Aluminium Stair Nosing 40 x 26mm Anodised Bullnose Edge for 3mm LVT

If you have laid 3mm LVT over a staircase or a stepped platform, the exposed front edge is the first thing to fail. Foot traffic works at the leading edge of the plank, the adhesive line picks up grit, and within a season the tile starts to lift away from the tread. This 40 x 26mm anodised aluminium profile covers that edge completely. The rounded nose sits on the step edge and takes the wear, a 40mm plate runs back along the tread beneath the vinyl, and the 26mm leg drops down to cover the riser face. It arrives drilled, countersunk and packed with screws and dowels, so it is fixed down mechanically rather than relying on adhesive alone.

Why it works

The plate goes under the floor, not over it

This is not a cover strip laid on top of a finished floor. The 40mm plate is screwed down to the bare tread first and the LVT is then laid over it, butting up against the back of the nose. The plate tapers from 1.3mm at the nose to a feather edge at its back, so the vinyl runs over it and down onto the substrate without a ridge or a visible joint line. The nose stands proud of the plate by just enough to finish level with a 3mm plank bedded in adhesive, so the floor meets the metal flush and it is the metal, not the vinyl, that takes the traffic at the edge.

Anodising matched to the traffic

The manufacturer specifies aluminium AA 6063 T6 / UNS A96063, anodised to DIN 17611. Mill-finish aluminium carries an oxide film of roughly 0.2 microns; the manufacturer states that mechanical and chemical polishing followed by anodising raises this to around 5 microns, and up to 20 microns on the matt finishes. That thicker anodic layer is what resists scuffing from shoes and cleaning equipment, and it is integral to the metal rather than a coating that can peel. The manufacturer rates the profile for light to medium foot traffic in commercial buildings such as retail, hospitality and education, and in domestic buildings.

A 1.3mm wall that stays flat

At 1.3mm the extrusion cuts easily with a mitre saw yet stays stiff enough to pull down straight onto a tread without waving between fixing centres. The countersinks are pre-drilled, and because the plate is buried under the vinyl the screw heads disappear entirely once the floor is laid.

Where it is used

This profile suits domestic staircases finished in 3mm LVT, flats and apartment blocks where communal steps have been re-covered, offices and receptions with a stepped floor or raised platform, and shops and showrooms where a single step needs a clean metal edge. It works equally well on the front edge of a landing, a plinth or a low platform — anywhere a run of 3mm LVT stops at an exposed corner.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Start with the floor thickness, because it is the one dimension that cannot be worked around. The manufacturer sizes this profile to accommodate 3mm LVT, and the height of the nose above the plate is set to suit a 3mm plank bedded in adhesive. A 4mm or 5mm plank will finish proud of the nose and leave a lip at the step edge, so for click or thicker dry-back vinyl you need a deeper section instead.

Then take the length. A standard domestic tread is around 850–900mm, so the 0.9m piece usually covers one step with a trim cut and no joint. The 1.8m covers two treads from one piece, and the 2.7m is the full stock length — the economical choice if you are running a flight and can cut to suit, or if you are edging a long platform where a continuous run matters more than waste.

Finish is the last decision and it is purely visual. Bright Silver is a polished, reflective metal; Brushed Silver carries a fine directional grain; Matt Silver is a flat, low-sheen grey that hides marks best on a busy stair; Matt Black suits dark planks and contemporary schemes; Bronze is a warm dark brown that reads closer to timber than to metal.

Installation, use and care

The profile goes down before the floor covering, not after. Clean the tread thoroughly, removing anything that would stop the plate bedding flat. Measure and cut the profile to length, position it and mark the drill points, then reposition and secure it with the supplied screws and dowels. Only then lay the LVT over the plate, cutting it to butt against the back of the nose.

Clear any adhesive, grout or cement residue from the visible faces straight away. The manufacturer warns that cement-based materials turn alkaline in the presence of moisture and can corrode aluminium if left in contact. For routine cleaning use pH-neutral detergent or colourless alcohol diluted in water, applied to a soft cloth rather than poured onto the surface, then rinse and dry. Avoid acidic cleaners and abrasive pads.

Frequently asked questions

Will this fit 4mm or 5mm LVT?

No. The manufacturer sizes this profile for 3mm LVT, and the nose height above the plate is set to suit a 3mm plank bedded in adhesive. A 4mm or 5mm plank finishes above the crown of the nose and leaves a ledge at the step edge. For 5mm click or dry-back vinyl, choose a profile made for that thickness.

Is this an anti-slip safety nosing?

No. It is an edge protection and finishing profile with a plain anodised surface, and the manufacturer publishes no slip resistance data for it. If your project needs a rated anti-slip step edge — for a public building, a specification referencing Approved Document K, or a wet area — choose a nosing with a carborundum or PVC anti-slip insert instead.

Are fixings included?

Yes. The manufacturer supplies each length individually packed, pre-drilled and countersunk, with screws and dowels. You will need a drill and a suitable bit for your substrate.

Can I use it outdoors?

The manufacturer scopes this profile to commercial and domestic buildings and publishes nothing about external exposure, so we do not recommend it outside. It also cautions about alkaline attack from damp cement-based materials, which is more likely in external construction.

How do I cut it?

A mitre saw with a fine-tooth non-ferrous blade gives the cleanest cut; a fine hacksaw blade works for one or two pieces. Deburr the cut end with a file before fixing.

Ordering and delivery

Choose your finish and length above — each combination is priced individually and all fifteen are available to order. Orders placed before our daily cut-off are despatched the same working day on a tracked UK service. If you need a length or finish you cannot see listed, contact us before ordering.

View our complete range of stair nosing profiles — aluminium, rubber and PVC options for every application.