Fibreglass stair nosing FAQs
What is the difference between all the different profiles?
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All our fibreglass profiles share the same anti-slip silicon carbide surface and P5 slip rating. The difference is the face height (turndown) and where they’re designed to go.
Where can fibreglass stair nosing be installed?
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Fibreglass stair nosing can be installed on almost any stair, indoors or out. Common uses include outdoor concrete steps, where it adds grip in rain and frost and protects edges from chipping; timber stairs and decks that get slippery when wet or mossy; industrial and mining plant rooms and gantry stairs; coastal and marine sites, because FRP won’t corrode in salt air; schools, councils and aged care facilities, where high-contrast edges help people with low vision; and strata buildings and car parks, as a low-cost fix for fire stairs flagged in safety audits. Fibreglass anti-slip strips suit the same areas, plus ramps and walkways.
Is fibreglass stair nosing compliant with Australian Standards?
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All Floorsafe fibreglass stair nosings and anti-slip strips achieve a P5 slip rating, well above the P3 dry and P4 wet minimum. For stairways required to meet AS1428.1 compliance, use our 10mm × 70mm FRP nosing or 50mm fibreglass anti-slip strips in a colour that will give you at least a 30% luminance contrast to your tread. Our 30mm nosing meets AS1657 for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders in industrial and commercial workplaces.
Do stair nosings have to be yellow?
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Stair nosings are not required to be yellow. In commercial buildings, according to AS1428.1 and the building code, there must be a minimum luminance contrast of 30% between the nosing or insert and the stair tread surface. For instance, a grey stair nosing or insert would not be permitted on grey concrete, as it fails to meet the required contrast.
Are stair nosings a legal requirement in Australia?
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For most public and commercial buildings, yes. The National Construction Code (NCC) references AS1428.1, which calls for a contrasting nosing strip on each step and slip-resistant treads and nosings. Requirements vary by building class, so always confirm with your building certifier or access consultant.
Should I choose 10mm or 30mm fibreglass nosing?
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Choose 10mm fibreglass nosing for public and commercial stairs that need AS1428.1 compliance. Choose 30mm FRP nosing for factories, fixed platforms, stairways and ladders, where it meets AS1657 and its deeper face covers worn or chipped edges. If you only need grip and contrast on the tread, 50mm fibreglass anti-slip strips are the most cost-effective compliant option.
Can fibreglass stair nosing go on timber stairs and decks?
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Yes. Fibreglass stair nosing and anti-slip strips suit timber stairs, decks and boardwalks because FRP won’t rot, rust or corrode. Glue and screw them down. Anti-slip strips can also be fixed across deck boards for extra grip in wet weather. We recommend spacing them every 200–300mm.
How do you cut fibreglass stair nosing?
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Use a diamond blade on a grinder or drop saw. FRP dust is irritating, so cut outdoors and wear a dust mask, eye protection and gloves. We use a continuous rim diamond blade for tile and masonry.
Is fibreglass stair nosing better than aluminium?
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For outdoor, wet, coastal and industrial stairs, usually yes. Fibreglass (FRP) nosing has a full grit surface rated P5 and won’t corrode in salt air. Aluminium nosing suits a sleeker look on indoor commercial stairs. Many sites use both: aluminium inside, and fibreglass nosing and anti-slip strips outside.
