How to Choose the Best Stair Nosing? [PDF] - The Constructor (2024)

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Stair nosings are protruding profile strips fitted on the edge of steps to provide an anti-slip surface. The nose of a step is the part of a stair where people tend to put their feet and weight on. Therefore, it is important to have sturdy and anti-slip nosings installed to avoid accidents and wear of stairs.

Stair nosings are available in different varieties, making it tough to choose the appropriate one without proper study. Generally, the selection of nosing is based on two main concerns, namely:

1. Selecting the correct stair nosing brand that fits the stair.
2. Choosing the nosing that solves specific issues and queries about the stair to construct a safe stair nosing.

The article explains in detail, the different aspects coming under the above-mentioned consideration during the selection of stair nosing.

Selection Criteria for Stair Nosing

The stair nosing is selected based on the following criteria:

1. Whether the Stair Nosing is for Residential, Commercial or Industrial Purpose

Always select a nosing brand that meets the type of building or work area. A nosing that is specified for residential purposes won’t be adequate for a commercial or industrial stair.

2. The environment to which the stair nosing is exposed

The stair nosing does show some change in functions when exposed to extreme environment or temperature conditions. Always check that the product meets the requirements of the environment. A nosing selected for indoor stairs may not have more life when it is used outdoor. Certain nosing materials are exclusively used for external stair settings.

3. The Stair Nosing Material

Stair nosing can be made from different materials like rubber, PVC, brass, woods, bronze, and aluminum. Each material gives a different finish to the stair nosing. The stair setting, the environment, and the exposure decides the nosing material.

Say, for a stair constructed in the backstage, where it is less visible, requires a nosing made out of PVC or aluminum. At the same time, for a hotel lobby with a visible staircase, a nosing made out of brass or bronze depending on the color style of the lobby is the right choice.

4. Cost of Stair Nosing

The stair nosing option comes in the market as per linear foot rate. The cost of nosing increases as the option varies from the common PVC type to the luxurious bronze nosing. This criterion is exclusively a choice of the customer’s requirements and the budget.

5. The Traffic Taken by the Nosing

A thin and cheap stair nosing is employed for low-volume traffic areas. A durable and thicker stair nosing is selected for high-volume traffic areas.

6. Shape of the Nosing

Most of the stair steps take a right-angle shape. Other than this, it can take a slanted or raked or a curved shape. So, the stair nosing that you choose must fit the step shape. Hence it ensures the proper fit of nosing with the step. Correct fit ensures a safer and effective installation.

More dynamic and decorative nosing with attractive finishes are available for normal square shaped steps.

7. Slip Resistance of Nosing

Special anti-slip inserts can be provided to the nosing to bring an anti-slip environment. These recommendations vary in extreme areas like exterior stairs and very wet areas.

The selection of proper nosing for the stair is a critical criterion in the stair design. Consider these recommendations as a safety concern for a staircase instead of taking it as an aesthetic feature alone. The guidelines while choosing nosing must be followed irrespective of how large or small the number of flights is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read More:

1. Components of a Stair
2. How to design a Spiral Staircase?