Building stair nosing can be tricky. Here is a breakdown of what aluminium stair treads are, how to construct them and best practices.
Constructing stairs can seem like a straightforward job, but here are the stair tread basics that you should know. With Webforge, we utilise aluminium for best results.
Constructing stairs can seem like a straightforward job, but here are the stair tread basics that you should know. With Webforge, we utilise aluminium for best results.
Aluminum stair treads are your safest option for your next outdoor service project
What are aluminium stair treads?
Stair treads are the flat step you walk on as you ascend and descend stairs. Building stairs can vary depending on where the stairs will be used. Commercial stair treads are used to work safely outside without fear of falling or slipping.
Stair nosing is used for most commercial workspaces. Nosing adds more safety to each step against death or injury. They are designed or coloured differently from the rest of the stairs for visibility.
Types of aluminium stair treads and their benefits
Aluminium stair treads are perfect for outdoor steps because of their resistance to corrosion and rust. They can stand against any weather conditions and live to tell the tale. Aluminium treads add a level of safety when coupled with grating for nonslip outdoor working conditions.
Furthermore, aluminium is a lightweight material that quickens the pace of a project. It can also enhance the visual aesthetic of an architectural project when necessary.
Webforge creates custom-sized aluminium grating or stock panels depending on the project but either can be used for industrial or architectural buildings.
Aluminium is non-sparking and non-magnetic as well. In terms of an outdoor staircase, these are incredibly important attributes for safety and productivity. Safely traversing stairs -- even in inclement weather -- is a necessary part of ensuring a safe workplace.
Types of aluminium stair treads
There are six metal tread stair profile options available with either bolted or welded fixing and a choice of three nosings:
- Plain.
- Floor Plate.
- Abrasive.
Each type is formatted for different work environments, structure types and design necessities. Stair edging is built with a 65 by 5 flat bar. Special plates are required for load bars that are less than 40mm in depth.
The types of stair treads include:
- Type 1: Welded fixing, banded ends and no nosing.
- Type 2: Bolted fixing, holed endplates and no nosing.
- Type 3: Welded fixing, banded ends and floor plate nosing.
- Type 4: Bolted fixing, holed endplates and floor plate nosing.
- Type 5: Welded fixing, banded ends and abrasive nosing.
- Type 6: Bolted fixing, holed endplates and abrasive nosing
Stair tread regulations
Steps are regulated under the Building Code of Australia, Australian Standard and the National Construction Code (NCC). The latest update was published in 2019.
Some of the regulations include:
- Each rise of the tread must be a minimum of 130mm and of maximum 225mm high.
- The going portion of the stair has a minimum of 215mm and a maximum 355mm long.
- Treads must be a solid construction type if the stairway is more than 10m high or connects more than three stories.
- No more than 36 consecutive stairs can be installed without a change in direction of at least 30 degrees.
AS1657 requires that the nosing of the tread is clearly visible against the background.
Standardising stairs ensure that every outdoor commercial set of stairs are installed consistently. With peace of mind, patrons can confidently step on any stair surface that Webforge constructs.
Ready to get started?
Webforge professionals work quickly and safely for every project. Enjoy customised or standard-sized stair treads. For best results, many of our customers choose standard-sized treads for faster turnover.
Webforge will provide a consultation and quote after you set an appointment. Get started today.