A heavy duty aluminium stair nosing for tiled stairs that stays visible when the lights go out. It is a tile-in profile: the nosing is bedded into the tile adhesive at the edge of each step while the stair is being tiled, and the tile butts up to it, so it sits flush with the tread and there are no visible fixings. A glow strip runs along the nose, with a 38mm quartz textured anti-slip insert behind it.
Why it works
Two inserts, two jobs
The front strip is a photoluminescent compound that stores light and releases it as a green glow, measured at 455 mcd/m² ten minutes after charging and staying highly visible for more than 600 minutes. If the lighting fails on an escape stair, each step edge still shows. Behind it, the 38mm quartz textured insert is the walking surface: an external-grade, gritted blend of PVC and silica quartz in a raised pyramid pattern, rated R11 on the DIN 51130 ramp test with pendulum values of 57 dry and 47 wet to BS 7976-2, for grip in wet and dry conditions.
Aluminium takes the knocks, not the tile
A 6063-T6 aluminium extrusion takes the heel strikes, trolley wheels and dropped tools that would chip the tile edge, the part of a tiled step most likely to chip. Designed for heavy foot traffic, it is braced by a central T-web and three feet, and the 55mm apron protects the riser tile.
Locked into the tiling
Tile adhesive squeezes up through the anchoring holes in the 18mm tiling leg and grips the profile from both sides; a keyed rear wall gives the tread tile a square edge to butt against.
A contrasting band you can measure
The 56mm x 55mm profile is sized for the 55mm contrasting band Approved Document M asks for on stairs in buildings other than dwellings, and it meets DDA and BS 8300 visual contrast guidance. For a visible step edge the insert should contrast with the tile by at least 30 points of light reflectance value (LRV); every insert LRV is listed below.
Tile-in fit: bedded under the tile edge for a flush finish with no screws on show
Photoluminescent glow strip on the nose, visible in the dark for 10 hours or more
38mm quartz textured insert, R11, PTV 57 dry / 47 wet, for wet and high-traffic areas
Made in 10mm and 12.5mm versions to suit the tile thickness
Where it is used
Escape stairs where emergency lighting may fail, cinemas and venues with dimmed lighting, hotels, hospitals, offices, schools, stations and outdoor tiled steps.
Specifications
Profile
Heavy duty tile-in stair nosing, straight edge
Section
56mm tread x 55mm riser apron, 18mm perforated tiling leg
Tile thickness
10mm or 12.5mm (choose to match your tiles)
Inserts
Front photoluminescent glow strip plus 38mm quartz textured anti-slip insert
Glow performance
455 mcd/m² after 10 minutes charging; highly visible afterglow over 600 minutes
White 49.9, Black 4.6, Dolphin Grey 11.5, Yellow 48.1
Material
Extruded aluminium, alloy 6063 T6, matt silver, LRV 73.8
Suitable for
Ceramic, porcelain and stone tiled stairs; can also be used with wood and laminate treads
Environment
Indoor and outdoor
Fixing method
Tile-in, bedded in tile adhesive
Lengths
1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, 3.22m
Nosing type
Commercial, heavy duty
Compliance
Meets DDA and BS 8300 visual contrast guidance; complies with Building Regulations for stair safety
Choosing the right option
Tile thickness first. Measure the tile you are laying and choose 10mm or 12.5mm to match. A thicker tile in the 10mm version sits proud of the nose.
Then insert colour. Use yellow or white on dark tiles and black on light tiles. Check your combination with our LRV calculator.
Then length. Order one nosing per step in the shortest length that covers the width, and cut it back on site.
Installation, use and care
Fit the nosing as you tile each step. Measure every step individually and cut with a fine-tooth blade, leaving 2 to 3mm clearance at each end. Set it on a solid bed of tile adhesive with the nose tight to the riser, then lay the tread tile up to it so it finishes level with the nosing. Scrub the insert with a bristle brush and warm soapy water; never use solvent cleaners.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit it to stairs that are already tiled?
No. The tiling leg sits under the tread tile, so the nosing goes down while you tile. For steps that are already tiled, ask us about our retro-fit range.
How does the glow strip work?
It is charged by ordinary daylight or artificial light and glows green when the lights go out. Ten minutes of charging gives a highly visible glow for more than 600 minutes. It needs no wiring or power.
How is it fixed?
It is bedded into the tile adhesive: the adhesive keys through the perforated tiling leg and the tread tile locks it in, so there are no screws on show.
Is it suitable for outdoor steps?
Yes, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor tiled steps, and the insert keeps a pendulum value of 47 when wet. Use frost-resistant tiles and an exterior-grade adhesive outside.
Ordering and delivery
Choose the insert colour, tile thickness and length above; every combination is priced on its own. Stock is held in the UK and dispatched from our UK warehouse.
View our complete range of stair nosing profiles — aluminium, rubber and PVC options for every application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit it to stairs that are already tiled? No. The tiling leg sits under the tread tile, so the nosing goes down while you tile. For steps that are already tiled, ask us about our retro-fit range.
How does the glow strip work? It is charged by ordinary daylight or artificial light and glows green when the lights go out. Ten minutes of charging gives a highly visible glow for more than 600 minutes. It needs no wiring or power.
How is it fixed? It is bedded into the tile adhesive: the adhesive keys through the perforated tiling leg and the tread tile locks it in, so there are no screws on show.
Is it suitable for outdoor steps? Yes, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor tiled steps, and the insert keeps a pendulum value of 47 when wet. Use frost-resistant tiles and an exterior-grade adhesive outside.
