Your stairs consist of several parts, with some having more of an impact on the staircase design and others having a more practical role in keeping your stairs safe. 

Although you’ve probably considered parts like the handrail, steps, and newel posts as the main design elements of your stairs, you likely need to give your stair nosing more thought. 

Nosing? Yes, nosing. Here we offer insight into this less obvious piece of your stairs’ aesthetics and why it’s more than just decorative.

What are the Different Parts of a Staircase?

Staircases consist of the following main parts:

Newel Posts

Newel posts are more prominent posts positioned at the top and bottom of the staircase, offering something to hold onto when the handrail ends. They are also sometimes placed on landings, depending on the design of the stairs. 

Newel Caps

Decorative toppers on newel posts can range from a globe to a capped square. More intricate staircases, such as faces or animals, might have carvings on the caps. They also serve a practical purpose as a more substantial handhold on the newel posts. 

Balusters/Spindles

Balusters support the handrail and affix to the stair treads. Traditional balusters are spindles made of wood or iron. At the same time, modern designs include glass panels or industrial materials such as tautly pulled heavy gauge wire.  

Handrail

The handrail or bannister provides a grip spanning the stairs from top to bottom. They are affixed to the newel posts and held up by the balusters/spindles. 

Stringers

Stingers can be closed to hide the step edge or cut where the step profile has an exposed overhang. 

Tread

This is the step used to walk up the stairs. 

Risers

Risers are the vertical piece connecting the stair treads. Open staircases do not have risers. 

Landing

Landings are where stairs start and begin, but they can also refer to a juncture between two flights. For example, if stairs don’t go straight up as a flight but go up a few steps instead and then change direction, there is a landing between those two flights.

The same goes for stairs leading to more than a single story. 

What is Stair Nosing?

Stair nosing is the front part of your stair treads. It usually sticks out from the step, creating an overhang and a little more foot room. 

The nosing is a tread overhang that extends over the riser below. It will either be part of the tread or a piece of wood affixed to the edge of the tread. 

What is the Purpose of Stair Nosing?

Stair nosing has a few practical purposes:

  • It enhances the size of the tread, making more room for feet.
  • It takes the brunt of the tread’s wear and tear.
  • It makes it easier to visually separate the tread from the “riser” to help avoid missteps.

When is Nosing Most Important?

Nosing is always essential, but sometimes it becomes more critical. For example, suppose your stair treads and risers are the same colour. In that case, spotting the tread in poorly lit areas or for people with poor eyesight becomes much more difficult. In this case, the nosing makes the steps safer. 

If you have a wood tread but a white-painted riser, it is easier to see the step going up the stairs. However, when going down the stairs, all you see are the stair treads. So, that little lip provides that added few inches so even those size 12s can hit the step safely. 

Is All Stair Nosing the Same Size?

No. Stair-nosing size can vary depending on the style of stairs and when the home/stairs were built. However, when looking at the recommended International Residential Code, nosing should be at least ¾ of an inch and a maximum of 1 ¼ inches. 

The nosing must be curved or bevelled, with a radius that doesn’t exceed 9/16 of an inch. If the radius profile is too rounded, it won’t help prevent falls if your foot slips. Instead, it creates a slope that allows your foot to slip downward. 

What Happens If the Stair Nosing Size Is Too Big? 

When nosing is too big or projects too far from the tread, it presents a tripping hazard. Catching your foot on the projecting edge becomes easier, increasing the risk of tripping on your way up the stairs. 

Are There Different Styles of Stair Nosing?

Yes, the stair nosing is a finishing touch on stair treads. As a result, it comes in a few different styles, including:

Square

This is a good choice for modern staircases. As the name implies, the nose is square for a very sleek look. The edges are softened by sanding, so they are not as easy to damage and won’t cause as much harm should someone take a tumble.

Pencil Round

This is a traditional look, but it works well for contemporary staircase designs. The radius of the nosing has the same look as the average pencil. It is the most durable of all the stair-nosing styles.  

No Overhang

This is less of a look and more of a practical application as a builder’s standard for carpeted stairs. However, wood treads can be routered to create a definition for an even more modern look than square nosing, making no overhang designs safer. Just keep in mind that this look poses a greater risk of tripping. 

Round Edge

This nosing offers a traditional clean half-moon radius yet works well for contemporary stairs.  

Do Stairs Without Nosing Pose a Danger?

Yes. Stairs without nosing make it harder to see the tread, increasing the risk of falls. Also, treads should be at least 10 inches deep to accommodate the average foot. 

Although going up the stairs, people often don’t put their entire foot flat on the step; that overhang is essential when going down the stairs. 

It provides enough surface to reduce the risk of falls should your foot slip while providing more cover so you are less likely to miss a step. 

Are There Acceptable Times Where Stair Nosing Isn’t Required?

Yes. In theory, open stairs without risers don’t require stair nosing. However, adding a nose to the stair treads for a more finished appearance is always lovely.

Although you might not have heard of stair nosing before, as you can see, it is not only the finishing touch for stair treads but also vital in reducing wear and tear and the risk of falls.

For more information on stair treads and nosing, click here, or visit Cosmaroma‘s Peterborough showroom to speak to our stair experts.