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do you need stair nosing

by Zander Skiles Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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A stair nosing (extension of the tread past the front face of the riser below) is only required when a tread is less than 11 inches, according to the International Residential Code (IRC 311.7. 5.3). Since the minimum tread allowed is 10 inches, a nosing is only required for treads between 10 and 11 inches.Mar 15, 2020

Full Answer

Do I need a nosing on my stair treads?

A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm). In the IRC, the nosing is only required on 10" treads. If you have 11" treads, a nosing is not required. I believe that is why it is not required in the IBC, since all treads are 11", and nosings are really not needed with these larger treads.

How much nosing projection do you need on stairs?

Stair tread nosing projection past vertical riser below (3/4″ to 1 1/2″) required on stairs with solid risers The greatest stair tread nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings.

What are stair nosing inserts and why are they important?

Since elevators are not recommended in the event of a fire evacuation or other emergency, adequate access to stairs and anti-slip components offered by the stair nosing inserts help prevent slips during an emergency situation. Stair nosings can be installed for a variety of stair surfaces, from carpet to hardwood to concrete and more.

How to choose the right stair nose for your staircase?

Installing stair nosing with bright colour in dark wood staircase for example will ensure your safety and at the same time it will make it easier to spot each step even when there is little light.

See 4 key topics from this page & related content

See 3 key topics from this page & related content

See 4 key topics from this page & related content

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Why do stair treads have nosing?

Improved Safety The main purpose of a nosing is to improve the safety of the staircase. As it protrudes a little over the edge of the tread, it provides some extra space for users to place their feet.

What does a stair nose do?

1:281:57What Is Stair Nosing? - Stair Building Terms - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis particular stairway. Would have a nosing. I don't want to confuse you I just want to make aMoreThis particular stairway. Would have a nosing. I don't want to confuse you I just want to make a point that there are some carpenters stair builders and construction workers who will refer to a stair

How do you laminate stairs without nosing?

3:2414:42How to Laminate Stairs | Stair Noses | NO GAPS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we just do 0 on the top plus 1/16 on the bottom I stick it into this corner. Make sure it's upMoreSo we just do 0 on the top plus 1/16 on the bottom I stick it into this corner. Make sure it's up against the back and this is almost 3/16 of an inch here which means I have to remove.

What is the difference between stair tread and stair nosing?

The riser is the vertical surface of the stair. The tread on the other hand is the horizontal surface of the stair and the part of the stair you step on. Nosing is the portion of the tread that overhangs the front of the riser. Often a stair builder will talk about the rise and run of the stair.

What is the best stair nosing?

The Stair Nosing Material Say, for a stair constructed in the backstage, where it is less visible, requires a nosing made out of PVC or aluminum. At the same time, for a hotel lobby with a visible staircase, a nosing made out of brass or bronze depending on the color style of the lobby is the right choice.

What is the difference between stair nose and bullnose?

Half-Round: Also known as “bull-nose,” half-round stair tread nosing includes a smooth, curved design at the stair edge with a flat surface in between. This style is often used for the “landing,” which refers to an additional extension of the bottom stair.

Is laminate on stairs a good idea?

Pro: Laminate Flooring Makes Stairs Easier to Clean There is no argument in the fact that laminate floor is significantly easier to be cleaned as compared to a carpet. Laminate floors also don't amass soil, hair and other sorts of dirt that would become harder to clean after a period of time.

Should stair nose be flush?

A flush stair nose creates a smooth and flush finish on the edges of your step where the flooring meets the transition. Stair noses can also be used for open balconies or step downs in an open concept space.

How do you cover up a stair nose?

2:116:01Stair Nosing install over Bamboo or Laminate Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn my case I'll just use the tape measure to go an inch and a half back maybe even two inches backMoreIn my case I'll just use the tape measure to go an inch and a half back maybe even two inches back from the front of the nosing. Spaced it out evenly among the stair nosing.

Should stairs have a Lip?

You are not required to have a nosing/overhang on your stair treads. But if your stairs don't have a nosing you are required to have a tread that is at least 11 inches long.

What can you use for stair nosing?

Nosing strips are typically 36 to 48 inches long and can be cut to fit the width of narrower stairs, using a hacksaw (for aluminum nosing), tin snips, or aviation snips (for vinyl nosing). Most kits come with nails for installing the strips.

How far should stair nosing stick out?

The tread nosing must overhang between 3/4” and 1-1/4” unless the tread is 11-inches or greater in depth. The stair lip improves safety by extending the horizontal space available for ascent and descent, and visually defines the step edge.

Why do stairs have an overhang?

The stair nosing can provide extra safety to your staircase. It overhangs the top of the tread and provides extra space for you to step on. It also helps protect the edge of your treads from getting damaged and wearing down over time.

Do carpeted stairs need nosing?

If you know what a stair runner is, it's much like this—a continuous strip of carpet. We only recommend this method on staircases that do not have nosing (a section of the tread that protrudes beyond the riser).

What is a nosing in construction?

Nosing is the edge of a step or stair tread that projects beyond the riser and usually adds a rounded edge to the stair. It improves the safety of a staircase as it provides extra space to place your feet and, typically, additional traction.

