Ever wonder what everything is called on a staircase? Knowing the parts of stair names is more than just trivia. It’s the key to communicating clearly with contractors, designers, and builders.
If you’re planning renovations or even building a new home, understanding staircase anatomy will give you the confidence to make informed decisions.
This guide will walk you through all the essential components, from treads and risers to stringers, handrails, balusters, newel posts, and more!
The essential structural components
Staircases are more complex than you might think. Here’s a look at the main parts.
Treads: The stepping surface
The treads are the horizontal boards you step on as you go up or down the stairs. Treads are typically made of wood and come in varying thicknesses.
Some treads have a rounded edge, called a bullnose or nosing, that sticks out a bit beyond the riser. When the staircase meets a landing, you’ll see landing treads.
Risers: The vertical backing
Risers are the vertical boards that connect the treads. If you’ve ever seen a staircase with open space behind each tread, you’ve seen a staircase without risers.
Typically, risers are about 3/4″ thick.
Stringers: The supporting frame
The stringers are the structural supports that run along the sides of the staircase, holding up the treads and risers. Depending on the staircase design and how much weight it needs to hold, stringers can vary in thickness.
The balustrade: Safety and style
The balustrade is the railing system that keeps people from falling off the side of the staircase. It’s made up of several key parts.
Balusters (or spindles): The vertical infill
Balusters, also called spindles, are the vertical posts that fill the space between the handrail and the tread or base rail. They’re often made of wood or iron. Hollow iron balusters are a popular trend right now.
Building codes dictate the spacing between balusters to prevent falls.
Handrails: The gripping surface
Handrails are the rails that run along the top of the balustrade. They give you something to hold onto for safety and support as you go up and down the stairs. Handrails can be made of wood, metal, or a combination of materials.
Newel posts: The anchors
Newel posts are the large, decorative posts that anchor the handrail at the top and bottom of the staircase and at landings. Box newel posts are a common type, often made of solid hardwood.
Other parts of staircases
- Landings: Landings are intermediate platforms that give you a place to rest on long staircases or a place to change direction.
- Bullnose and Nosing: A bullnose is the rounded edge you see on some steps, usually at the bottom. Nosing is the name for any part of the tread that sticks out past the riser.
- Winders: Winders are steps that are wider on one side than the other, so you can turn the staircase without using a landing.
- Gooseneck, Volute, and Finial: These are decorative parts. A gooseneck is a curved handrail fitting that connects to a newel post at a different height. A volute is a handrail end that’s shaped like a spiral. And a finial is a decorative piece that sits on top of a newel post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parts of stairs called?
Stairs are more complex than they appear! The main components include the treads (the part you step on), risers (the vertical part between treads), stringers (the structural supports on the sides), the handrail (for gripping), balusters or spindles (vertical posts supporting the handrail), and the newel post (a larger, decorative post at the start and end of the handrail). There’s also the nosing, which is the edge of the tread that overhangs the riser.
What is the word for stair parts?
While there isn’t one single word to describe all stair parts collectively, you can refer to them as stair components, stair elements, or stair members. “Stair parts” itself is also a perfectly acceptable and commonly used term, especially when discussing them individually.
What are the spindles on stairs called?
The vertical posts that support the handrail on a staircase are most commonly called spindles or balusters. These terms are often used interchangeably. They come in various styles and materials and contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of the staircase.
In Closing
Staircases are more complex than they might seem, and knowing the names of the different parts is essential for clear communication and effective planning.
Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply discussing staircase design, using precise language ensures that everyone involved understands each component’s role and how they fit together. Using the right terminology can help you get better results and avoid costly mistakes.