Whether they’re grand and sweeping or simple and functional, staircases all have the same basic building blocks. If you’re building stairs, renovating them, or just trying to describe a design idea, knowing the correct names for parts of stairs is essential for clear communication.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of staircase anatomy, covering everything from the steps you walk on to the supporting structures that hold them in place.
We’ll explore the key components like treads, risers, stringers, handrails, balusters, newel posts, and more, ensuring you have the vocabulary you need to discuss stair design with confidence.
The Essential Steps: Treads and Risers
When you’re naming the parts of a staircase, the first two things that come to mind are probably the treads and the risers.
Stair Treads: The Walking Surface
The stair tread is the horizontal part of the staircase where you place your foot. Most treads are about an inch thick when finished, but you can find thicker options. Treads can be made of wood, metal, or composite materials.
Both OSHA and the International Building Code (IBC) specify the minimum depth of a stair tread. OSHA requires a depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm), and the IBC requires 11 inches (279 mm) minimum.
Stair Risers: The Vertical Support
The riser is the vertical piece between one step and the next. Most risers are about 3/4 inch thick and 7 1/2 inches wide, though you can order custom sizes. Risers can be solid or open, depending on the design and the building codes.
OSHA says risers should be between 6 and 7.5 inches high (15.24 to 19.05 cm), while the IBC specifies a maximum of 7 inches (178 mm) and a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm).
Structural support: stringers and landings
Two structural elements that are crucial to any staircase are the stair stringers and any landings that are part of the staircase.
Stair stringers: the backbone of the staircase
Stair stringers are structural components that support the treads and risers. Most are about ¾” thick, but you can also find them in 1″, 2″, and 3″ thicknesses.
Stringers are categorized as inner, outer, closed, and cut strings.
Stair landings: resting points
Stair landings are the areas of floor at the top or bottom of a set of stairs.
They offer a place to pause and rest, and they’re required at certain intervals on longer staircases. OSHA requires that a landing be at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) deep.
Safety and Style: Handrails, Balusters, and Newel Posts
Handrails, balusters, and newel posts are essential components of a staircase. They contribute to both the safety and the aesthetic appeal of the structure.
Handrails: Ensuring a Safe Grip
Handrails are rails designed to be grasped by users as they walk up or down the stairs. Building codes usually require that handrails be installed on both sides of stairways and ramps, and that they are continuously graspable along their entire length.
For safety’s sake, building codes specify the height of the railing. Railing height is usually around 33 inches, plus or minus 3 inches. Handrail height must be at least 30 inches.
Balusters: Guarding the Open Space
Balusters are the vertical posts that support the handrail and keep people from falling off the stairs. Like handrails, baluster spacing is dictated by building codes. OSHA standards say that balusters must be placed no more than 19 inches apart, while the International Building Code (IBC) specifies that there be no more than a 4- to 6-inch gap between balusters.
Balusters come in a variety of materials and styles. They can be made of wood or iron, and can be turned, hollow, or custom designed.
Newel Posts: Anchoring the Railing
Newel posts are support posts that are placed at the start, end, and any turns along a staircase. Styles include box newel posts, half newels, newel caps, and continuous newel posts.
The anatomy of a staircase: nosing, balustrades, and other terms
Once you get past the basic terms, there are other words you’ll want to know.
Stair nosing: edge protection and visibility
The stair nosing is the front edge of the tread, and it usually hangs over the riser. Nosing gives you a little extra space for your foot, and it can also make the edge of each step easier to see.
Balustrades: the complete railing system
The balustrade is the entire railing system, made up of the handrail, newels, and balusters.
Other terms you’ll want to know
- Curtail. A decorative first step.
- Volute. A spiral or scroll that’s often used to decorate a handrail.
- Finial. A decorative ornament that sits on top of a newel post or other architectural feature.
- Winders. Steps that are wider on one side than the other. They’re used to change the direction of a staircase without using a landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word for stair parts?
There isn’t one single word to describe all the parts of stairs collectively. Instead, we refer to them individually by their specific names. So, you’d talk about the “parts” or “components” of stairs, and then name each one.
What is each part of a stair called?
Each part has its own name! You’ve got the tread (the part you step on), the riser (the vertical piece between treads), the stringer (the structural support), the balusters (the vertical posts supporting the handrail), the handrail itself, the newel post (the larger post at the bottom or top of the stairs), and more. We covered them all in detail above!
What is the name of the stairs part?
This question is a bit broad! To give you a specific answer, you’d need to tell me which part you’re thinking of. Are you wondering about the slanted support, the piece you walk on, or something else? Check the article above for a labelled diagram to help you identify the part you’re curious about, and then find its name.
What are the components of a staircase?
The main components of a staircase include the treads, risers, stringers, balusters, handrail, and newel posts. Depending on the design, you might also have features like landings, volutes, goosenecks, and decorative trim. The specific components and their arrangement determine the overall look and functionality of the staircase.
Summary
Knowing the terms for each part of a staircase allows for clear communication with contractors, designers, and other professionals. It also helps you make informed decisions about the construction, repair, or renovation of stairs in your home.
The key components of a staircase are the treads, risers, stringers, handrails, balusters, and newel posts. Each part serves a specific function, and all work together to ensure a safe and functional set of stairs.
When building or remodeling stairs, it’s vital to adhere to safety codes and regulations. This will ensure that your staircase is not only beautiful but also safe for everyone who uses it.