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 nosing 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 like aluminium or rubber to improve grip and visibility. Whether you're choosing laminate stair nosing or external stair nosings, they all serve three key purposes:
- Improve safety by reducing slip risk
- Protect stair edges from wear and chipping
- Enhance visibility for users with impaired vision
Without proper stair nosing, stairs can 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, particularly in:
- Commercial buildings (offices, retail, venues)
- Public buildings (schools, hospitals, town halls)
- Social housing and apartment blocks
- Outdoor stairs (including ramps and fire escapes)
UK Building Regulations such as Part M and BS 8300 advise the use of visually contrasting, anti-slip stair nosing in all public environments to ensure safety and accessibility.
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.
Download LRV Stair Nosing Guide (PDF)
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 |
| Step profile | Square, bullnose, rakeback, angle-back | Match to stair edge shape and finish; use rakeback for a minimalist look or bullnose for traditional staircases |
| Environment | Internal / External | Use UV and weather-resistant finishes outside |
| Fixing method | Screwed, glued | Use mechanical fixings where possible |
For a detailed guide on how to choose the right stair edging, see our dedicated How to Choose the Right Stair Edging – UK Guide
Step Profile: Why It Matters in Stair Nosing Selection
The correct stair nosing for a given application depends on the shape of the step among other factors.Select the correct stair nosing strip to fit snugly over the stair tread.This isn't just about aesthetics — it directly affects safety, durability, and compliance.
Learn more about stair nosing shapes
Common Step Profiles
| Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Square | Flat 90° angle, ideal for modern concrete or timber stairs |
| Bullnose | Rounded front, suited to traditional designs or curved step edges |
| Rakeback | Sloped back edge for a flush, minimalist look and reduced trip hazard |
Why Profile Fit Is Crucial
- Lifting or movement over time
- Gaps that trap dirt or cause trip hazards
- Visible overhang or poor finish
To ensure safety and visual consistency, the nosing must match both:
- The shape of the stair edge (square, rounded, rakeback etc.)
- The type and thickness of floor covering (e.g. carpet, tile, LVT)
Back Gauge: What It Means
The back gauge is the return or tail of the nosing that sits on top of the flooring or butts against it. Different profiles are engineered for different gauges:
- Flat back: Sits evenly over most hard floors
- Ramp back: Ideal for vinyl or resilient floors to avoid a step-up
Explore our full range of bullnose stair nosings for curved or traditional stairs and rake back stair nosings for a sleek, modern finish.
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
Explore Stair Nosings Installation Guide
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stair nosing and why is it important?
Stair nosing refers to the protective edge of a stair tread that enhances safety by improving grip and visibility. It reduces slip risks and protects the stairs from damage.
Are stair nosings required by UK building regulations?
Yes, especially in public and commercial buildings. UK Building Regulations such as Part M and BS 8300 require compliant stair nosings that are both durable and visually contrasting.
Which stair nosings work best for laminate or tiled floors?
Aluminium stair nosings with anti-slip inserts are ideal for laminate and tiled surfaces due to their durability and safety features. See our stair nosings for laminate and stair nosings for tiles for options.
Can stair nosings be used outdoors?
Absolutely. We offer external stair nosings that are weather-resistant and designed to provide slip resistance in outdoor environments.
Summary
Stair nosings are essential for safety, durability, and compliance with UK regulations. Choosing the right stair nosing type and fitting it correctly protects stair users and helps you meet Building Regulations.
For more details on how stair nosings contribute to accessibility compliance, check out our guide on accessibility and disability regulations. This will help you ensure your building meets UK legal standards.
Have a question about stair nosings specifications or compliance? Contact Us for expert advice tailored to your project.