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The A
to Z of Stair Parts Terminology: A 100-Term Glossary for Homeowners and
Professionals Alike
Are you a
professional joiner looking for high-quality timber stair parts that are easy
to install and add a touch of elegance to any home? Or are you a DIY enthusiast
looking to upgrade your staircase with durable, long-lasting parts? Either way,
Staircase Parts has the perfect solution for you. Our timber stair parts are
designed to withstand daily wear and tear, and they are sure to impress with
their sophistication and durability. So, whether you are a professional or a
DIY enthusiast, our stair parts will meet your needs and exceed your
expectations.
Find our
extensive glossary of common terms below to help you navigate the terminology
and understand the different parts of a stairway:
Apron
An apron
is a fascia of the landing floor that is adjacent to the bottom of the landing
balustrade. It covers structural components exposed by stairwell openings,
including floor joists. An apron can be plastered and painted, or it can be
made of the same material as the rest of the staircase.
Baserail
A baserail is a
bottom rail that runs along the top of a closed string. A groove can typically
be found on the topside to accommodate spindles or glass panels.
Baluster
A baluster (also
known as a spindle) is a closely spaced, vertical support post fixed between the
handrail and baserail (or tread) to form part of the balustrade. They are
typically made of timber, including oak and pine, and metal. Besides safety,
balusters offer aesthetic features with plain and decorative designs available
to suit various interiors.
Balustrade
A balustrade
is an entire assembly of handrails, baserails, newel posts, newel caps and
spindles. They provide safety when ascending and descending the stairs by
enclosing them along their edges.
Bowed Tread
A bowed
tread is a tread that curls or bows forward. A good tread would also
cause the riser beneath it to bow. Bowed treads often begin at the bottom of
the stair and can bow one to three treads. These can be use on the entire
staircase.
Bulkhead
A stairway bulkhead
is a boxlike structure built over an opening, for example at the head of a
staircase.
Bullnose
A bullnose
(also known as a bullnose step) is a step at the bottom of the stairs with a
rounded corner on one or both ends.
Closed String
A closed
string is a type of string that contains the treads and risers whilst
hiding the profile of the steps.
Closed Tread
A closed
tread refers to a tread with a riser that seals the gap between the
treads, creating a closed staircase.
Continuous
Handrail
A continuous
handrail is a handrail that fits over the top of newel posts. It
comprises straight lengths of handrails joined at turns with handrail fittings,
including ramps, creating an uninterrupted, continuous run of the handrail.
Cover Moulding
Cover moulding is a plain or decorative moulding that covers the intersection
of the plasterboard and the apron.
Curtail
A curtail
(also known as a curtail step) is a step at the bottom of the stairs that
extends beyond the width of the staircase to accommodate additional features,
such as a volute newel.
Curved Staircase
A helix extending
outward from a centre void is referred to be a helical or curved
staircase. Helical stairs can be designed to form an oval or an
elliptical shape arrangement, if necessary, although they often form a
continuous "C" shape with a larger, constant radius.
Cut String
A cut
string (also known as an open string) is a type of string with an upper
edge cut to the shape of the treads and risers, exposing the profile of the
steps.
Cut String Nosing
A cut
string nosing is the side edge of the tread extending beyond the face
of the string. It covers the end grain of the tread whilst providing a
decorative element.
D-End Step
A D-end
step is a step at the bottom of the stairs with a fully rounded corner
that continues and joins into the side of a newel post.
Downstand
A downstand
(also known as an upstand) is a vertical surface of a step that attaches to the
bottom of the tread to reduce the gaps of an open staircase. It is typically
made of timber to match the other components or, in some cases, glass.
Newly-built staircases with open treads must be fitted with downstands (also
known as upstands) to comply with the current building regulations.
False Tread Cap
A false tread cap is the piece
attached to the end of a rough tread to simulate solid wood treads, usually
with a carpet runner down the steps.
Feature Step
A feature
step is a step at the bottom of the stairs designed to stand out from
the other steps of the staircase. It may feature decorative elements or a
different shape or size to provide a functional or visual contrast.
Fillet Strip
A fillet
strip (also known as an infill strip) is a thin wooden strip that fills
the grooved space between spindles when fixed into the handrail or baserail.
The timber of the infill strip is typically matched with the timber of the
handrail of the baserail installed.
