Category Construction Glossary
Stair Parts
Tread - The part of the stairway that is stepped on. It is constructed to the
same specifications (thickness) as any other flooring. The tread "width" is
measured from the outer edge of the step to the vertical "riser" between steps.
Riser - The vertical portion between each tread on the stair. This may be
missing for an "open" stair effect.
Nosing - An edge part of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath. If it
is present, this means that horizontally, the total "run" length of the stairs is
not simply the sum of the tread lengths, the treads actually overlap each other
slightly
Starting step - Where stairs are open on one or both sides, the first step
above the lower floor may be wider than the other steps and rounded. The
balusters typically form a semi-circle around the circumference of the rounded
portion and the handrail has a horizontal spiral called a "volute" that supports
the top of the balusters. Besides the cosmetic appeal, starting steps allow the
balusters to form a wider, more stable base for the end of the handrail.
Handrails that simply end at a post at the foot of the stairs can be less sturdy,
even with a thick post. A double bullnose can be used when both sides of the
stairs are open.
Winders - Winders are steps that are narrower on one side than the other.
They are used to change the direction of the stairs without landings. A series
of winders form a circular or spiral stairway. When three steps are used to
turn a 90° corner, the middle step is called a kite winder as a kite-shaped
quadrilateral.
Stringer, stringer board or sometimes just string - The structural member that
supports the treads and risers. There are typically two stringers, one on either
side of the stairs; though the treads may be supported many other ways. The
stringers are sometimes notched so that the risers and treads fit into them.
Stringers on open-sided stairs are often open themselves so that the treads
are visible from the side. Such stringers are called "cut" stringers. Stringers
on a closed side of the stairs are closed, with the support for the treads
routed into the stringer.
Trim - Trim (e.g. quarter-round or baseboard trim) is normally applied where
walls meet floors and often underneath treads to hide the reveal where the
tread and riser meet. Shoe moulding may be used between where the lower
floor and the first riser meet. Trimming a starting step is a special challenge
as the last riser above the lower floor is rounded. Today, special flexible,
plastic trim is available for this purpose, however wooden mouldings are still
used and are either cut from a single piece of rounded wood, or bent with
laminations
Tread - The part of the stairway that is stepped on. It is constructed to the
same specifications (thickness) as any other flooring. The tread "width" is
measured from the outer edge of the step to the vertical "riser" between steps.
Riser - The vertical portion between each tread on the stair. This may be
missing for an "open" stair effect.
Nosing - An edge part of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath. If it
is present, this means that horizontally, the total "run" length of the stairs is
not simply the sum of the tread lengths, the treads actually overlap each other
slightly
Starting step - Where stairs are open on one or both sides, the first step
above the lower floor may be wider than the other steps and rounded. The
balusters typically form a semi-circle around the circumference of the rounded
portion and the handrail has a horizontal spiral called a "volute" that supports
the top of the balusters. Besides the cosmetic appeal, starting steps allow the
balusters to form a wider, more stable base for the end of the handrail.
Handrails that simply end at a post at the foot of the stairs can be less sturdy,
even with a thick post. A double bullnose can be used when both sides of the
stairs are open.
Winders - Winders are steps that are narrower on one side than the other.
They are used to change the direction of the stairs without landings. A series
of winders form a circular or spiral stairway. When three steps are used to
turn a 90° corner, the middle step is called a kite winder as a kite-shaped
quadrilateral.
Stringer, stringer board or sometimes just string - The structural member that
supports the treads and risers. There are typically two stringers, one on either
side of the stairs; though the treads may be supported many other ways. The
stringers are sometimes notched so that the risers and treads fit into them.
Stringers on open-sided stairs are often open themselves so that the treads
are visible from the side. Such stringers are called "cut" stringers. Stringers
on a closed side of the stairs are closed, with the support for the treads
routed into the stringer.
Trim - Trim (e.g. quarter-round or baseboard trim) is normally applied where
walls meet floors and often underneath treads to hide the reveal where the
tread and riser meet. Shoe moulding may be used between where the lower
floor and the first riser meet. Trimming a starting step is a special challenge
as the last riser above the lower floor is rounded. Today, special flexible,
plastic trim is available for this purpose, however wooden mouldings are still
used and are either cut from a single piece of rounded wood, or bent with
laminations
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