During the process of building a staircase, the term nose or stair nosing comes up. Homeowners often ask - what is stair nosing? Stair nosing (also known as stair edgings) is the front edge of the tread that extends over the riser. Not only does it reinforce step edges but it also serves to define the edge of each step. This particular part plays an important role in protecting both the staircase itself and the people who use it.
The Stair Nosing Can Provide Extra Safety To Your Staircase.
The most common area where people place their feet as they ascend/descend stairs is at the very edge of the treads. In other words, the stair nose. The nose itself actually is a safety feature against falls. Since it provides extra room to stand on, ascending or descending is more comfortable while accommodating various foot sizes.
The Stair Nosing Can Provide Extra Protection To Your Staircase.
Due to the fact most people place their feet on the nose, it endures considerable force on a daily basis. Without the nose, the tread’s edge and the tread itself would become worn and damaged as time passed. Staircase nosing is built to endure repetitive impacts due to their thick design. Overall, homeowners can protect the structural integrity of their staircase with less damage and less maintenance.
The Stair Nosing Can Provide Extra Visibility To Your Staircase.
Studies show steps with more visible and defined profiles are less likely to be misjudged and create falls. This is the job of the stair nosing, as it clearly marks the edge of each step. In addition to helping prevent falls, it gives people confidence to know exactly where the step ends. However, it can actually cause more falls if the stair nose is improper for the staircase. Stair noses shouldn’t exceed 1 ½ inches past the tread as it can become a tripping hazard.
The Stair Nosing Can Provide Extra Style To Your Staircase.
From the hardwood species to shapes of the balusters, every aspect of a staircase becomes intertwined in a visual aesthetic. The stair nosing is no different, there’s even different styles for stair nose shapes, such as square or curved. Depending on the intended style of the staircase, it can have a soft impression with rounded edges or a sharp and distinct look with square edges. Along with the above-mentioned benefits, stair nosing has the perfect mixture of functionality and flair.
Different Nose Styles
There are two types of nosing styles we specialize in at Heritage Oak are square and bullnose. So here is some more information about those particular styles.
Square Nosing: This type of style allows for a definitive edge look and matches for more modern style staircases. Square nose stair treads have sharp corners and edges rounded off slightly for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the rounded edges help prevent damages like dents, nicks, and scratches from repeated impacts. Secondly, it helps protect people from getting injured on sharp edges.
Treads with the square nose style is often called:
- Square edge stair treads/Square nose stair treads
- Square stair treads
- Box treads: a tread that is encompassed by walls on either side of the staircase
Half-round Nosing: This type of style allows for a softer, sophisticated appearance and matches for more traditional style staircases. Half-round nosing is often referred to as “bullnose”.Compared to square stair treads, bullnose stair treads are rounded to remove the ‘edge face’ of the nose. Regardless if the staircase is straight or curved, the bullnose adds a classic, elegant aesthetic that fits any style. In addition, rounded surfaces hide scratches much easier than flat surfaces.
Treads with the half-round nose style is often called:
- Bullnose stair treads
- Round nose stair treads
- Stair treads - rounded edge
No overhang (custom): A newer contemporary style has the nosing flush with the riser rather than having any overhang. This almost ‘seamless’ design gives the impression of a staircase made from a continuous piece of wood. Generally, homeowners who choose this style are concerned about their feet catching on an overhanging nose. Regardless, there are others who simply prefer a polished, minimalist style. It’s nearly seamless as there is often a distinctive shadowline created to help increase the step’s visibility to prevent falls.
Quality Square Stair Treads and Bullnose Stair Treads From Heritage Oak
At Heritage Oak, we offer both square nose stair treads and bullnose stair treads in standard lengths of 36”, 42”, 48", 54”, 60”, 72”, 84”, and 96” and width of 11 ¼” and 11 ½”. We also offer custom-made, extra thick stair treads - up to 4”! From stair treads to risers to stair noses, Heritage Oak has the quality stair parts for any project. Protect your investment with beautiful hardwood stair noses that offer safety and unique character to every home. Got a specific project in mind? We would love to help!
Additional Questions
What are treads and risers for stairs?
Treads: The tread is the horizontal section which is stepped on. This particular area is built to endure foot traffic while keeping your stairs visual aesthetic.
Risers: are vertical boards which connect the treads together to determine the height of a step. This means the first impression of a staircase is typically the risers. Can match the treads or create a contrast.
How thick are stair treads?
Deciding how thick a stair tread should be actually depends on the type of staircase. A typical rule of thumb is, stairs with risers need no less than 1” treads. Open riser stairs need no less than 1 ½” thick treads. All stair treads need to completely support people ascending/descending. This means without splitting, breaking, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the staircase.
What is the difference between square nose stair treads and bullnose stair tread?
While the differences between the two nose styles are mostly in aesthetic tastes, there are a couple points worth mentioning. Both square stair treads and bullnose stair treads are equally durable and are used in staircases with or without risers. However, the bullnose’s rounded features hide scratches and dents more easily. Furthermore, there are no corners to hit if someone falls on the steps.