Retro-Fit Stainless Steel Anti-Slip Stair Nosing R11 | No Tile Removal | 4 Colours | 34mm & 59mm

A tiled staircase that has gone slippery is an awkward problem: the usual fix means lifting the nose tiles and closing the flight for days. This retro-fit nosing avoids that. The stainless profile bonds straight onto the finished step, wrapping the existing tile edge, and carries an R11 mineral-grit tread — a commercial slip rating fitted in an afternoon. It adds 1.5 mm over the tile, so the going and rise of the stair are effectively unchanged. Two tread widths, three lengths, four grit colours.

Why it works

Bonded on, not built in

There is no anchoring leg and no adhesive bed — the profile bonds to the finished step face with Schlüter KERDI-FIX or a two-part epoxy. The rounded nose wraps the existing tile arris and a 17 mm return covers the top of the riser, so the edge that was chipping is protected by 1.5 mm stainless. Behind the grit strip the profile tapers to a feather edge onto the tread, so there is no step up to catch a toe.

An R11 grit tread, not a rubber insert

The tread is embedded mineral grit rather than a moulded PVC insert — the same class of surface used on industrial safety treads: coarse underfoot and rated R11 to DIN 51130. That is a real step up from the R9 and R10 profiles most tiled staircases carry, and it holds up in entrances and lobbies where floors get walked wet.

Stainless that stays presentable

The support is brushed V2A stainless steel (1.4301 / AISI 304). On a bonded profile the metal becomes the visible edge of the step, taking every scuff from luggage, trolleys and cleaning machines. The brushed finish hides that marking better than an anodised or painted edge, and will not corrode where cleaning chemicals run down the nose.

Where it is used

Refurbishments, mostly: office and lobby stairs gone slippery, hotel and apartment common flights, school and college circulation stairs, retail and leisure steps, and let properties needing the stair made safe without a contract-scale job. Internal stairs only — the grit tape has limited UV resistance.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Width. 34 mm is the discreet option for domestic and light-traffic stairs where you want grip without a broad band across the step. 59 mm is the commercial choice: more grit under the ball of the foot and a wider colour band that reads from the top of a flight. For a workplace circulation route, specify 59 mm.

Colour. Choose for contrast against the tread you already have: yellow where the stair is a recognised hazard, black against pale porcelain, nut brown with stone and terracotta. Transparent is the discreet option, with the obvious trade-off — grip without changing the look of the stair, and no visual contrast at all.

Length. Run each step in one piece where you can — a joint mid-tread collects dirt and is the first place a bonded profile lifts.

Installation, use and care

Success is almost entirely preparation. The step nose must be sound, clean, dry and free of polish, sealer and loose glaze — degrease it, and key a glazed tile lightly if the adhesive manufacturer calls for it. Dry-fit and cut to length first, apply KERDI-FIX or epoxy in continuous beads to the underside, press the profile over the nose and weight or tape it until cured, keeping the stair out of use while it sets. Clean with a neutral-pH cleaner; grit holds dirt, so a stiff brush beats a mop. Keep abrasive pads and chlorine-based products off the stainless.

Frequently asked questions

Is R11 the highest anti-slip rating?

No. DIN 51130 runs R9 to R13, so R11 sits third of five — the rating normally specified for internal commercial circulation and areas walked wet, with R12 and R13 for industrial floors. Note too that UK slip assessment under HSE and UKSRG guidance uses pendulum test values (PTV), not R-ratings; the two do not convert.

Does this meet Part M, BS 8300 or DDA requirements?

No. BS 8300-2 and Approved Document M expect a contrasting band of roughly 50–65 mm on the tread and 30–55 mm on the riser, with at least 30 LRV points of contrast. The 59 mm tread meets the tread dimension, but the riser return is 17 mm, so neither width satisfies the riser requirement — and transparent gives no contrast at all. Use this to raise slip resistance on an existing stair; specify a two-part compliance nosing where accessibility approval is required.

Do I really not have to lift any tiles?

Correct — it bonds to the finished surface. The one thing that stops the job is a nose already chipped or worn round; the profile needs a reasonably square, sound edge to sit on.

What happens when the grit wears down?

Replacement self-adhesive grit tape is available in all four colours: clean out the channel and lay a fresh strip. The stainless profile stays on the step.

Can I fit it to external steps?

No — the grit tape has limited UV resistance and is specified for internal use. Ask us about an external-rated profile instead.

Ordering and delivery

All 24 width, length and colour combinations are available to order. Standard UK delivery is £9.99, 2–4 working days; orders placed before 12 pm Monday to Friday are usually despatched same day. For end caps, replacement grit tape, adhesive or a full-flight take-off, call 01282 270 010 or email sales@stairnosingsuk.co.uk.