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A flat plate insert is the detail to specify when a stair tread needs a hard, permanent line rather than a grit band. This is plain aluminium bar, bedded into a routed groove so the top face finishes flush with the stone, terrazzo or concrete around it, supplied in ready-cut 1m, 1.5m and 2m lengths in four bar sizes.
A single flat bar is not an anti-slip insert in the way carborundum is; its top face is smooth. What it gives you is a crisp, permanent visual line on the tread that will not fade, stain or lift, and an edge that survives cleaning machinery. Set two, three or four bars in parallel and the ribbed profile does deliver real grip underfoot, which is the traditional way these were used on stone stairs long before resin inserts existed.
In listed buildings, galleries, hotel lobbies and refurbished stone staircases, a bright metal line reads as part of the architecture where a black grit band reads as a safety retrofit. That is usually why this product gets specified.
The 6.35mm square section is the slimmest and takes the shallowest groove, so it is the one for thin stone or where routing depth is limited. 12.7 x 3.2mm gives a wider visible line with a shallow groove. 9.5 x 6.35mm and 12.7 x 6.35mm are the deeper sections: choose these where trolley wheels, cleaning machinery or heavy footfall will work on the insert over years.
| Material | Aluminium |
| Bar sizes | 6.35mm square, 12.7 x 3.2mm, 9.5 x 6.35mm, 12.7 x 6.35mm |
| Stock lengths | 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m |
| Fixing | Bedded in adhesive into a routed groove |
| Application | Internal or external |
| Manufactured | United Kingdom |
Rout the groove slightly deeper than the bar so adhesive can key beneath it, and set the insert back at least 15mm from the front arris. The substrate must be clean, dry and free of laitance. Bed in an exterior-grade adhesive and weight until cured. Aluminium will dull in a wet environment; where the insert must stay bright, specify the stainless steel version instead. Clean with a damp cloth and neutral detergent, not an acid or solvent cleaner.
Length. Order the bar that covers your going in one piece. If your treads are an awkward width, or every flight differs, order from the cut-to-size version of this insert and we will cut each piece to the millimetre between 250mm and 2800mm.
Material. Aluminium is lighter, cheaper and easier to cut. Stainless steel stays bright in wet and chemically aggressive settings and takes heavier wear.
Stock lengths are dispatched from inventory. Standard UK mainland delivery is a flat rate. Mill and satin finishes are confirmed with your order.
| Service | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard UK Delivery | 2 working days from dispatch | £9.99 |
Orders placed by 2pm (UK time) on a working day are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 2pm or on non-working days are dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2 working days from dispatch. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. UK delivery costs £9.99. Contact us for international enquiries.
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 6 reviews.
Had to sort out some safety concerns in our new homes stairway. I popped the flat metal strip into the grooves of the steps along the hallway, and it fits snug as a bug in a rug! Its solid enough to handle heavy use – even my clunky boots don’t cause any damage. Happy with how it integrates seamlessly with the modern vibe of our place while enhancing its durability.
Came in secure packaging, ready to go. Used it to refurbish some worn-out metal steps in our small workshop and it’s doing the business even during a busy rainy season. The flat aluminium strip feels sturdy underfoot, providing decent traction when its slippery out on the floor. Overall, the stair tread works great for keeping things safe around heavy machinery operations.
Took a punt on this, delighted when it arrived promptly, all safely packaged. We slotted the inserts into place with ease; none of the hassle wed feared due to how snugly they fit into the groove. Already looking promising for a busy doorway setting since the stair tread looks clean cut alongside our museums terrazzo landings. No issues whatsoever so far, worth trying out if youre upgrading your space once and for all.
Got this for a needed facelift on the entrance steps of our local library. The stair tread fits nicely, sinking seamlessly into the concrete groove and elevating the whole visual appeal of the steps. For what I paid, it reasonably added significant value by giving those well-trodden stairs a smart finish without being overly shiny or distracting. Happy enough despite my usual scepticism about such basics.
Installed it on our office steps a few months ago, and its holding up brilliantly despite the constant use and unpredictable British weather. The aluminium strips look sleek and provided a much-needed contemporary touch while remaining sturdy underfoot. Even after the rains, it retains excellent grip, ensuring peace of mind for everyone using the stairs.
Sturdily crafted. Cut it to fit precisely into the grooves of the textured steps at home, and it’s made navigating the stairs much smoother without a hitch ever since. Quite impressed with how seamlessly the stair tread blended in with the terrazzo finish—didn’t anticipate that level of neatness!