Finial
A finial
(also known as a newel cap) is a decorative component that covers the top of a
newel post. Unlike a newel cap, generally, a finial is more likely to feature a
carved, shaped or turned design, such as ball and acorn profiles,
to add elegance and refinement to the overall design of the staircase.
Flight
A flight
is a series of uninterrupted steps connecting landings. The steps in a flight
may be uniform in size and shape, or they may be arranged in a series of
different sizes and shapes to create a functional or visual effect.
Floor-to-Floor
Height
Floor-to-floor
height is a vertical distance measured from the
surface of the floor on one level to the surface of the floor on the next
level.
Flute
A flute
is a decorative groove or channel carved into a surface of a spindle or
a newel post.
Freestanding
A freestanding
staircase is a staircase that is not attached to a wall and is
supported by its own structure. Freestanding staircases are often used in
open-plan spaces and can serve as appealing focal points.
Glass Panel
A glass
panel is a transparent sheet of glass used as part of the balustrade as
an alternative to timber
or metal spindles. Glass panels allow more natural light to
pass through, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness. They can be
embedded into the groove of the handrail and baserail or
fixed using glass clamps with an ungrooved
handrail and baserail.
Glue Block
A glue
block is a small triangular or rectangular piece of wood used to
secure treads and
risers together. Glue blocks are applied to the back or the side of the stair
parts and then glued to the adjacent part to provide additional strength and
stability.
Going of a Step
A going of
a step is a horizontal distance between each riser measured from the
edge of one riser to the edge of the next.
Going of a Flight
A going of
a flight is a horizontal distance between the face of the first riser
to the face of the last riser.
Gooseneck
A gooseneck
is a handrail fitting consisting of an up ramp and a vertical turn designed
to elevate the handrail to the required height to meet the newel post.
Gradient of a
Staircase
The gradient
of a staircase is a slope or incline of the staircase, usually
expressed as a ratio of the going of a flight (horizontal) to the rise
(vertical). A staircase with a higher gradient has steeper steps and is
generally considered more challenging to climb. In comparison, a staircase with
a lower gradient has more gradual steps and is typically easier to climb. In
addition, the gradient of a staircase can affect factors such as the height of handrails
and the size of the treads, making it an important aspect to consider for both
safety and accessibility.
Guardrail
A guardrail
is a railing that is intended to stop people from falling from elevated
surfaces like balconies and decks. A guardrail, as opposed to a railing, is a
life-saving tool. Guardrails come in a variety of designs, but they are always
made with safety in mind.
Half Landing
A half
landing is a smaller landing that connects two sets of stairs on
different floors of a building.
Handrail
A handrail is a
moulded or turned protective rail that follows the pitch of the staircase or,
in the case of a landing, sits horizontally, typically forming the upper edge
of the balustrade. A groove can typically be found on the underside to
accommodate spindles or glass panels. Alternatively, some handrails can be
mounted directly onto the wall or by fitting complementary handrail brackets.
Handrail Bracket
Handrails are
attached to walls, posts, or pieces of glass using handrail brackets.
They uniformly disperse the weight along a handrail's length to prevent it from
being concentrated at any one spot. This is what ensures the stability and
structural integrity of a railing.
Handrail Bracket
Arm
A handrail
bracket arm is either a straight or L shaped section of steel that
connects the saddle to the wall plate.
Handrail Bracket
Cover Plate
A handrail
bracket cover plate is a decorative covering that hides the wall
plate/exposed screws.
Handrail Bracket
Saddle
A handrail
bracket saddle is a curved or straight piece of metal that is used to
attach a bracket to a handrail.
Handrail Bracket
Wall Plate
A handrail
bracket wall plate is a large plate used to attach the bracket to the
wall. This section cannot be removed and is necessary to the stability of the
bracket.
Handrail Height
The handrail
height is the vertical distance between the top rail's upper surface
and the tread's leading edge or the finished floor.
Headroom
The headroom
on a flight of stairs is the vertical distance, accounting for any bulkheads,
between the pitch line (or nosing line) and the ceiling.
Infill Strip
An infill
strip (also known as a fillet strip) is a thin wooden strip that fills
the grooved space between spindles when fixed into the handrail or baserail.
The timber of the infill strip is typically matched with the timber of the
handrail of the baserail installed.
Inner String
An inner
string is a string that faces the stairway.
