Stair Tread Nosing: What You Need to Know

What is the purpose of the nosing on a stair tread?

a. Aesthetic enhancement

b. Safety feature

c. Both a and b

Answer:

c. Both a and b

The nosing on a stair tread serves both aesthetic and safety purposes. It enhances the overall look of the staircase by providing a finished edge, and it also improves safety by creating additional space for foot placement. This extra space reduces the risk of tripping and falling, making the stairs safer to use.

Regulated by building codes, the nosing must comply with certain specifications to ensure the safety of the staircase. The maximum allowable projection is typically specified in these codes to prevent the nosing from being too prominent and causing potential hazards.

Therefore, when designing or renovating stairs, it is essential to consider the role of the nosing in both enhancing the aesthetic appeal and maintaining safety standards.