Square Aluminium Stair Nosing 3.22m, 56mm Tread x 56mm Riser, DDA Single Insert

This square-edged nosing from the DDA range is made for stairs where the step edge has to be seen as well as protected. Its 56mm tread leg and matching 56mm riser leg give a clear band of contrast on both the top and the front of every step. That is the detail access consultants and building control officers look for on public and commercial stairs.

It is supplied in 3.22m (3220mm) lengths, takes a single slip-resistant PVC insert, and suits vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet.

Why this profile works

A contrasting band on both faces of the step

Guidance for accessible stairs, including Approved Documents K and M and BS 8300, asks for a permanently contrasting strip on the tread and the riser, so people with impaired vision can pick out each step edge going up or coming down. With 56mm on each leg, this profile is sized for that band. You choose the finish and insert colour to contrast with your floor.

A 3.5mm gauge for smooth floors and light carpet

The gauge is the depth your floorcovering meets behind the nosing. At 3.5mm it matches sheet vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet, so the covering finishes flush with the back of the profile and nothing catches underfoot.

An insert that can be renewed

Grip comes from a PVC insert held in a single channel, so worn inserts can be replaced without lifting the aluminium. The profile also accepts exterior-grade inserts for covered entrance and external steps.

• Square edge aluminium profile, 56mm tread x 56mm riser, 3.5mm gauge
• Single insert channel with a replaceable slip-resistant PVC insert
• 3.22m (3220mm) stock length, cut to step width on site
• 6 aluminium finishes x 15 insert colours

Where it's used

Offices, schools, universities, hospitals and surgeries, libraries and civic buildings, shops, hotels and the common parts of residential blocks. It suits any stair covered in vinyl, lino or lightweight carpet where step-edge visibility will be inspected, and covered external steps when fitted with exterior inserts.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Finish. Mill Finish is plain, untreated aluminium and the most economical choice for back-of-house and service stairs. Bright Polished gives a reflective silver edge. Satin Gold, Dark Bronze and Satin Black are colour finishes that suit wood, stone-effect and dark contemporary floors. Mirrorflect Gold is a mirror-bright gold for feature and front-of-house stairs, and it costs the most.

Insert colour. Choose it against the floorcovering. For a visible step edge, pick an insert that is clearly lighter or darker than the floor. For a low-key look, match the tone of the floor. Hazard is a black-and-yellow warning insert and is priced higher than the plain colours because it is a premium insert.

Length. The 3.22m length is one of three stocked lengths (2.44m and 2.75m are the others). Pick the one that cuts into your step widths with the least waste.

Installation, use & care

Measure each step and cut the profile with a fine-toothed metal saw or a mitre saw fitted with a non-ferrous blade, then de-burr the ends. Dry-fit the nosing tight to the step edge with the riser leg down the face. Fix it by screwing through the tread leg with fixings suited to the substrate (plugs into concrete, wood screws into timber), bedding it on a suitable adhesive for a solid, rattle-free fit. Lay the floorcovering up to the back of the profile, then press the insert fully into its channel. Clean with a damp cloth and neutral detergent. Avoid abrasive pads on polished and coloured finishes.

Frequently asked questions

Will this nosing make my stairs compliant?

It is sized for the contrasting step-edge band that accessibility guidance asks for, on both tread and riser. Compliance also depends on the insert or finish contrasting with the floor, usually judged by a difference in light reflectance value (LRV), so choose colours with that in mind and confirm with your building control officer or access consultant.

Which insert colour gives the best contrast?

Pick against the floor, not in isolation. Light inserts such as White, Yellow or Beige stand out on dark floors. Premium Black, Dark Grey or Dark Blue suit light floors. Hazard gives a black-and-yellow warning edge for plant rooms, loading areas and external steps.

Can it be used outside?

Yes, on covered steps, when fitted with an exterior-grade insert, which this profile accepts. The PVC inserts listed here are for internal use.

How many steps does a 3.22m length cover?

Divide 3220mm by your step width, allowing a few millimetres per cut. It is also stocked in 2.44m and 2.75m lengths if they cut your stair widths with less waste.

Ordering & delivery

Each variant is one 3.22m length in your chosen finish and insert colour, with the insert supplied. Order one length per group of steps it will cut into, and allow a spare where stair widths vary. Screws and adhesive are not included. We deliver to UK mainland addresses, with lead time and carriage shown at checkout. For long runs or mixed lengths, contact us and we can plan the cutting with you.