Welcome back to another edition of Carpenter's Corner, where we enlighten you on industry terms and lingo so you can better understand the renovation process and converse with your contractors like a pro! As seasoned carpenters and contractors for over 20 years, the crew here at Pinto Carpentry has seen quite a lot when it comes to home construction. As master stair builders and installers, we're well-versed in the terms and styles of staircase nosing, but we recognize not all of our clients are. Today's post will be focusing on this functional and fashionable portion of the staircase design, so you can select the Stair Nosing option that's the best for your home by finding the safest and best look suited to your aesthetics.
Let's break down some basic staircase terms to get you started:
Flight: an uninterrupted series of stairs and steps
tread, used to improve the safety of a staircase by increasing surface area to reduce risk of losing your footing or missing a step
Nosing: the leading edge at the junction where a riser meets a tread; the protrusion at the edge of the
Pitch: the slope of the staircase, measured by the ratio between the “rise” and the “going”
Rise: the height of each individual step, meaning the height that must be stepped up or down
Risers: the vertical part of the stair (if no risers are present such as a cantilever design, it’s referred to as “open risers); you use the number of risers in the staircase to count how many “steps” there are
Strings: a piece of lumber that attaches to the treads and risers and is used to support the flight of stairs
Treads: the horizontal part of the staircase you step on.
What is Staircase Nosing?
Nosing is not only part of your staircase aesthetics, but it also serves several functions. The first, is that nosing can prevent slips and falls by improving the visibility of each tread and improving traction. The second, is it can help protect the wear and tear on each of your stair treads. And thirdly, it can provide a unifying factor in the aesthetics and atmosphere of your home by tying in the tread nosing shape in with your home’s decor style.
What Should You Consider when choosing the right Stair Nosing for your project?
You'll want to consider where the stairs are located in your home, are they a high-traffic area? You'll want to opt for something with good slip resistance and visibility. Consider adding illuminated LED lighting on the stairwell or under the nosing to help improve visibility. Ensure that you're selecting a nosing that complies with your local building code and regulations. Next, consider your personal design aesthetic, and select the option that best fits your home's design and time-period.
Another good point to ruminate on are the ages of the residents in your home, and mobility needs of each; are you raising a family with young children, caring for the elderly, are there disabled individuals in the home who utilize mobility aids or have accessibility needs, etc. Likewise, if you have pets you'll want to consider their sizes and ages, and select an option that allows them safe access up and down the stairs without as much risk of falling. Additional items can be added later such as non-slip edging or non-slip stair pads for extra grip, too.
What are the types of Staircase Nosing styles?
Pencil Round
This is a classic, very popular nosing edge style named as it resembles a sideways pencil. It’s a more streamlined look without any hard edges, and protrudes just slightly over the tread edge. It looks fantastic in a wood finish as well as when carpeted, and works with both traditional home design and more modern look. A great option for families with children due to the rounded edges.
Full Round
This is a smooth, rounded curve nosing that extends all the way around the edge of the stair tread. It’s often found on landings as it’s not good at preventing slips like other designs. When used on a full staircase, however, it does provide a very elegant, upscale look to the treads with not much overhang.
Half Round
This type of nosing is also referred to as “bullnose” design nosing features a rounded curved edge with a flat surface between the edges. It’s most commonly used on landings at the bottom of a staircase.
Square
This is squared in shape with slightly rounded edging that protects against visible damage such as dents, nicks, scratches. It is a chic edged look that overhangs the tread slightly, but creates a very dramatic, modern visual impact.
Flush or No Overhang
This look is ultra-modern, sleek, and is perfect for those looking for a clean, minimalist look. The nosing is directly flush with the riser, and helps create the illusion that it’s one solid, continuous piece of wood. It also has the added safety benefit of reducing trips and falls.
Still feeling a little overwhelmed with options? We can help!
The team at Pinto Carpentry has been in the business for several decades, and we’re well-equipped to help you find the perfect custom design aesthetic for your home. stairs to suit your needs and style choices. Not sure which material to choose for your stairs? With over 20 years of industry experience, our highly skilled and trained professionals will guide you to the best choice for your lifestyle, foot traffic, and budget options. Call us directly at 908-922-1778 to book your appointment, or reach out to us via email or any of our social media channels. At the end of your consultation, you’ll get a personalized estimate reflecting your material choices and budget in mind. When you’re ready, we’ll add you to our schedule and start your project swiftly. We can’t wait to work with you!
**Note: At the time of publication, we are taking appointments through May 2025. As a family owned and operated business, we are working hard to ensure you receive only the top quality supplies for your budget, as well as utmost focus and professionalism. We are a small, hardworking team who put all of our passion into our projects, so please be patient with us as we find you our next availability! We always aim to give each and every one of our clients the same care and attention.
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