including ramps and fire escapes)
While domestic homes don’t always require nosings, they are often added for long-term safety and durability.
UK Regulations & Legal Requirements
Approved Document K – Protection from falling
- Steps must have uniform rise and going
- Nosings must be clearly visible and non-slip
Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings
- Steps must have a 30–55mm nosing strip
- Strip must visually contrast with the tread by 30+ Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
BS 8300-2:2018
The gold standard for inclusive stair design. Covers contrast, tactile surfaces, materials, and sizing.
Equality Act 2010
Requires “reasonable adjustments” for disabled access. Poorly contrasted or missing stair nosings may result in non-compliance.
Read our UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide
Visual Contrast: What is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a surface reflects. For compliance:
- The nosing strip must differ from the stair tread by 30+ LRV
- This helps partially sighted users identify the edge
Tip: A dark stair with a light nosing — or vice versa — helps the eye catch the step edge instantly.
How to Choose the Right Stair Nosing
| Factor | Options | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium, PVC, brass | Use anodised aluminium for durability |
| Surface type | Carpet, tile, wood, concrete | Match nosing base to substrate |
| Insert type | Ribbed PVC, carborundum, grit | Use anti-slip (PTV ≥ 36) for wet or outdoor use |
| Environment | Internal / External | Use UV and weather-resistant finishes outside |
| Fixing method | Screwed, glued | Use mechanical fixings where possible |
Browse our Commercial Stair Nosings collection
Installation Best Practices
- Clean and dry the stair surface before fitting
- Use both adhesive and screws for long-term hold
- Avoid overhang or under-sizing
- Finish neatly at both ends for professional results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a nosing with no contrast strip
- Skipping fixings and relying on glue alone
- Using an indoor nosing outdoors
- Mismatched nosings across the flight of stairs
✅ Free PDF Download – UK Stair Nosing Selection Checklist
Covers surface types, slip ratings, fixings, and LRV contrast compliance in a simple printable format.
Download the Checklist (PDF)Why Choose National Stair Nosings?
- Trusted by contractors, architects, and facilities teams UK-wide
- In-stock, spec-compliant profiles
- Fast delivery and expert support
- Fully tested against UK regulations
Browse our full range of stair nosings
Summary
Stair nosings are essential for both safety and compliance. Get the right product, fit it well, and you’ll protect users while meeting UK regulations.
Have a question about specification or compliance? Contact Us