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Stair Parts 101: Putting a Part to a Name

Stair Parts Checklist by author Meghan Carter

  • The name of each stair part.
  • The name of different types of stair construction.
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Stair Parts that make up the Stair

  • Stringers - The stair part that runs along the side of the stairs and helps to support the part of the stairs you walk on.
  • Risers - The stair parts that form the vertical part of the stair that your toe taps when you accidentally put too much of your foot on the stair.
  • Treads - The stair parts that are the horizontal part of the stair you put your foot on.
  • Swell Step or Starter Step - The first step at the bottom of the staircase.
  • Landing - The large platform halfway up a set of stairs that serves as a resting area.

Stair Parts that make up the Balustrade

  • Balusters or Spindles - The thin posts that span the distance between the handrail and the steps.
  • Newel Posts - The large posts found at the beginning, end and on landings of staircases. There are different names for each type of newel post:
    • Starter Post - The newel post that is the first post at the top of the staircase.
    • Number One Post - The newel post at the bottom of the staircase.
    • Landing Post - The newel post on a landing.
    • Focal Point Post - A newel post at the bottom of a staircase that is very big, grand and elaborate.
  • Handrail - The stair part that you put your hand on as you walk down a flight of stairs.
  • Easement - The stair part that is an extension of the handrail and is used to transition the handrail from one slope to another.  
  • Gooseneck - The stair part that is the combination of an easement and a straight handrail. It is used to transition the handrail from one slope to another.


Additional Stair Parts on a Post-Over Staircase

    There are two types of staircase constructions. A post-over staircase is a staircase that has a handrail that goes over all of the newel posts and balisters. A post-to-post staircase is a staircase where the handrail runs into the newel posts. To build a post over staircase, you need two extra stair parts that extend the handrail to go over the newel posts.

  • Cap - The stair part that goes over an end newel post. It is a simple piece that finishes off the end of the handrail.
  • Volute - A more elaborate cap that is made of a piece of handrail that is shaped in a curl. The volute sits on top of both an end newel post and spindles.




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