How to Fit Stair Nosings
Fitting stair nosings correctly helps create a secure, durable and professional finish to stair treads. Quantum Flooring stair nosings can be installed using several fixing methods, depending on the profile and application.
This guide explains how to fit Quantum Flooring stair nosings using:
- Standard screw and plug fixing
- Secret fixing
- Q-FIX adhesive-only fixing
- Ecoglo tread material
Always check the specific stair nosing and installation requirements before starting work.
Before You Start
Before fitting the stair nosing, check the measurements of each step against the supplied, cut stair nosing.
Trim the stair nosing if required and prepare the step edge and tread surfaces. Surfaces must be sound, clean, smooth and free from debris, contaminants and loose materials.
Where applicable, fit the floorcovering to the stair risers before installing the stair nosings.
For stone or concrete steps, use the stair nosing as a template to mark the screw positions on each tread, then drill and plug the screw holes.
Standard Stair Nosing Installation – Screw & Plug Fixing
The standard fixing method uses adhesive together with screws and plugs.
Step 1 – Check and prepare the stair
Check the dimensions of the step against the supplied stair nosing. Trim the nosing if necessary.
Prepare the step edge and tread surface so they are clean, smooth and free from debris.
Step 2 – Prepare the fixing holes
For stone or concrete steps, use the stair nosing as a template and mark the screw locations on the tread.
Drill and plug the screw holes ready for fixing.
Step 3 – Apply adhesive
Apply a suitable cartridge adhesive to the underside of the stair nosing and the tread in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4 – Position and screw the stair nosing
Starting with the first stair nosing on the top step, press the nosing down into position and screw it securely into place.
1-inch No. 6 screws are recommended.
Once fixed, fill the drill holes with plugs.
Continue down the staircase, repeating the adhesive and fixing procedure for each step.
Once the nosings have been installed, fit the floorcovering to the stair treads.
Secret Fixing Stair Nosing Installation
Secret fixing provides a drill-and-no-plug installation method.
Follow Steps 1 to 4 above, with the secret fixing stair nosing system, then continue as follows.
Step 5 – Prepare the tread channel
Trim the tread material to the required length to suit the width of the stair nosing.
Working one step at a time from the top of the staircase downwards, remove the release paper from the adhesive in the channel or channels.
Step 6 – Fit the tread material
Place the tread material into the channel, starting at one end.
Carefully roll the material into the channel to expel air and ensure good contact.
Trim the end of the tread material if necessary.
Important: Use a hand roller to apply adequate pressure and ensure that the bond between the adhesive tape and tread material is secure.
Quantum Profile Systems Ltd does not endorse the use of adhesive tape from other manufacturers for Quantum stair nosing infill treads.
Fitting Ecoglo Tread Material
Quantum stair nosings can also be fitted with Ecoglo tread material using the secret fixing system.
Follow Steps 1 to 4 of the secret fixing installation procedure first.
There are two drilling options for preparing the channel:
Drilling Option C.1
Peel the release paper from the adhesive tape in the channel.
Drilling Option C.2
Apply one bead of Q-FIX adhesive into the middle of the channel.
Fit the Ecoglo tread strip
Offer the Ecoglo tread strip into the channel, starting at one end and keeping the strip flat as it is installed.
Do not bend the ends of the strip upwards.
Allow approximately 24 hours for the adhesive to cure before allowing access to the staircase.
Q-FIX Adhesive-Only Stair Nosing Installation
Quantum Q-FIX adhesive can be used as an adhesive-only fixing method for Quantum Flooring stair nosings.
Step 1 – Check and prepare the step
Check the step dimensions against the supplied, cut stair nosing.
Trim the nosing if required.
Ensure that the step is sound, clean and free from contaminants and loose materials.
Step 2 – Apply Q-FIX adhesive
Apply Q-FIX adhesive to the underside of the stair nosing profile.
Apply a 5 mm wide bead beginning 5 mm in from the outer edge of the profile.
Apply a second 5 mm bead approximately down the middle of the profile.
For a single-channel profile, two adhesive beads are sufficient.
For a double-channel profile, apply a further bead of adhesive 10 mm from the inside edge.
Step 3 – Position the stair nosing
Turn the stair nosing over and place the leading edge slightly over the edge of the step.
At the same time, slide the nosing down and into its final position.
This movement distributes the adhesive from the front to the back as the profile is installed.
Step 4 – Allow the adhesive to cure
Allow 1 hour after fixing before opening the area to traffic.
The contractor must check that the bond is secure before opening the staircase to traffic.
Stair Nosing Installation Checklist
Before completing the installation, check that:
- The stair nosing has been measured against the step and trimmed where necessary.
- The step surface is sound, clean and free from debris, contaminants and loose materials.
- Riser floorcovering has been fitted where applicable.
- Screw holes have been correctly marked, drilled and plugged where required.
- The correct adhesive has been applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Stair nosings have been installed starting from the top of the staircase.
- Screws and plugs have been securely fitted where the standard fixing method is being used.
- Tread material has been correctly trimmed and fitted into the nosing channel.
- A hand roller has been used to apply adequate pressure to adhesive-backed tread material.
- Ecoglo strips remain flat and their ends have not been bent upwards.
- Required adhesive curing times have been observed before allowing traffic onto the staircase.
Which Stair Nosing Fixing Method Should I Use?
Quantum Flooring stair nosings can be installed using different fixing methods depending on the stair nosing and application.
Screw and plug fixing uses adhesive together with mechanical screw fixing and plugs.
Secret fixing provides a drill-and-no-plug fixing method, with the tread material installed into the stair nosing channel.
Q-FIX adhesive-only fixing uses Q-FIX adhesive to secure the stair nosing without screws and plugs.
Always follow the fitting requirements applicable to the particular Quantum stair nosing being installed.
Q-FIX Stair Nosing Adhesive
Q-FIX is described by Quantum Flooring as a single solution for fitting Quantum Flooring Accessories stair nosings. It is suitable for use with Quantum stair nosings and is intended to provide an alternative to screw-and-plug fixing.
The manufacturer states that 10-year bond and stair nosing guarantees are available and that Q-FIX can eliminate the need for screws and plugs.
Q-FIX Safety Information
Q-FIX contains vinyltrimethoxysilane and may cause an allergic skin reaction.
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection when using the product.
If the product gets on skin or hair, remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse the skin with water or shower.
If the product gets into the eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, and continue rinsing. Seek medical advice or attention.
Dispose of the contents and container in accordance with national regulations.
Need Help Choosing or Fitting a Stair Nosing?
Quantum Flooring offers stair nosing solutions for a range of applications. The appropriate fixing method depends on the stair nosing profile, substrate and tread material.
Always check the installation requirements for the specific product before fitting.