Joists
Joists, or trimmer joists, are the joists that receives
the end of a header in floor or roof framing in order to leave an opening for a
staircase or chimney etc.
Landing
Landings are level areas that can be found at the top or bottom of
stair flights. Where there is an intermediate level, a change in the
flight of stairs' direction, or a long flight of stairs, intermediate
landings may be found halfway up a flight of stairs.
Landing Nosing
Landing nosing is a narrow tread nosing that runs along the top edge of a
balcony or landing or above the top riser. This gives the appearance of tread
at the top of the staircase.
Level Quarter
Turn
A level
quarter turn is a 90-degree turning level handrail fitting.
Newel Base
A newel
base is the square section at the newel post's base. It has a
pre-drilled 50mm hole with a contoured top. This hole accommodates the newel
post's 50mm diameter peg. Don't cut a newel post too short if you're reducing
its length because newel posts have predetermined lengths.
Newel Cap
A newel cap
is a decorative component that covers the top of a newel post. It is often
carved, shaped or turned with designs ranging from ornate, traditional ball and acorn profiles
to simple, modern, flat or pyramid shapes.
Newel Post
A newel post is a
vertical structural post that supports the handrail either mortise and tenoned
into it or affixed to the top in the case of a continuous handrail. Depending
on the layout of the staircase, they are fixed at the bottom, top and turns of
the staircase. Besides safety, balusters offer aesthetic features with plain
and decorative designs available to suit various interiors. A newel post is
either a complete, one-piece component or a collection of several parts, such
as a newel post
base, newel
post turning and newel post cap.
Newel Turning
A newel turning is
the centre section of a newel post. It comprises a square section at the top
for the handrail to be fixed to or, in the case of a continuous handrail,
a spigot at the top to fix into a handrail fitting. The bottom of a newel
turning features a large spigot for secure fixing into the newel post base.
Nosing
A nosing
is the front edge of the tread extending beyond the face of the riser. It is
typically rounded or bevelled to provide an overhang that helps to prevent
people from slipping or tripping.
Nosing Line
A nosing
line, also known as a pitch line, is the notional line connecting the
nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs.
Open Risers
An open
riser staircase is one that has an unobstructed view through the treads
and an open, vertical area between each step. The open riser's minimalist look
is created by its straight and open design. They therefore frequently go well
with open-plan homes.
Open Stair
An
open stair is a stair where the riser and treads are
visible due to openings on one or both sides.
Open String
An open
string, sometimes known as a cut string, is the opposite
of a closed string. Here, the string's upper edge is trimmed so that the side
view of the stair profile is now possible. A cut string makes it possible to
employ brackets and tread nosing, which can be used to add an extra creative
touch to your staircase.
Open Tread
An open
tread refers to a tread without a rise to seal the gap between the
treads, creating an open staircase. Newly built staircases with open treads
must be fitted with downstands (also known as upstands) to comply with
the current
building regulations.
Outer String
An outer
string is a string that faces away from the stairway.
Over-the-Post
Over the post is a variation of balustrade system where the handrail runs
over the post and is uninterrupted.
Pitch
The
pitch is the angle formed by the pitch line and
the horizontal (or the stairway's gradient)
Pitch Line
A pitch
line, also known as a nosing line, is the notional line connecting the
nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs.
Platform
A stair platform
is a landing that breaks a continuous run of stairs.
Plowed Handrail
A plowed
handrail is a recess in the bottom of a handrail or the top of a shoe
rail, with a square top and bottom of a baluster are made to fit into the
plough itself.
Plumb
Plumb means perfectly vertical and parallel to the ground.
Post-to-Post
Post to post is where the handrail is not continuous in a balustrade system.
Quarter Landing
A quarter
landing is a flat platform located halfway up a staircase that permits
the stairs to turn a quarter (90°).
Rail System
A rail
system is the term used to indicate a full rail system that includes
the baserail, spindles, and handrail.
Rake
Rake is another term used to describe the pitch of the stairs.
Rise
A rise
is a vertical distance between each tread measured from the top of one tread to
the top of the next. An overall rise (also known as total rise) refers to the
vertical distance between floors or landings connected by the stairs.
Riser
A riser is a
vertical surface of a step. It is typically made of solid timber or manmade
board. They close the gaps between treads to form full steps. The maximum rise
of individual steps for domestic stairs is 220m. Depending on whether the stair
is painted, carpeted, stained or polished, the riser should suit the tread.
