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 55mm 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 25mm
[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, 50mm to 65mm wide on the tread and 30mm to 55mm on the riser. A suitable tread nosing profile, should be used.
On an alternating tread stairs alternating steps should be uniform with parallel nosings.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Read about RSHP's British Museum extension which has been shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize.
Read our introductory article to building a house extension.
More updates from DCMS about the large-scale testing of cladding systems and the number of buildings affected.
UandI secure resolution to grant planning consent for major new regeneration project.
Infrastructure and the historic environment
IHBC article considers how heritage is dealt with when infrastructure schemes are authorised.
It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, but to this day the exact construction techniques are a mystery.
Shortlist for the industry's most coveted award announced.
Government responds to Mark Farmer's review of industry, rejecting the call for a levy on clients.
Peter Hansford to examine what wider lessons can be learned from the fire.
Every project is subject to uncertainty. How can construction better understand uncertainty for performance improvement?
MAD Architects reveal their designs for a futuristic campus for electric car manufacturer.
Homebuyers could borrow more with better forecasting of energy bills, according to industry consortium's new report.
Read our introductory article on carbon capture and storage.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily
