Stairs nosing
Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact defines the ‘nosing’ of stairs as ‘the leading edge of a stair tread’.
The pitch of stairs is the angle of inclination between the horizontal and a line connecting the nosings.
[Image: The elements of stairs]
For buildings other than dwellings, step nosings should be made visually apparent by using a contrasting material on both the tread and the riser a minimum of 55 mm wide. If possible, step nosings that protrude over the tread below should be avoided. If the nosing does protrude, it should be by no more than 25 mm
[Image: Examples of suitable tread profiles]
For common access areas in buildings that contain flats step nosings should be visually apparent, using a material that contrasts visually, 50 - 65 mm wide on the tread and 30 - 55 mm on the riser. A suitable tread nosing profile, should be used.
Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings (2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments), defines a ‘suitable tread nosing’as; ‘Nosings that conform with one of the options shown in diagram 1.2 of approved document K’
On an alternating tread stairs alternating steps should be uniform with parallel nosings.
A pitch line is a line that connects the nosing of the treads of a stair.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?