Rosette
A rosette
is used where railing is connected to a wall directly and provides a decorative
trim to anchor to.
Routed String
A
routed string is a string that has been routed so that
treads, risers, and wedges can be inserted. This is also referred to as box
string.
Scotia Moulding
Scotia moulding sits under the tread nosing, where it rests on the stringer and
riser, and is utilised to soften the junction and give a decorative element.
Shoe Rail
Shoe rail is a term for decorative moulding on top of a stair stringer,
on which the balusters rest.
Skirt Board
A skirt
board is a piece of finishing board used to cover structural supports
or stringers of the stairs.
Soffit
The soffit
is the sloped underside that sits between stair strings.
Spandrel
A spandrel
is the triangle-shaped area beneath a set of stairs (when there isn't another
flight below)
Spiral Staircase
A
spiral staircase is a set of stairs that rise steadily all
the way around a cylindrical pole.
Spindle
A spindle (also
known as a baluster) is a closely spaced, vertical support post fixed between
the handrail and baserail (or tread) to form part of the balustrade. They are
typically made of timber, including oak and pine, and metal. Besides safety,
spindles offer aesthetic features with plain and decorative designs available
to suit various interiors.
Stair Direction
The stair
direction is the turn a staircase takes when viewed from the bottom, which
can be either right- or left-handed.
Staircase
A staircase
is the name for the entire construction related to a stair, including stairs,
treads, risers, strings, balustrading, landings etc.
Stairwell
A stairwell
is the area or space which the staircase will occupy.
Step
A step
is one complete section of a tread and a riser together.
String (or Stringers)
A string,
also known as a stringer, is a structural, inclined board that
supports the treads and risers on each side of each step.
String Bracket
A string
bracket is a decorative component that partially covers the face of a
string on a cut string staircase to create a visual effect.
String Margin
A string
margin is the distance measured at 90° to the pitch line between the
top of the string and the pitch line.
Tandem Cap
A tandem
cap is a rail fitting that creates a bend in a stretch of straight rail
to enable the installation of a newel.
Top Nosing
Top nosing is narrow tread nosing, also known as lander tread or landing
nosing, and is found above the top riser or along the upper edge of a balcony.
This gives the impression that there is a tread at the staircase's summit.
Tread
A tread is a
horizontal surface of a step. It is typically made of solid timber or manmade
board. A tread is jointed into the string into which they are grooved and
wedged. Depending on whether the stair is painted, carpeted, stained or
polished, the tread should suit the riser.
Tread Return
A tread
return is the extension of the tread's horizontal rounded edge past the
stair stringer in an open staircase.
Trimmer Joists
Trimmer joists are used to build a well, suited for the
staircase opening. These are joined using joist hinges or screws.
Up Easing
An up
easing (also known as an up ramp) is the concave rail
fitting that connects the horizontal portion of a gooseneck fitting or starting
fitting to a rake rail.
Volute
A volute
is a handrail's spiral beginning at the bottom of a staircase.
Wall Rail
A wall rail
is a handrail that is supported by wall brackets affixed to the wall rather
than newels or balusters.
Wall String
A wall
string is a string that is adjacent to the wall.
Wedges
Wedges are glue-coated tapered wood blocks used to firmly embed treads
and risers into a routed string.
Well Opening
A well
opening is the area in the upper floor for the location of a staircase.
Winder
Winders are
flared steps which are narrower at one end, and are used to vary a stair’s
direction by 90° or 180°
Winder Tread
Winder tread is commonly found on circular, spiral or
winder staircases, and have a larger run on one side than the other.
Walkline
The walkline is a line on the staircase's plan where each tread has the same width
and is said to represent the typical route people take when using the
staircase.
At Staircase
Parts, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality
timber stair parts on the market. Our products are easy to install, durable,
and stylish, making them the perfect choice for both professional joiners and
DIY enthusiasts. With our help, you can build a striking and sturdy stairway.
Our comprehensive glossary of terms will ensure you have all the knowledge you
need to navigate the world of stair parts and understand the different
components of a staircase. Don't settle for subpar stair parts. Choose
Staircase Parts for a long-lasting and elegant staircase. Contact us today to
learn more and to start your upgrade.