Advice Hub

If you’ve ever looked at a set of stairs and thought, “That edge looks a bit tired,” you’re not alone. Stair edges take an absolute battering - shoes, hoovers, kids running up and down, the occasional wet sole on a rainy day. And when the edge starts to wear, chip, or look scruffy, it doesn’t just affect the finish… it can become a slip risk too.

That’s why picking the right stair nosing isn’t just about making things look neat. It’s about safety, durability, and having a proper long-term solution instead of another quick fix.

One of the most solid options we use for a clean, professional finish is this 46 x 30 anodised aluminium stair nosing with an anti-slip rubber insert, available in 1.2m or 2.4m lengths and in colours like Silver, Titanium and Gold.

View the 46 x 30 Stair Nosing

The “right size” isn’t guesswork - measure first

This is the part most people rush, and it’s usually where problems start.

Before you order any stair edging, it’s worth checking:

• The size of the area you actually want to cover (top surface and the front drop)
• Your flooring thickness (panel/laminate/vinyl etc.)
• Any underlay or levelling layer underneath (people forget this, but it makes a difference)
• Whether you want the nosing to sit tight and flush, or cover an awkward edge / join

With stairs, a few millimetres can be the difference between “spot on” and “why doesn’t this sit flat?”

The 46 x 30 size works well because it covers both the tread and the front edge neatly, which is exactly where most wear happens.

Why we recommend fixing it with plugs and screws

There are a few ways to fit stair nosings, but if you want stability (especially on stairs that get heavy use), we recommend fixing this one with plugs.

It’s solid, reliable, and it doesn’t shift over time the way weaker methods sometimes can - especially on busy staircases.

And there’s another big bonus with this profile:

The fixings are hidden

Once it’s installed, you don’t end up staring at screw heads along the top. The screws sit under the rubber insert, so the finished look is clean.

That matters more than people think, because hidden fixings mean:

• It looks much tidier and more premium
• Nothing catches shoes or collects grime around exposed screw heads
• The rubber insert stays uninterrupted, which helps with grip

The rubber insert isn’t just for looks - it genuinely helps

That black anti-slip insert is there for a reason. Stairs can be slippery even when they look “dry”, especially with smooth flooring. The rubber gives extra grip right where your foot lands.

On top of that, it’s practical:

• More traction, less chance of slipping
• A slightly softer step feel compared to bare metal
• It keeps the finish looking smart, because it hides the fixings underneath

Fitting it step-by-step (simple and clean)

This is the way we recommend doing it:

1. Remove the rubber insert
   You need it out of the way to access the fixing channel.
2. Cut the stair nosing to length
   Measure carefully and cut to size. (It’s always worth doing a quick test fit after cutting.)
3. Position the profile on the stair edge and mark the holes
   Line it up properly so it sits where you want it to cover.
4. Drill the holes and insert the wall plugs
   Once the holes are drilled, fit your plugs.
5. Screw the profile down firmly
   Tighten until it’s secure and flush, but don’t overdo it  you just want it sitting tight and straight.
6. Press the rubber insert back in
   Once the insert is back in place, the screws disappear and the grip section is ready to use.

That’s it. No visible fixings, no messy finish, and the stair edge is protected properly.

A few things people often overlook (but shouldn’t)

• Dry fit everything first before drilling. It avoids annoying surprises.
• Make sure the surface is clean and dry before installation.
• If your stairs are slightly uneven, take your time positioning the nosing so it sits straight it makes a big difference visually.
• If you’re fitting multiple steps, keep your measurements consistent so the whole staircase looks uniform.

A stair nosing seems like a small detail until you’ve got one fitted properly — then you realise how much it improves both the look and the feel of the staircase.

This anodised aluminium stair nosing (46 x 30) is a strong, tidy option, especially with the anti-slip rubber insert and the concealed fixings. You get a clean finish, a safer step, and solid protection on the most vulnerable part of the stair.

If you’re replacing an old edge or finishing new flooring on stairs, it’s one of those things that’s worth doing once and doing properly.

Shop the 46 x 30 Stair Nosing