What does Nozing mean?

: the usually rounded edge of a stair tread that projects over the riser also : a similar rounded projection.

How much difference between stairs?

From the top flight of stairs to the bottom of the stairs, each individual riser cannot exceed a difference of 3/8 of an inch.

How many inches does a stair tread need to run?

Run Requirements. The “run” is the measurement of the tread, which needs to be a minimum of 10 inches if the tread has and overhang on it (see image). This is a measurement from the nose of the tread to nose of the tread. You are not required to have an nosing/overhang on your stair treads.

What is the IRC code for stairs?

The International Residential Code ( IRC) has specific instructions the way stairs can be built. Here’s a clear summary of what the IRC code says about stair rise, run and nosing. (Note: not every municipality adopts every part of every code, and some cities and states add in their own additional rules. Bottom line, check with your local building ...

Why do stairs have a nosing?

I thought this would be a really dumb question to ask until I found there is no definitive answer online. Houzz has been a great resource to capture the latest design and architectural trends. That's why I'm posting the question here.

Comments (5)

i think this may answer your question http://ux.stackexchange.com/questions/78842/why-do-stairs-have-overhangs

What is a nosing in stairs?

A nosing is defined by the IBC as "the leading edge of treads of stairs and of landings at the top of a stairway flights.". Thus, the transition from tread or landing to the riser at the front would constitute the nosing, whether projecting, angled back, or straight down; therefore, all stairs technically have nosings.

Do you need a projection on a stair?

thank you, so by definition we do not need a projection on a stair

Does IRC require nosing?

Maybe a bit off the forum topic since this is commerical, BUT the IRC does required nosing (IRC 2009,311.7.4.3) where as the IBC does not

Do I need a nosing for 11" treads?

In the IRC, the nosing is only required on 10" treads. If you have 11" treads, a nosing is not required. I believe that is why it is not required in the IBC, since all treads are 11", and nosings are really not needed with these larger treads. The nosing requirement with 10" treads gives the surface of the tread more area, even though it is still 10" tread nose to tread nose, the 10" tread area is actually from 10 3/4" up to 11 1/4" even though it is only 10" from nosing to nosing.

How deep is a nosing for stairs?

A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm). Stair Landings.

How deep should stair treads be?

Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. The stair tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at right angle to the tread’s leading edge.

What is the tolerance for stair treads?

The tolerance between the largest and smallest riser or between the largest and smallest tread shall not exceed 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) in any flight of stairs. – NYS 2007

Where is the landing on a stairway?

Stair Landings. There must be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway and on each side of each exterior door. Exception: exterior doors, except the required main exit door, where there are two or fewer risers, a landing is not required.

Can you open risers?

Open risers are permitted provided the opening will not pass a 4″ sphere (child safety)

What is the ASME A17.1 code for escalators?

Visual contrast on stair nosings or the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision, but it is not required by the Standards except at escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations which must meet the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The ASME A17.1 code requires escalator steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2” wide maximum along the back and sides.

How big of a sphere can a stair tread be?

Stair treads must meet requirements for floor or ground surfaces which specify that surface openings not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch in diameter (§302.3). Risers cannot be open, but perforations or openings in riser surfaces that prohibit passage of a sphere not more than ½ inch in diameter are acceptable.

How wide are escalators?

Escalators must have a clear width of at least 32” and meet specific provisions in the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The referenced ASME criteria require steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2” wide maximum along the back and sides (§6.1.3.5.6) and specify at least 2, but no more than 4, flat steps at escalator entrances and exits (§6.1.3.6.5).

What are the requirements for stairways?

Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails.

What are the requirements for a power grip?

Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. Wall-mounted handrails with leading edges higher than 27” cannot protrude more than 4½” into circulation paths (§307.2).

Can a handrail wrap in the same direction as a stairway?

Handrail extensions must be in the same direction as the stair flight, but continuous handrails can wrap at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg stairways. In alterations where the required extension would project into circulation paths and pose a hazard, they can turn, wrap, or be shortened as necessary.

Do you need a handrail on both sides of stairs?

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous.

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1.Stair Nosing - What Is Its Purpose? | Blog | Floorsave

Url:https://www.floorsave.co.uk/blog/stair-nosing-what-is-its-purpose/

6 hours ago  · Beveling of nosings shall not exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Exception: A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm). So, since the minimum tread size is 10”, a nosing will extend the tread depth to between 10-3/4” and 11-1/4”. However, extending the nosing too far, which was sometimes done on excessively steep stairs of old …

2.Code Check: Stair Codes for Rise, Run, and Nosing

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6 hours ago  · A nosing is defined by the IBC as "the leading edge of treads of stairs and of landings at the top of a stairway flights." Thus, the transition from tread or landing to the riser at the front would constitute the nosing, whether projecting, angled back, or straight down; therefore, all stairs technically have nosings.

3.Why do stairs have a nosing? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3514308/why-do-stairs-have-a-nosing

23 hours ago  · Tread Nose not required on open stair treads (open riser) 2008 New York State Stair Code R311.5.3.3: Stair Tread [nose] The greatest stair tread nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings. A nosing is not required where the …

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