The Framework of a Formal Staircase: See How to Shop for Wood Stair Parts like a Specialist
Whether you have a new home and you want to put in a platform deck in the backyard or you have a old-fashioned property and would like to repair the focal staircase, it is essential to recognize the many different parts of a staircase. As they say, knowledge is power and if you are at ease with your staircase parts, then you know what to shop for, and it is much easier to acquire the materials you want at a cost you want to pay for it.
Stair Parts
Stair Tread – the horizontal stair part that you step onto.
Stairway Riser – the back vertical section or “kicker” between each step.
Stair Tread Nosing – an edge part of the tread that juts out on top of the stair riser beneath. If it is there, this indicates that horizontally, the total “run” span of the stairs is not just the sum of the tread lengths, the treads actually overlap each other slightly
Bullnose – the first step is dubbed the starting step or bullnose. The first step in a grand hallway, for example, would be wider than the others and presents an attachment area for the banister and stair newel post.
Winders – smaller steps, on occasion angular that are used to alter course such as in a circular or spiral stairway.
Stringer, Stringer board or sometimes just String – a structural stair parts that keeps up the stairway risers and treads
Trim – natural wood baseboard, quarter round or crown floor trip that finishes off the stairs, and is frequently done in a way that harmonizes the staircases with the rest of the house.
Balustrade Parts
The balustrade is the whole system of stairway railings that includes balusters and railing.
Railing – Also referred to as the banister or handrail. It is the topmost part of the system that is meant for hand holding and security. There are different types of fittings for the railings including easings, goosenecks, turnouts and volutes.
Baluster – the straight up posts that hold up the hand railing. In America, these are frequently called spindles. This is commonly the most ornamental part of any stairway where the balusters are hand carved, wrought iron, stained wood, ornately turned, or sporting a unique paint finish.
Newel – Regularly referred to as a stair newel post, these are the major columns that hold up the handrail.
The two different adaptations of railing systems are over-the-post (also known as continuous) rails and post-to-post (also called newel-to-newel) rails. Continuous hand rails run “continuosly” over the newels. The handrail in a post-to-post configuation, on the other hand, terminates at each newel.
Added terminology that may possibly be beneficial while you are refurbishing your grand staircase project:
• Flight – an continual grouping or series of staircase steps
• Staircase – the stair structure as one including the hand railing or banister, balusters, steps and boxed newels.
• Stairway – the entire staircase and stairwell in total. This name is regularly interchanged with stairs and staircase.
• Runner – the rug that is laid on top of the step and risers of the staircase.
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