Learn the most essential staircase parts terminology!
Resources
Know Your Stairs Infographic
Balusters: The vertical posts that support the railing of the staircase. The term “balustrade” refers to the baluster and rail system.
Cove Moulding: A decorative strip that, when attached to the underside of the tread nosing, covers the joint between the tread and riser.
Fillet: Strips that fill the plow between balusters on plowed handrails and shoerails.
Fittings: The stair parts that form a smooth transition when the hand-rail changes height or direction. For example, starting a balustrade (volute, turnout, starting easing) at a landing (gooseneck) and a balcony.
Handrails: The horizontal or rake member of a balustrade system. It sits on top of the balusters and is supported by newel posts.
Newels: Major support posts for the balustrade system. Larger and heavier than the balusters, newels are located at the bottom and top of a staircase and turns and critical support areas of balcony rails.
Nosing: The portion of a tread or landing tread that protrudes beyond the face of the riser.
Rake: The slope or angle of the staircase (also referred to as a rake angle).
Risers: The vertical component of a stair that supports the treads.
Shoerail: A piece running along the floor that is plowed for the insertion of balusters and fillets.
Starting Step: The first tread and riser at the bottom of the staircase.
Treads: The horizontal portion of the staircase you walk on.
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