Bullnose Aluminium Stair Nosing 70 x 37mm, Ramp Back, High Grip & Exterior Grip Inserts

Why this nosing works

A rounded front made for rounded steps

The 3.5mm aluminium front drops 37mm (35mm inside) and curls back under the nosing, so it bears on the bullnose instead of bridging it. It shields the edge from chipping, wear and impact, hides minor damage to the substrate, and gives a clearly defined leading edge that helps reduce trips and falls.

Two inserts for two jobs

The High Grip inserts (Obsidian, Solar) are a textured PVC on a PET backing, rated 95 dry and 60 wet on the TRL pendulum, for internal stairs. The Exterior Grip inserts (Brimstone, Coal, Everest) are gel-coated GRP with fused grit set into the resin, rated above 95 dry and above 85 wet, and built for rain and frost. Over 36 is low slip potential.

A 70mm contrast band across the tread

Approved Document K asks for a contrasting band at least 55mm wide on the tread; this insert-and-metal plate gives 70mm. The 37mm front sits inside the 30-55mm riser band set for common stairs in blocks of flats. Where a 55mm riser band is specified as well, the same bullnose comes with a 56mm drop in our 70 x 56mm DDA range.

A ramped back instead of a step-down lip

Behind the insert the plate tapers onto the floor covering, so there is no back edge to catch a heel, a cleaning machine or a trolley wheel, and fewer joints to fail on a long run.

Where it is used

Main and secondary stairs in offices, retail units and shopping centres, schools, colleges and universities, apartment blocks and shared stairwells, plus external entrance steps, fire escapes and service stairs when fitted with an Exterior Grip insert. For narrower rounded steps, the 55 x 37mm High Grip bullnose and 55 x 37mm Exterior Grip bullnose share the same front; for a wider tread with two bands, see the 84 x 37mm double channel bullnose.

Specification

Choosing the right option

Check the step edge first. The front needs a rounded nosing to bear on. On a square-edged step it rocks and the fixings work loose, so choose a square or rake-back profile there instead.

Inside or outside decides the insert. High Grip is for internal stairs only. Steps open to the weather need Exterior Grip, which also suits a wet flight just inside an entrance.

Then pick colour for contrast. Black inserts (Obsidian, Coal) suit pale floors; Solar, Brimstone and Everest suit dark treads. Approved Document M treats a difference of more than 30 LRV points as adequate contrast.

Finish and length last. Mill Finish costs least, then Bright Polished and Satin Gold, then Satin Silver, the bronzes and Satin Black, with Mirrorflect at the top; Exterior Grip costs more in every finish. Take the next length up from your widest step so one bar covers it without a joint.

Installation, use and care

Make good damaged edges, then clean and dry the step. Offer the nosing up so the front sits tight round the bullnose and mark through the drill holes. On concrete or masonry, drill and plug; on timber use wood screws; on metal stairs use self-tapping screws; outside, use corrosion-resistant fixings. Apply cartridge adhesive to the underside, screw down firmly along the length and fit the insert over the screw heads. Lay the floor covering tight to the ramp. For long service in high-traffic areas, clean with water and a neutral detergent and sweep gritted inserts often.

Frequently asked questions

Can this stair nosing be used on external stairs?

Yes, with a Brimstone, Coal or Everest Exterior Grip insert, which keeps a wet pendulum value above 85. The High Grip inserts (Obsidian and Solar) are for internal stairs only, so do not fit them to steps open to the weather.

Is this stair nosing Building Regs compliant?

Yes. The profile is classed as Building Regulations compliant, and its 70mm tread band exceeds the 55mm contrasting band of Approved Document K. Ask us for a copy of the certificate for your project file.

How do I choose the right length for my stairs?

Measure the full width of each step and take the nearest stock length above it, allowing a few millimetres per saw cut. A 2.44m bar gives two 1.2m steps, a 2.75m bar two 1.35m steps, and a 3.22m bar three 1.05m steps or two 1.6m steps.

What type of fixings should I use?

On concrete or masonry, masonry plugs and screws; on timber, wood screws; on metal, self-tapping screws. Bed the nosing in adhesive as well and fix along its full length so it cannot move.

Will it fit a square-edged step?

No. The rounded front needs a bullnose edge to bear on; on a square nosing it rocks and the fixings work loose.

Ordering and delivery

All 126 combinations of finish, insert and length are priced individually above. Nosings ship as full stock-length bars for cutting on site, with flat-rate UK delivery at £9.99; order by 2pm on a working day for same-day dispatch. For project quantities, send us your step count and widths for a quote.