Flooring Key Terms

Tread

The part of the step/nosing that the foot is placed on.

Riser

The vertical part of the step/nosing

Tread Material

This is the anti slip material that is secured in the channel of the stair nosing.  It is also known as the Infill material

Gauge

This term describes the thickness of a floor covering.  Quantum use two gauges: slim gauge (Eg vinyl flooring) and heavy gauge (eg carpet)

DDA

Stands for Disability Discrimination Act – part of Approved Document M where the main reference to stair nosing is “All nosings are made apparent by means of a permanently contrasting material 55mm wide on both the tread on the riser”  full information on the DDA guidelines can be seen here

QSMS

Is Quantum’s Free revolutionary on site Stair Nosing measuring service.  More information here

Secret Fixing

A method of installation that hides the fixing screws.  The tread material is supplied separate to the stair nosing, the nosing is installed on the step before the tread material is secured in place covering the screw heads.

Straight

Is the term to describe the shape of a nosing where the riser portion is about 90° to the tread.

Rake Back

Is the term to describe the shape of a nosing where the riser portion is angled at about 83° to the tread.

Bull Nosed

Term used to describe the shape of a nosing to fit stairs with a radius.  Commonly seen on wooden stair cases.

Chevron

Describes a stair nosing with an angled front that can be used to fit both straight and Rake back nosings. 

Dim/Diminishing Strip

Is another name for our bevel strips and describe a profile that ramps from nothing to a set gauge.

Weld Rod

Is used in conjunction with our skirting’s to create a thermal, waterproof bond between them and a vinyl floor covering.  Quantum have a number of different colours available to suit most floor coverings.