How to Choose the Right Stair Edging | UK Safety Guide
5th Oct 2016
How to Choose the Right Stair Edging – UK Guide
Choosing the right stair edging (also known as stair nosing) is essential for ensuring safety, durability, and compliance with UK regulations. Whether you're outfitting a residential staircase or a high-traffic commercial area, proper stair edging reduces slip risks, protects step edges from wear, and improves step visibility.
In this complete UK guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right stair edging based on step size, slip resistance, and visual contrast—helping you meet both safety standards and aesthetic goals.
1. Choose the Right Stair Edging for Your Step Size
The first step in selecting stair nosing is ensuring it fits the tread (the part of the step where the foot lands) properly. A secure, flush fit helps prevent the nosing from lifting, rocking, or becoming a tripping hazard over time.
- Tread Depth Matters:
- For treads up to 300mm deep, a single-channel profile is typically sufficient.
- For larger treads (common in public or commercial areas), use double or multi-channel stair nosing.
- High-Traffic Environments: Use reinforced profiles in places like supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and department stores.
Tip: Always check the manufacturer's specification for recommended tread depth compatibility and fitting method (screw-fix, adhesive, etc.).
2. Select the Correct Slip-Resistant Insert
Slip resistance is one of the most important features of stair nosing, especially in wet or high-traffic environments. Most stair nosings come with anti-slip inserts made from abrasive or high-grip materials.
Why Slip Resistance Matters:
- Reduces the risk of slips and falls
- Supports UK regulations like BS 8300 / Part M
- Provides grip for people with reduced mobility
Insert Options:
- Fine grit: Internal spaces (e.g. schools, offices)
- GRP/Coarse grit: Outdoor,wet areas
- Rubber/Carborundum: External stairs and wet zones
- PVC inserts/Rubber: Light traffic or residential areas
3. Ensure Visual Contrast for Step Edge Visibility
Stair nosing should help users see where each step begins and ends. UK building regulations recommend a 30 LRV (Light Reflectance Value) point difference between the nosing and the tread/riser materials.
How to Choose the Right Colour:
- Pick an insert that contrasts clearly with the step
- Use dark inserts on light floors and light inserts on dark floors
- Consider yellow, black, white, grey, or luminescent strips
Bonus: High-contrast nosing helps visually impaired users and supports compliance with accessibility standards.
4. Bonus Tips for Compliance & Installation
- Follow UK Regulations: Ensure compliance with BS 8300, Part M, and the Equality Act 2010
- Installation Types: Choose from screw-fixed, adhesive-fixed, or a combination
- Materials: Available in aluminium, brass, PVC-u, stainless steel
For a complete overview of stair nosings including materials, regulations, and installation, explore our Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide.
Final Thoughts: Safe, Compliant, and Stylish Stair Nosing
Choosing the right stair nosing isn’t just about appearance — it’s a safety requirement. The right stair edging will not only enhance the look of your stairs but also extend their life and protect users.
Whether you're outfitting a busy commercial staircase or upgrading a home, we offer a wide range of UK-compliant stair nosings to suit every project.
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