Understanding the essential role of stairnosings in both design and safety
When designing or renovating a staircase, stairnosings might not be the first thing you think about—but they play a vital role in both safety and aesthetics. Let’s explore what stairnosings are, why they matter, and how they contribute to a high-quality timber flooring finish.
A stairnosing is the edge or front part of a stair tread—the area that protrudes slightly over the step below. It serves as a transition between the horizontal part of the step (tread) and the vertical part (riser).
Stairnosings can be integrated into timber stairs to provide a clean, finished edge. At Bespoke Timber Coatings, we manufacture custom stairnosings that match your floorboards for a cohesive and professional look.
One of the most critical functions of a stairnosing is safety. The overhang increases the visible edge of each step, reducing the risk of missteps and slips—especially important in low-light conditions or for older adults and children.
Stair edges are high-impact areas. Without a nosing, the front edge of the stair tread is more vulnerable to wear, chipping, or splitting. A properly designed stairnosing enhances durability and longevity.
A seamless transition from floor to stair gives your interior a polished, architectural feel. Matching stairnosings to your flooring finish ensures consistency in grain, tone, and texture.
In many building codes, stairnosings are a requirement. They help meet local regulations around tread depth and slip resistance.
Stairnosings come in a variety of profiles to suit different design styles and functional needs. Options include:
At Bespoke Timber Coatings, we offer fully customised stairnosings that match your chosen timber, grade, and coating finish.
Stairnosings may be a small component, but they make a big impact. From enhancing safety to ensuring your stair design flows beautifully with the rest of your flooring, they’re an essential finishing touch you shouldn’t overlook.
Want to learn more or discuss custom options? Contact us today.
Bespoke Timber Coatings is a proudly New Zealand-owned manufacturer and supplier of high-quality prefinished timber flooring, stair solutions, and custom colour coatings. We combine craftsmanship, sustainability, and design flexibility to deliver tailored timber systems.
