Most of us use stairs daily, but they can become confusing when starting to plan a building or renovation project. In an attempt to simplify things, let’s take a look at the different staircase parts you might encounter.
Main parts
Main parts of staircases include risers, stringers, treads, handrails, newel posts, balusters or spindles, balustrades, nosing, and landings. These interconnected components all work together in order to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing and safe staircase.
Treads provide a horizontal surface to step on, and risers are the vertical parts linking treads. The structural boards that run along the sides to support the risers and treads are known as stringers or strings. The primary vertical post anchoring staircase railings is called a newel post, while the handrail offers support and is an integral part of staircase safety.
The handrail is connected to the treads using supporting spindles. The complete railing system is known as the balustrade. Metal balustrades made by experts such as https://donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/metal-handrails-balustrades can add a design element to a staircase, as well as being a crucial feature for safety.
More staircase terminology
Flights of stairs are separated by landings, while a nosing is the tread’s edge that goes slightly past the riser to improve grip and safety, as well as adding another design feature. Other terms you might need include volute, which is a handrail’s spiral end, gooseneck, which is a curved part of a handrail connecting different levels, and base rail, which supports spindles at a balustrade’s bottom.
