We are frequently questioned about what the purpose of stair nosing is and why it is an essential element of stair design. The stair nosing is a necessary architectural point located at the front edge of the staircase treads or steps. It is a protruding edge that extends beyond the riser, serving several important processes in the construction and use of stairs.
This is the reason you cannot create a staircase without nosing. This is the term assigned to the very edge of the treads, where we place our feet as we walk up and down the steps. There are several options available, each of them offering its fair share of benefits.
Enhanced Safety
The main purpose of a nosing is to enhance the safety of the staircase. As it protrudes slightly over the edge of the tread, it provides some extra room for users to place their feet. Not only does this make stepping up and down the stairs more comfortable, but it can also lower accidents caused by slips and falls.
Protects the Staircase
The existence of carefully chosen stair nosing can assist in protecting your treads from harm. This is where most people place their feet, it causes the edges to be exposed to notable amounts of force (plus, whatever occurs to be on the bottom of people’s shoes). The less damage there is, the less maintenance is done down the track.
Ease of Maintenance
Usually, stair nosing materials are comfortable to clean and can be maintained easily, removing dust and stains with regular cleaning agents. If the stair nosing wears out or gets hurt, it is usually easier and less costly to replace than the whole tread.
Improved Visibility
Studies have proposed that many people are seriously injured each year as a consequence of skipping a step or misjudging its width and tumbling down the stairs. A nosing can improve the view of each tread, apparently explaining where it ends and giving users the confidence to walk up and down the stairs. This is especially helpful for those with bad vision or walking up the stairs in poor lighting.
