Graphical Construction Glossary >> stairs. >> general >> Stair Nosing

Stair Nosing

1.) The part of the tread that overhangs the riser. The often rounded last edge of a tread.

2.) Anti Slip Nosing Proprietary fittings for fixing to tread edges to prevent slipping.

The nosing of a step or tread is that part that would touch a straight edge when it is laid on the stair. Any stair. Incidentally the straight edge method is a sure way of telling if the is well built. All the nosing should be in a straight line and they all should just touch.

The term nosing also refers to manufactured items that can be fixed to stairs after they have been built, for create a non slip surface, and also a highly visible surface for safety reasons.

• In the sketch of the concrete step I have indicated some anti slip grooves. They are quite often made by the concrete finisher in the wet concrete with a jointing tool, but more efficient methods are available.
• There is a huge variety of add on nosing available.
• They are mostly made out of extruded aluminium that has toughened to take the wear and tear.
• The sketch one here is just an indication. The basic ones, in particular for indoor use rely on serrations in the metal to provide the grip.
• External ones often contain carborundum grit based infill sections that stand slightly proud of the metal.

Brass strips inset into polished marble stairs in this interior staircase.

In addition to non slip nosings these internal stairs which have the possibility of high traffic have dimpled pads at the top and bottoms of the flights. These are for non slip but also for assisting vision impaired people.

Carborundum inserts fixed in an outdoor terazzo step. These stick proud of the surface about 2mm to 3mm when new.

Carborundum products like strips of coated tape, when fixed with modern epoxy glues are an excellent way to add grip to otherwise smooth and potentially dangerous steps.

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