Bullnose DDA Aluminium Stair Nosing 70 x 56mm, High Grip & Exterior Grip Inserts

Why this nosing works

Contrast on both faces, at the width the regulations ask for

Approved Document K asks for a permanently contrasting band at least 55mm wide on both the tread and the riser of every step in buildings other than dwellings. This profile gives 70mm across the tread and a 56mm drop down the front, so it clears both, where most bullnose nosings drop only 35-40mm. Insert LRVs are published for your access statement.

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 and made for internal use. 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 shell that follows the rounded edge

The formed aluminium shell, 56mm overall and 53mm inside, curves over a bullnose step and tucks back under it, bearing on the rounded edge instead of bridging it, so nothing flexes under heavy footfall.

A ramped back instead of a step-down lip

Behind the insert, the 3.5mm aluminium tapers onto the floor covering, so hard floors finish flush with no back edge to catch a heel or a trolley wheel.

Where it is used

Main and secondary stairs in offices, schools, universities, hospitals and hotels where the steps have a rounded nosing, timber stair refurbishments, and external entrance steps with an Exterior Grip insert. For a smaller rounded edge, the 70mm bullnose with a 37mm riser uses the same inserts. For square-edged steps, see the 70 x 56mm square DDA profile.

Specification

Choosing the right option

Check the step edge first. The shell needs a rounded nosing deep enough for a 56mm drop. For square edges use the 70 x 56mm square DDA nosing. For more colours, the same bullnose comes with a standard PVC insert.

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 the door.

Then pick colour for contrast. Black inserts suit pale floors; Solar, Brimstone and Everest suit dark treads. Approved Document M treats over 30 LRV points as adequate contrast.

Finish and length last. Mill Finish costs least, then Bright Polished and Satin Gold, then the satins, bronzes and black, with Mirrorflect at the top; Exterior Grip costs more in every finish. Take the next length up from your widest step.

Installation, use and care

Make good damaged edges, then clean and dry the step. Offer the nosing up so the shell sits tight round the bullnose, and mark through the drill holes. On concrete or stone, drill and plug; outside, use corrosion-resistant fixings. Apply cartridge adhesive to the underside, screw down firmly and fit the insert over the screw heads. Lay the floor covering tight to the ramp. Clean with water and neutral detergent; sweep gritted inserts often.

Frequently asked questions

Is this stair nosing Building Regs compliant?

The profile is classed as Building Regulations compliant: its 70mm tread and 56mm riser faces exceed the 55mm contrasting band of Approved Document K.

Can I use it outside?

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 and should not be fitted to exposed steps.

Will it fit a square-edged step?

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

How many steps will one length cover?

Allow 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.

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.