What Is a Left-Return Stair Tread? (And When Do You Need One?)
What Is a Return Stair Tread?
A return stair tread (also called a return stair nose) is a stair nose piece that has a finished, rounded end cap on one or both sides of the piece. This end cap is designed to cover the exposed side of the stair tread where it hangs over open air rather than meeting a wall.
What Is a Left-Return?
A left-return stair tread has a finished end cap on the left side of the piece. "Left" and "right" are determined by your perspective standing at the bottom of the stairs and facing up.
If the left side of your stairs is open (not against a wall or kick board), you need a left-return stair nose for those steps.
What Is a Right-Return?
A right-return stair tread has a finished end cap on the right side. If the right side of your stairs is open when viewed from the bottom facing up, you need right-return pieces.
What Is a Double-Return?
A double-return (also called double-open) stair tread has finished end caps on both sides. You need this if your stairs are open on both sides — for example, stairs in the middle of a room with no walls on either side.
How to Determine Which Return You Need
Stand at the bottom of your stairs and face up toward the top: - If the left side is open: left-return - If the right side is open: right-return - If both sides are open: double-return - If neither side is open: standard stair nose (no return needed)
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