Stair return nosings and risers for open-side stairs
When a stair end is open rather than meeting a wall, the edge has to wrap. A stair return carries the tread or riser material around the exposed end so there is no raw edge at the corner.
When a stair return is the right part
- One or both ends of your stairs are open to a room rather than closed by a wall.
- The exposed end of a tread or riser would otherwise show a cut edge.
- You have a balustrade or newel on an open side and the tread passes beyond it.
- You are already ordering nosing or wall-to-wall treads and some steps are open-ended.
Look at something else if
- Stair nosing — if every step is enclosed on both sides and nothing needs to wrap.
- Floating treads — if the treads are open on the underside as well as the ends.
Available options
- Single return nosing
- Double return nosing
- Single return riser
- Double return riser
Custom lengths and project-specific layouts are quoted per project.
Measuring guide
What to measure before you send a request
The more of this you can send the first time, the less back-and-forth before your written quote. Photos of the box label and a loose plank edge help.
- 01
Mark which side is open
Standing at the bottom looking up, note left, right or both for every step. Single and double returns are different parts.
- 02
Measure the full open length
Measure past the balustrade or newel to the true end of the step, not to the point where the walking surface stops.
- 03
Measure the return depth
How far the wrap has to travel down or around the exposed end.
- 04
Note tread and riser thickness
The miter is cut to your material thickness, so send the plank thickness with the rest.
How the order runs from here
- 01Send your details — the online request form saves your request and alerts our team.
- 02Material and spec review — we review the flooring you supply, plank dimensions, stair count, widths and open sides.
- 03Written quote — you receive a written quote covering parts, production timing and freight for your project.
- 04Approved production and shipping — once you approve, the parts are made in Columbia Falls, Montana and shipped to your address.
Fit & shipping
Common questions
What is a stair return nosing?
A stair return nosing carries the front-edge profile around an exposed tread end on an open-sided stair.
What is the difference between a single and a double return?
A single return wraps one exposed end. A double return wraps both. Count them per step because a stair run may have a mix.
Can returns be added to parts I already ordered?
Send your previous order reference with the new request and the review starts from that earlier specification rather than from scratch.
Do returns come pre-mitered?
Returns are made as mitered parts so the wrap meets cleanly at the corner. Install guidance for fitting them is published on the install page.
Do you ship returns nationwide?
Stair parts are made by hand in Columbia Falls, Montana. Shipping is quoted for projects across the United States after product suitability, destination, freight, receiving access and timing are reviewed. Those details are confirmed in writing rather than promised in advance.
How is the wrap confirmed for my stair?
Fit is reviewed before anything is made. Send the flooring identification and your stair measurements, and we review the material and the specification, then send a written quote covering parts, production timing and freight.