Stepping Up Your Staircase Knowledge
Have you ever not known what to call a certain part of a staircase? Do you want to know them before you start your staircase remodeling project?
In this post, you’ll discover the 18 parts of a staircase, from the tread to the finial.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to appreciate and maybe even improve the stairs in your home with a Fairfax staircase remodeling project.
What Are The Parts Of A Staircase?
Understanding the parts of a staircase is crucial for homeowners in Fairfax, VA, especially if you're planning renovations or new constructions. Here are the main staircase components you should know:
Tread: The horizontal part of the step where you place your foot.
Riser: The vertical part between each tread.
Stringer: The structural support that holds the treads and stair risers.
Handrail: The railing you hold onto for support.
Guardrail: The barrier system that prevents falls.
Baluster: Vertical posts supporting the handrail.
Balustrade: The collective term for the system of balusters and handrail.
Newel Post: The main vertical posts at the start and end of a staircase.
Base Rail: The rail at the bottom of the balusters.
Landing: The flat area at the top or bottom of the staircase.
Fascia: The vertical part that covers the side of the staircase.
Curtail: A decorative bottom step that curves around the newel post.
Bullnose: A rounded edge step at the bottom.
Nosing: The front edge of the tread that extends beyond the riser.
Winders: Triangular steps used to change the direction of the staircase.
Gooseneck: A handrail transition piece.
Volute: A spiral detail at the end of the handrail.
Finial: A decorative piece on top of the newel post.
18 Parts Of A Staircase
1. Tread
The stair tread is the horizontal surface you step on while using the stairs.
It forms the walking surface of the staircase and is crucial for safety and comfort.
Types of treads include standard, extra thick, and square edge.
Materials used for treads are often wood, glass, tile, or metal. Wood stair treads are popular for their classic look and durability, made from various wood species like oak or maple.
In Fairfax, VA, homeowners often choose wood stair treads for their aesthetic appeal and durability.
2. Riser
The riser is the vertical part between each tread.
It provides height to each step and supports the overall structure of the staircase.
Closed risers are enclosed vertical parts, giving a traditional look, whereas open risers have spaces between treads, creating a modern, airy feel.
Standard risers are typically 7-1/2 inches high, but custom options can vary in height and design.
Check out these incredible stair riser ideas.
3. Stringer
The stringer is the backbone of the staircase, providing structural support for the treads and risers.
Types of stringers include cut stringers, which have an exposed sawtooth design; closed stringers that enclose the treads and risers; and routed stringers, where treads and risers are recessed into the stringer for a clean look.
Stringers are commonly made from wood or metal, with thickness ranging from 3/4 inch to several inches.
4. Handrail
The handrail, also called a banister railing, provides support and stability as you ascend or descend the stairs.
It's an essential part of the staircase for safety. Handrails can be wall-mounted, ideal for narrow staircases, or baluster-mounted, fixed to the vertical posts for more design flexibility.
They are available in various profiles and styles and are made from materials like wood or metal to fit the overall aesthetic.
5. Guardrail
The guardrail is a barrier system that prevents falls from the side of the staircase.
Guardrails must meet specific safety standards and building codes to ensure they provide adequate protection. They are integrated into the overall staircase design to enhance both safety and aesthetic appeal.
6. Baluster
Balusters are the vertical posts that support the handrail.
Balusters can be made from wood, metal, or glass. Wood balusters are traditional and can be intricately designed, while glass and iron balusters offer a modern look.
They come in various styles, from simple to ornate, and can be customized to fit the staircase's design.
Want to know the styles of iron balusters?
7. Balustrade
A balustrade is the collective term for the system of balusters and handrail.
The balustrade is crucial for safety and adds significant visual impact to the staircase. They are commonly made from wood, metal, or glass and can range from simple designs to elaborate ones that serve as decorative elements.
8. Newel Post
The newel post is the main vertical post at the start and end of a staircase.
Newel posts come in various styles, including box newel posts and turned newel posts. Box newel posts are square and modern, while turned newel posts are round and more traditional.
They can have decorative caps, like finials or newel caps, adding to the staircase's overall aesthetic.
9. Base Rail
The base rail sits at the bottom of the balusters, providing support for the stair railing system.
The base rail runs along the bottom of the balusters, typically on top of the stringer. Base rails are usually made from wood and can be designed to match the overall staircase style.
10. Landing
The landing is the flat area at the top or bottom of the staircase, providing a resting point and transition between different levels.
Landings can be quarter, half, or full, depending on their size and position within the staircase. They are essential in staircase designs for homes in Fairfax, VA, as they enhance both the functionality and safety of the stairs.
Landings can also be designed to fit seamlessly with the rest of the staircase components, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
They often serve as key junctures in more complex staircase designs, helping to direct the flow of foot traffic.
11. Fascia
The fascia is the vertical part that covers the side of the staircase, often serving both decorative and functional purposes.
Fascia boards can be made from various materials, including wood and metal, and are typically installed along the sides of the staircase to cover gaps and provide a finished look.
12. Curtail
A curtail is a decorative bottom step that curves around the newel post.
Curtails are larger and more elaborate than standard steps, often used in grand staircase designs to create a striking first impression. They enhance the visual appeal of a staircase while also providing a larger, more stable stepping surface at the bottom.
The curtail step, often paired with a volute or decorative element, sets the tone for the entire staircase design.
13. Bullnose
A bullnose is a rounded edge step at the bottom of the staircase.
It is simpler than a curtail but provides a subtle decorative touch. Bullnoses enhance the aesthetic appeal and offer a stable stepping surface at the staircase's base.
Bullnose steps are commonly used in Fairfax, VA, to create a smooth, finished look at the bottom of the stairs. They are particularly effective in traditional staircase designs, adding both function and beauty to the staircase components.
14. Nosing
Nosing is the front edge of the tread that extends beyond the riser.
It is one of the stair parts that is crucial for safety, often featuring anti-slip strips to prevent falls.
Nosing can be made from wood, metal, or other materials and is designed to match the overall look of the staircase.
In Fairfax, VA, stair nosing is a key consideration for homeowners looking to ensure the safety and durability of their stairs. The protruding edge of the nosing helps to prevent slips and provides additional grip for those using the staircase.
15. Winders
Winders are triangular steps used to change the direction of the staircase.
Instead of having a flat landing, winders allow the staircase to turn, saving space and adding a unique design element. They must be carefully designed to ensure safety and comfort while walking.
16. Gooseneck
The gooseneck is a handrail transition piece used when the handrail height changes, such as at landings or turns.
It connects a lower handrail to a higher one, ensuring a smooth and continuous railing system.
Goosenecks are often seen in more elaborate staircase designs in Fairfax, VA, providing both functional and decorative benefits. They help to maintain the flow of the handrail and can be designed to match the overall style of the staircase.
17. Volute
A volute is a spiral detail at the end of the handrail, often used in conjunction with curtail steps.
Volutes add an elegant touch to the staircase, enhancing its overall design. They are typically placed at the bottom of the staircase, creating a focal point that draws the eye.
18. Finial
A finial is a decorative piece on top of the newel post.
Finials come in various shapes and materials, including wood, metal, and glass, adding a decorative element to the staircase. They provide a finished look and additional visual interest.
Now, what are the different types of staircases?
Put Your Staircase Together Piece-by-Piece With Stair Creations
Stair Creations in Fairfax, VA, has the expertise to handle all your staircase remodeling needs, ensuring every part of your staircase is beautifully crafted. Whether you need newel posts, wood stair treads, or a complete stair railing system, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to transform your stairs? Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call for a consultation with our staircase experts!
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