Do you need a Bullnose on stairs?

Run Requirements



You are not required to have a nosing/overhang on your stair treads. But if your stairs don’t have a nosing you are required to have a tread that is at least 11 inches long.

What is purpose of bullnose stairs?





Improved Safety



The main purpose of a nosing is to improve the safety of the staircase. As it protrudes a little over the edge of the tread, it provides some extra space for users to place their feet.

What type of stair-nose do I need?

Typically, you can use thinner and less expensive stair nosing when your traffic level is low. Conversely, a more durable profile is optimal for steps that will have a high volume of traffic.

Is Bullnose the same as stair-nose?

Half-Round: Also known as “bull-nose,” half-round stair tread nosing includes a smooth, curved design at the stair edge with a flat surface in between. This style is often used for the “landing,” which refers to an additional extension of the bottom stair.

Do stair treads have to be rounded?

There is no requirement for the leading edge of a stair tread to be rounded, but a number of good reason why it should be. Most stair residential stair treads are wood and rounding reducing the incidence of splintering of the edge.

Why do stairs require nosing?





Since the stair nosing is where people step on the stair, it is the part that tends to wear out first. With stair nosings, you can prevent the problem of worn stairs. You are also helping to prevent the problem of slips and falls because of the anti-slip features that stair nosings provide.

How much overhang should a stair nose have?

The tread nosing must overhang between 3/4” and 1-1/4” unless the tread is 11-inches or greater in depth. The stair lip improves safety by extending the horizontal space available for ascent and descent, and visually defines the step edge.

Should stairs have an overhang?

Stair treads need to overhang between 3/4 inch and 1 1/4 inches in most locations. Treads 11 inches or deeper do not require an overhang. You should bevel or round over the front edge of the tread to avoid possible damage to the steps or an injury to someone using them.

What is the difference between stair tread and stair nosing?

Stair treads are the full horizontal surface that a person steps upon while the nosing is the leading edge of the tread.

What is bullnose edge on stair tread?



A bullnose is just a rounded edge. This tread usually has a wall on both sides, as opposed to our next type of tread, the mitered return.

Can you add a bullnose to stairs?

There are two ways to add a bullnose effect to stair treads or steps: routing or molding. The routed edge is the only option for round steps. The molding option includes half-round molding or stair-nose molding on the front of the step. They attach to the front of the step with glue and nails.

How do you attach a bullnose to stairs?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: What do you want to do first. I want to route out the flooring to receive the spline. And then install the nosing all right so i see you have a slot cutting bit in your router.

What is code for stair treads?



The tread depth code for residential stairs should be no less than 10 inches with nosing, no less than 11 inches without nosing, and maximum tread depth variation should also be less than 3/8 of an inch.

How do you round the edges of stair treads?

You can rout bullnose with either a handheld or stationary router.

  1. Clamp the tread face-up to a worktable to rout the edge with a handheld router. …
  2. Insert a 1/2-inch round-over bit into the router and tighten the collar nut with a wrench. …
  3. Put the router base flat against thread and move it to far left.

Do you install tread or riser first?

Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first.

Do risers sit on treads?

All your risers will sit behind the tread, with the tread flush against the face of the riser behind it. This allows you to screw through the subfloor from behind into the riser and tread, making a solid bond between both riser and tread. Installation of the riser first allows you to level the tread properly.

How do you fill the gap between stair tread and riser?



Run a heavy bead of the silicone along the gap to fill it, and then use a wet fingertip to smooth it out if necessary. It’s the fastest way to fill minor gaps, and if you’re not happy with the way it looks, you can always install molding over it.

What is the best way to install stair treads?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a table saw to rip the tread. Measure out width. And then cut the thread to link with our sliding miter. Saw. We'll apply another tube of adhesive to the sub threatenin zig-zag pattern.

How do stair treads stay in place?

To ensure that the treads themselves don’t slip underfoot and cause more trouble than they prevent, you can use adhesive strips and/or carpet tacks to fasten each tread to its step, or you can use an adhesive that you apply directly to the stair treads, which secures the pieces of carpeting above them.

Do you stain stair treads before or after installation?

Staining and varnishing hardwood treads prior to installation is recommended, especially in this case where we have stone or tile risers. We purchased 11.5-in x 48-in unfinished red oak stair treads from Lowes for about $30 each. Treads should be laid out, sanded if needed, and cleaned prior to applying stain.