Staircase Terminology

Having knowledge about the components of a staircase makes it easy for you to get your dream staircase manufactured or customise it accordingly. The glossary regarding the staircase terminology is vast. Here we are covering the most basic and common terms in detail.

• Tread: A tread is the horizontal portion of the stairs where we keep our foot either going up or down. It can be made using various materials such as stone, concrete, glass, wood and more.
• Riser: The vertical portion between the two treads is known as a riser. They are used to provide support to the treads.
• Step: A riser along with a tread make up a step of the staircase.
• Handrail: A handrail is a long horizontal rod usually made up of wood or steel where people place their hands while ascending or descending the flight of stairs.
• Bannister: The Bannister is side support to the staircase that comprises of handrail, base rail, spindles, newel post, and balusters. It can be made in various materials such as glass, metal, steel etc. in some places, it is also known as a balustrade or railing.
• Spindle/Balusters: These are the elements that are fitted between the handrail and base rail of the bannister to provide safety to the people. Also, they provide support to the handrail.
• Newel post: A newel post is the vertical element of the bannister. It is placed at the ends of the handrail and spindles. The height of the post can be the same, or it can be cut short to fit in a newel turning.
• Newel cap: These are decorative caps that fit on the top of newel posts for added comfort and aesthetics.
• Stringer: Stringers or Strings are the foundational elements of the staircase that provide support to the treads and risers. They are primarily the edge of the stairs. They are of two types closed string and cut string.
• Open String / Cut string: This is one of the popular construction methods of the stringer where the profile of the stairs is visible from the sides.
• Closed String: Here the side face of the stairs is covered which means the profile is not visible.
• Base rail or Bottom rail: It is placed at the bottom of the bannister and has groves for spindles.
• Nosing: The protruding part of the tread which is rounded off.
• Pitch line: The horizontal angle between two nosing is called a pitch line.
• Height or Total Rise: The total rise of the staircase is the vertical distance between the two finished floors.
• Run: The total run is the horizontal length of the staircase. It is measured from the first step to the last step.
• Headroom: It is the minimum vertical distance between the treads and the ceiling. It should be clear with no obstructions.
• Landing: Landing space or landing platform is created when two flights of stairs are connected. They aid in the change of direction. They are a common feature of the U-shape and L-shape staircases.

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