Comprehensive definitions of 61 stair-related terms — from stringers and treads to building codes and wood species.
The inclined structural member that supports the treads and risers. Stringers run along the sides of the staircase and can be 'open' (with visible saw-tooth cuts) or 'closed' (with routed grooves hidden from view).
A stringer with a sawtooth pattern cut into the top edge where treads rest. The ends of the treads are visible from the side.
A stringer with routed grooves on the inside face where treads and risers are inserted. The stringer presents a solid, uninterrupted face from the side.
An additional stringer placed in the middle of wide stairs to provide extra support and prevent bounce or deflection.
Another term for stringer; the structural framework that supports stairs from below.
A flat platform within a staircase, typically used where the stairs change direction or to break up a long flight. Code often requires landings for stairs exceeding a certain height.
A landing that spans the full width of the staircase where the stairs reverse direction 180 degrees.
A landing where stairs turn 90 degrees. Also called an L-landing.
A continuous series of steps between landings or between a floor and a landing.
The horizontal surface of a step that you walk on. Standard tread depth is typically 10-11 inches minimum per code requirements.
The vertical face between two treads. Standard riser height is typically 7-7.75 inches maximum per code. Open risers (no vertical board) are permitted in some applications but may have restrictions.
The rounded front edge of a tread that projects beyond the riser below. Nosing typically projects 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches and provides visual definition and a grip surface.
A starting step with one or both ends rounded. A single bullnose has one rounded end; a double bullnose has both ends rounded.
A tread with finished returns (rounded nosing) on one or both exposed ends, typically used with open stringers.
A thin overlay installed over existing treads during a staircase renovation, giving the appearance of solid wood treads.
The first step at the bottom of a staircase, often larger or shaped differently than the rest (e.g., bullnose, curved, or box newel pedestal).
The graspable rail that runs along the staircase, providing support and safety. Must be continuous and at a graspable height (34-38 inches typically) per building codes.
The vertical members (also called spindles or pickets) that fill the space between the handrail and the treads or bottom rail. Spacing must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.
A metal baluster, typically wrought iron, hollow iron, or solid steel. Available in various designs including plain, twisted, scrolled, and decorative patterns.
A turned or square wooden spindle. Common profiles include colonial, contemporary, and craftsman styles.
The complete railing assembly including handrail, balusters, and newel posts.
A horizontal rail at the bottom of a balustrade where balusters attach. Also called a shoe rail or sub-rail.
A moulding at the base of balusters that provides a finished look and covers the baluster connections to the tread or floor.
A decorative fitting that covers the base of an iron baluster where it meets the tread, providing a finished appearance.
A thin strip of wood used to fill the space between balusters in a plowed handrail or shoe rail.
A handrail or shoe rail with a groove cut along the bottom to accept square-top balusters.
A handrail mounted to the wall side of a staircase, typically with wall rail brackets.
The main structural post at the beginning, end, and turns of a staircase balustrade. Newels anchor the handrail and provide structural stability.
The newel post at the bottom of a staircase. Often larger or more ornate than intermediate newels.
A newel post positioned at a landing where the stair changes direction.
A large, square or rectangular newel post, often hollow, providing a substantial architectural presence. Popular in craftsman and contemporary designs.
A newel post with decorative lathe-turned profiles, common in traditional and colonial styles.
A newel post with a round pin at the top that fits into the underside of the handrail, allowing the rail to be secured on top of the newel.
A decorative cap placed on top of a box newel or flat-top newel post.
A decorative ornament mounted on top of a newel post, available in various designs including ball, acorn, urn, and custom shapes.
A two-piece fastener used to join handrail sections together or to attach handrails to newel posts. Creates a strong, invisible connection.
A spiral or scroll-shaped handrail fitting used at the bottom of a staircase, curving away from the newel post.
A horizontal scroll fitting at the end of a handrail that curves into or away from the wall.
An S-shaped handrail fitting that transitions from an angled rail to a vertical section, typically used to reach a landing newel.
A curved handrail fitting that creates a smooth transition, such as an up-easing (concave curve up) or over-easing (convex curve over).
A decorative block mounted on a wall where a handrail terminates, providing a finished end point.
A mounting bracket used to attach a wall-mounted handrail to the wall surface.
Evermark's patented tool-free baluster installation system that eliminates the need for epoxy or adhesives. Provides secure installation with easy adjustability.
Evermark's innovative baluster shoe system that provides a clean, professional finish without messy adhesives.
The total vertical height of a staircase, or the vertical distance of a single step (riser height).
The total horizontal distance of a staircase, or the horizontal depth of a single tread (excluding nosing).
The angle or slope of a staircase, determined by the relationship between rise and run. Typical residential stairs have a pitch between 30-35 degrees.
The vertical clearance above the stairs. Building codes typically require minimum 6'8" headroom.
A wedge-shaped tread used in curved or turning stairs where space is limited. The narrow end should meet minimum code requirements.
A joint where the tread and riser are fitted into routed grooves in a closed stringer, creating a strong, clean appearance.
International Residential Code — the model building code used as the basis for residential construction standards in most U.S. jurisdictions.
A protective barrier at open sides of stairs, landings, and balconies. Required when the drop exceeds 30 inches. Minimum height typically 36" for residential, 42" for commercial.
Building code requirement that balusters must be spaced so that a 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through, preventing children from getting stuck or falling through.
Code requirement that handrails must be easily grippable. Typically requires a circular cross-section of 1.25" to 2" diameter, or equivalent graspable profile.
The most common wood species for stair parts in North America. Known for its prominent grain pattern, durability, and ability to accept stain well.
A hardwood with tighter grain than red oak, more water-resistant. Popular for contemporary and mission-style designs.
A paint-grade hardwood commonly used for stair parts that will be painted. Economical and machines well.
A very hard, light-colored wood with subtle grain. Excellent for contemporary designs and can be stained to mimic other species.
Stair parts that come factory-finished with stain and/or clear coat, ready to install without on-site finishing.
Traditional hand-forged iron used for decorative balusters and railings. Modern 'wrought iron' is typically mild steel with applied finishes.
Tubular steel balusters that provide the look of solid iron at reduced weight and cost. Most modern iron balusters are hollow construction.
