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 small details with a major impact on safety, compliance, and aesthetics. This guide explains what stair nosings are, where they’re required, and how to choose the right type for your project.
What Are Stair Nosings & Why They Matter
Stair nosings are the visible edges of stair treads, often fitted with durable materials like aluminium, rubber, or PVC. They improve safety, protect stairs, and enhance visibility, particularly for users with impaired vision. All types serve three main purposes:
- Reduce slip risks
- Protect stair edges from wear and chipping
- Provide visual contrast for better step identification
Without proper nosings, stairs can become major fall hazards—especially in wet, public, or poorly lit environments.
Where Stair Nosings Are Required in the UK
Stair nosings are recommended or required wherever stairs present safety or accessibility risks. Typical locations include:
- Commercial buildings: offices, retail, and venues
- Public buildings: schools, hospitals, town halls
- Social housing and apartment blocks
- Outdoor stairs, ramps, and fire escapes
UK Building Regulations (Part M) and BS 8300 require visually contrasting, anti-slip stair nosings in all public environments.
UK Regulations & Legal Requirements
Approved Document K – Protection from Falling
- Uniform rise and going for each step
- Nosings must be clearly visible and non-slip
Approved Document M – Access to Buildings
- Nosing strip: 30–55mm wide
- Visual contrast: 30+ Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference
BS 8300-2:2018
Sets standards for inclusive stair design including contrast, tactile surfaces, materials, and sizing.
Equality Act 2010
Mandates “reasonable adjustments” for disabled access. Poorly contrasted or missing nosings may result in non-compliance.
Read our full UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide
Visual Contrast: What is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a surface reflects. For compliance:
- Nosing must differ from the tread by 30+ LRV
- Helps partially sighted users identify the step edge
Tip: A dark stair with a light nosing—or vice versa—makes the edge instantly visible.
Download LRV Stair Nosing Guide (PDF)
Choosing 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 the floor |
| Insert type | Ribbed PVC, carborundum, grit | Anti-slip (PTV ≥ 36) for wet or outdoor areas |
| Step profile | Square, Bullnose, Rakeback, Angle-back | Match the stair edge shape and floor covering |
| Environment | Internal / External | UV and weather-resistant finishes for outside |
| Fixing method | Screwed, glued | Use mechanical fixings where possible |
Printable checklist covering materials, step profiles, slip ratings, fixings, and LRV compliance.
Download Checklist (PDF)Step Profiles & Back Gauge
Selecting the correct profile affects safety, durability, and compliance. Common profiles:
| Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Square | Flat 90° angle, ideal for modern concrete or timber stairs |
| Bullnose | Rounded front, suited to traditional designs or curved steps |
| Rakeback | Sloped back edge for flush, minimalist finish |
The back gauge is the tail of the nosing that sits on the floor:
- Flat back: sits evenly on hard floors
- Ramp back: ideal for vinyl or resilient floors to avoid a step-up
Installation Best Practices
- Clean and dry the stair surface before fitting
- Use both adhesive and screws for secure fixing
- Avoid overhang or under-sizing
- Finish neatly at both ends for a professional look
Explore Stair Nosings Installation Guide
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No contrast strip
- Relying on glue only
- Using indoor nosings outdoors
- Mismatched nosings across a flight
Why Choose National Stair Nosings?
- Trusted by contractors, architects, and facilities teams UK-wide
- In-stock, compliant profiles
- Fast delivery and expert support
- Fully tested against UK regulations
Browse our full range of stair nosings
FAQs
What is stair nosing and why is it important?
Stair nosings protect the tread edge, reduce slip risk, and improve visibility.
Are stair nosings required by UK building regulations?
Yes, particularly in public and commercial buildings. Compliance with Part M and BS 8300 is required.
Which stair nosings work best for laminate or tiled floors?
Aluminium nosings with anti-slip inserts are ideal. See our laminate options and tile options.
Can stair nosings be used outdoors?
Yes. Our external stair nosings are weather-resistant and slip-safe.
Summary
Stair nosings improve safety, protect stairs, and ensure compliance with UK regulations. Choosing the correct type, material, profile, and fixing method is critical for durability and accessibility.
Learn more about accessibility and legal compliance in our guide on accessibility and disability regulations.
Questions about specifications or compliance? Contact us for expert guidance.