A 56 x 56mm square edge aluminium stair nosing from the DDA range, with a textured High Grip insert. The deep 56mm riser face makes the step edge visible from below as well as from above, which is what accessible-stair guidance asks for in public and commercial buildings. The 3.5mm gauge suits vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet.
Choose Obsidian or Solar insert in any of nine aluminium finishes, in 2.44m, 2.75m or 3.22m stock lengths for cutting on site.
Why this nosing works
55mm on the tread and the riser
Approved Document K, clause 1.7a, asks for step nosings in buildings other than dwellings to contrast visually over a minimum of 55mm on both the tread and the riser. Approved Document M sets adequate visual contrast as a light reflectance value (LRV) difference of more than 30 points. With a 56mm tread and a 56mm riser, this profile has the geometry for that clause. Contrast comes from your choice of insert against the floor, and Building Control signs off the installed stair.
Grip figures you can check
Grip on a stair edge is measured with a pendulum test. This textured PVC insert scored 95 dry and 60 wet at an independent laboratory, well above the 36 that UK Slip Resistance Group guidance treats as low slip potential. One full-width strip sits on the step edge, exactly where feet land as people come down the stair.
Contrast you can put a number on
Obsidian has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 1.80 and Solar 55.10, near opposite ends of the scale. Choose the one at least 30 LRV points away from your floorcovering and the edge reads clearly from the top of the flight.
Why a deep riser matters
Someone climbing a stair sees the riser, not the tread. A 32mm nosing gives a thin line at the top of each riser; the 56mm face gives a solid band. For stairs that do not need it, the 56 x 32mm square profile costs less. For hard floors, see the 70 x 56mm DDA ramp back.
Nine finishes
Choose the metal to suit the building. Mill Finish is the working option. The satins (Silver, Gold, Bronze and Black) and Dark Bronze hide scuffs on busy stairs. Bright Polished, Mirrorflect Silver and Mirrorflect Gold are for entrances and receptions where the stair is on show.
- Square edge aluminium profile, 56mm tread x 56mm riser, 3.5mm gauge
- Textured High Grip insert: pendulum 95 dry, 60 wet
- Obsidian (LRV 1.80) or Solar (LRV 55.10)
- 9 finishes, 3 stock lengths, for vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet
Where it's used
Public and commercial buildings where accessible stairs are specified: hospitals and health centres, schools and colleges, council and civic buildings, offices, retail and transport, with vinyl, safety flooring, lino or light carpet.
Specifications
| Profile |
Square edge, single insert channel, deep riser |
| Range |
DDA range |
| Tread (top face) |
56mm |
| Riser (front leg) |
56mm |
| Gauge |
3.5mm |
| Carrier material |
Aluminium alloy, UK manufactured |
| Insert |
One High Grip textured anti-slip insert: textured PVC face on a PET base, self-adhesive, approx. 2mm thick |
| Slip resistance (insert) |
Pendulum 95 dry / 60 wet (manufacturer data, independent laboratory) |
| Insert colours (LRV) |
Obsidian 1.80, Solar 55.10 |
| Finishes |
Mill Finish, Bright Polished, Satin Silver, Satin Gold, Satin Bronze, Dark Bronze, Satin Black, Mirrorflect Silver and Mirrorflect Gold |
| Stock lengths |
2.44m (2440mm), 2.75m (2750mm), 3.22m (3220mm) |
| Suitable floorcoverings |
Vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet |
| Use |
Internal stairs; insert service range -10°C to 80°C |
| Fixing |
Screw-fix through the channel, then fit the insert to hide the fixings; or bond with stair nosing adhesive |
Choosing the right option
Insert colour. Hold a sample of your floor next to the colour chart: the insert should stand out, not blend in. Obsidian and Solar cost the same.
Finish. Mill Finish is the lowest price, then Bright Polished, then Satin Gold. Dark Bronze, Satin Black, Satin Silver and Satin Bronze share the middle price. Mirrorflect Silver comes next. Mirrorflect Gold costs the most. Satin finishes hide scuffs best on busy stairs.
Length. Stair widths are rarely identical, so measure each step at the nose and choose the length that divides into them with the smallest offcuts.
Installation, use & care
Cut each length to the step width with a fine-toothed blade for aluminium and de-burr the ends. The step must be clean, dry and sound. Screw-fix through the channel with fixings to suit the substrate, or bed the profile on a stair nosing adhesive. Clean and dry the channel, peel the backing from the self-adhesive insert and press it firmly into place over the fixings. Lay the floorcovering tight to the back of the profile. Clean the insert as part of the normal floor routine with a neutral detergent. Dirt packed into the texture reduces grip, and floor polish should not be applied to the insert. Abrasive pads will mark polished and coloured finishes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the slip test results for this insert?
It was tested with the pendulum method used across the UK flooring industry, at an independent laboratory: 95 dry, 60 wet. The UK Slip Resistance Group treats 36 or more as low slip potential. Keep the textured face clean to keep those figures.
Does this nosing meet the 55mm contrast requirement?
Its geometry does. Approved Document K clause 1.7a asks for a contrasting nosing at least 55mm wide on both tread and riser, and this profile is 56mm on each. The contrast itself depends on choosing an insert at least 30 LRV points away from your floor, and Building Control signs off the finished stair.
Will it work on outdoor steps?
No. The High Grip insert is rated for internal use, with a service temperature range of -10°C to 80°C. For external steps, choose a profile with an exterior-grade insert, which is listed separately.
Why is the DDA profile dearer than the 56 x 32mm version?
It is a deeper extrusion: the riser face is 56mm instead of 32mm, so there is more aluminium in every length. You pay for that extra metal on the riser.
Should the insert match the floor?
No. The insert is there to mark the edge, so it should contrast with the floor. Use Solar (LRV 55.10) on mid and dark floors and Obsidian (LRV 1.80) on pale ones, aiming for a difference of more than 30 LRV points.
Ordering & delivery
One variant equals one length of nosing in your chosen finish, insert colour and stock length, with the insert supplied. Screws and adhesive are not included. We deliver to UK mainland addresses; carriage and lead time are shown at checkout. Need a quantity price for a whole building? Contact us with your step count and widths.
See our full range of anti-slip stair nosings: aluminium, rubber and PVC profiles for every type of stair.