Delivery Information
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.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Refund Policy
Subject to the right of Consumers to return goods for refund under The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and additional charges Regulations 2013) apply, We do not sell products on a trial basis. Customers are strongly advised to check suitability and specifications of products before ordering. In some instances, Customers may benefit from special price discounts. Accordingly, orders for such goods can not be cancelled and we can only return or repair Goods where they prove to be defective and the Goods are returned for repair or replacement.
In the event that Stair Nosings UK (a trading name of Express Matting Services Ltd), at its discretion unless the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and additional charges Regulations 2013) apply, agrees to accept the return for credit of unwanted products, the goods must be returned with our prior written agreement within 14 days of delivery. The goods must be unopened and in perfect re-saleable condition All goods returned in these circumstances (except where the Consumer Protection Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and additional charges Regulations 2013) apply. Please ensure that the product(s) you have purchased are to your specification prior to breaking the manufacturers seals. This will avoid disappointment and the product(s) being rejected, should you wish to return them.
13. Reduced price offer & Liquidation Products
13.1 Goods sold on "Reduced price offer" or "Liquidation Stock" are downgraded goods that our company is able to offer at a discount on the normal catalogue price. Stocks of goods offered as above are limited and such goods are sold subject to the following special rules. These special rules apply in addition to, and in the event of any conflict override, all of our other terms and conditions, except those terms and conditions specifically covering Consumers.
13.2 Upon receipt of an order, we will check stock availability. Until stock availability is confirmed to the customer, a contract for sale will not be created and no payment will be debited from the customer.
13.3 All goods sold by us as Reduced price offer & Liquidation Products are sold subject to the following special rules that apply in addition to our other terms and conditions.
13.4 Prices are not subject to value, cash or volume discounts
13.5 All stair nosings are custom-made to order and therefore non-returnable or refundable.
13.6 No liability is accepted for late delivery of goods or goods lost in transit
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the safe return of the goods.
Cost of returning goods are solely the responsibility of the customer.
All items must be returned in the original packaging. If merchandise is defective or if you have received the wrong item, Stair Nosings UK (a trading name of Express Matting Services Ltd) will either immediately replace the item or issue a credit or refund within a few days once the merchandise has been returned to them.
Charlotte H.
Job done. Fitted the edging on our outdoor tiles leading to the library entrance, and it slots in perfectly without needing any adjustments. It sits discreetly and has been worth every penny compared with more expensive options—brilliant grip even when rubbish weather hits.
Patrick E.
Had to get the walkways in our buzzing office sorted quick, and this was just the ticket. Fit brilliantly over the laminate flooring without a hitch, and really feels like it ups the security game for everyone bustling about. Looks top-notch with loads of natural light hitting it from the big windows—just what we needed!
Samuel R.
Came securely wrapped and straight away it was ready for a trial run in our local tube station. Underfoot, it absolutely handles the wet footfall like a pro — floors still impeccable despite all the commuter bustle. Honestly, Kens heavy duty stair nosing doesnt just look tidy but performs impressively when you need that extra grip during those slippery peak hours!
Emily R.
Took a punt on this after seeing it online. The packaging was solid, and all the pieces inside were pristine—always a good sign! Installed these treads at our local stadium where theyre constantly in use, and theyve held up brilliantly through both rain and shine. Got to say, they delivered exactly as promised for those tricky stair nosings weve had trouble with before.
Freya T.
Got this for the staircases in our office building, and it’s given them a sleek, professional finish. The installation was straightforward, fitting seamlessly over our carpeted steps. Quick delivery with minimal fuss made it all the better, and the heavy-duty stair nosing now offers superb safety while complementing the overall modern look.
Emily T.
Surprisingly adaptable. Trimming down the heavy duty stair nosing to fit our wooden steps wasnt a hassle with the right tools, and it slotted into place easily. After a steady few weeks of traffic, its kept its modern look without any issues.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 6 reviews.
Job done. Fitted the edging on our outdoor tiles leading to the library entrance, and it slots in perfectly without needing any adjustments. It sits discreetly and has been worth every penny compared with more expensive options—brilliant grip even when rubbish weather hits.
Had to get the walkways in our buzzing office sorted quick, and this was just the ticket. Fit brilliantly over the laminate flooring without a hitch, and really feels like it ups the security game for everyone bustling about. Looks top-notch with loads of natural light hitting it from the big windows—just what we needed!
Came securely wrapped and straight away it was ready for a trial run in our local tube station. Underfoot, it absolutely handles the wet footfall like a pro — floors still impeccable despite all the commuter bustle. Honestly, Kens heavy duty stair nosing doesnt just look tidy but performs impressively when you need that extra grip during those slippery peak hours!
Took a punt on this after seeing it online. The packaging was solid, and all the pieces inside were pristine—always a good sign! Installed these treads at our local stadium where theyre constantly in use, and theyve held up brilliantly through both rain and shine. Got to say, they delivered exactly as promised for those tricky stair nosings weve had trouble with before.
Got this for the staircases in our office building, and it’s given them a sleek, professional finish. The installation was straightforward, fitting seamlessly over our carpeted steps. Quick delivery with minimal fuss made it all the better, and the heavy-duty stair nosing now offers superb safety while complementing the overall modern look.
Surprisingly adaptable. Trimming down the heavy duty stair nosing to fit our wooden steps wasnt a hassle with the right tools, and it slotted into place easily. After a steady few weeks of traffic, its kept its modern look without any issues.