Wood
wood flooring and solid wood can be shaped to a rounded or squared nose.
Nosing guide
Bullnose Stair Treads
A bullnose stair tread has a fully rounded front edge. It is a traditional profile common on wood stairs. This guide explains bullnose treads, how they compare with square and eased-edge nosing, and how nosing is matched to LVP, laminate and wood floors.
What is a bullnose stair tread?
A bullnose tread has a front edge rounded into a half-circle profile, so there is no sharp corner at the edge of the step. The rounded nose projects past the riser below it.
On residential stairs, codes commonly require a nosing projection of 3/4 to 1-1/4 in when tread depth is under 11 in. Check your local code; requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Bullnose vs square vs eased edge
| Profile | Look | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Bullnose | Traditional, soft | Fully rounded |
| Square | Crisp, modern | Flat front with sharp corners |
| Eased edge | Modern with a softer feel | Flat front with slightly rounded corners |
Flooring-matched nosing for LVP, laminate and wood
LVP
vinyl plank does not naturally wrap a stair edge on the job site, so Tread Space wraps the edge in its Columbia Falls shop.
Laminate
Tread Space makes stair nosing only from laminate, not full treads.
The profile available for your flooring is confirmed during project review.
Common questions
What is a bullnose stair tread?
A stair tread with a fully rounded front edge, a traditional profile common on wood stairs.
Is bullnose or square nose better?
Neither is better in every case. Bullnose suits traditional stairs; square or eased-edge nosing suits modern interiors.
What is an eased edge?
A flat-fronted nose with slightly rounded corners, softer than a sharp square edge.
How far should a bullnose project?
Residential codes commonly require a 3/4 to 1-1/4 in nosing projection when tread depth is under 11 in. Check your local code.
Can I get bullnose nosing in LVP or laminate?
The profile available for your specific flooring is confirmed during project review. From laminate, Tread Space makes nosing only.
Ready for your stair parts?
Pricing and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.