The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of stair nosing colours is guided by several UK regulations and standards, including Building Regulations Approved Documents K and M, as well as British Standards BS 8300, BS 9266, and BS 5395. These documents recommend that the colour of stair nosing should contrast with the floor covering to aid visibility, […]
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of stair nosing colours is guided by several UK regulations and standards, including Building Regulations Approved Documents K and M, as well as British Standards BS 8300, BS 9266, and BS 5395. These documents recommend that the colour of stair nosing should contrast with the floor covering to aid visibility, particularly for individuals with visual impairments.
LRV measures the percentage of visible light a surface reflects, on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). To ensure adequate contrast, there should be at least a 30-point difference between the LRV of the stair nosing and that of the adjacent floor covering. For instance, if the floor covering has an LRV of 50, the stair nosing should have an LRV between 0–20 or 80–100 to create a clear ‘ladder effect,’ enhancing step edge visibility for those ascending or descending stairs.
Our commercial Nosings offers a range of tread and channel colours with LRVs spanning from 5 to 81, providing options to achieve the recommended contrast. They also provide an LRV calculator to help determine suitable tread colours that comply with building regulations.
It’s important to note that stair nosing should feature a solid, continuous band of colour across the full width of each step’s tread and riser. Patterns or intermittent markings can cause visual confusion and should be avoided to maintain clarity and safety.
For the most current and detailed guidance, consulting the latest versions of the relevant Building Regulations and British Standards is advisable.
Please enter the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) for your flooring – we will show you suitable contrasting nosing insert colours:
01 White
LRV: 79.9
16 Black
LRV: 4.5
20 Brown
LRV: 9.1
25 Beige
LRV: 41.1
27 Canvas
LRV: 53.2
30 Red
LRV: 10.6
43 Dolphin Grey
LRV: 27.6
44 Ice Grey
LRV: 42.1
46 Midnight Grey
LRV: 12.8
47 Yellow
LRV: 55.7
48 Cobalt Blue
LRV: 9.2
58 Cloud
LRV: 59
68 Haze
LRV: 66.2
78 Sand
LRV: 70.3
601 White Tredsafe
LRV: 82.7
616 Black Tredsafe
LRV: 4.8
643 Dolphin Grey Tredsafe
LRV: 8.2
647 Yellow Tredsafe
LRV: 46.1
