12 Essential Parts of Staircase: Master Guide with Names & Diagram

Stairs are a structure designed to bridge an extensive vertical distance between lower and higher levels by dividing into smaller vertical lengths. It is achieved as a diagonal series of horizontal platforms called steps. It enables passage to the other level by stepping from one to further steps in turn and drives it cosy in crossing large vertical distances. The staircases are available in rectangular, round, or any customized shapes and their material is wood, metal, concrete, or more. Material selection depends on the space availability or type of application. Various individual parts of a staircase make it more customizable to use as per the house, building, industry, and more. We can give different shapes to each staircase part and make them attractive. In this article, we will see all those staircase parts and their functions.

Parts of a Staircase Diagram

Parts of a Staircase Names

Staircase Parts and Their Functions

Riser

The riser, a vertical element of a staircase, serves to connect two adjacent treads. In traditional stair designs, the riser is integral, joining the treads together. For instance, in the construction of concrete staircases, risers are employed in this manner.

Conversely, modern staircases display a distinct characteristic known as the “open riser” style, wherein the riser either does not connect to the treads or is absent. This design choice imparts a unique and visually striking quality to the staircase.

Tread

The trend is a horizontal or flat part of a staircase, which fits between two extreme supports or railings. It acts as a walking surface while climbing. At every specific distance, it is fixed on the staircase.

Stair Nosing

Nosing is an intersection point or line between the riser and the tread.  

Cut String/Stringer

Stringers are the two extreme sides of the staircase: wall string (inner) and closed string (outer). It holds or gives support to the riser and tread.

All the loads get transferred to the stringers while walking through the stairs. So, it is necessary to have a strong structure of the stringer.

Types of the stringer.

1. Western
2. Eastern
3. Mono

Handrail

The handrail serves as a load-bearing element during stairway traversal, providing individuals with a secure grip while ascending or descending. It is connected to the outermost edges of the staircase structure, offering stability and support for users straightforwardly and distinctively.

Guardrail

The primary purpose of a guardrail is to provide fall protection for individuals using a staircase. It is securely attached to the outer edge of the staircase stringer.

Spindle/Baluster

Balusters are vertical structural elements systematically positioned to provide structural integrity for the guardrail and handrail. They concurrently enhance the visual appeal of the staircase. The collective assembly of these balusters is referred to as a balustrade.

Newel Post

Newel posts are vertical load-bearing elements positioned at the outermost edges of staircases. They exhibit substantial structural integrity to provide steadfast support for the handrail. On occasion, these newel posts are affixed directly to the ground or floor surface. Their design may encompass both unadorned and ornate configurations.

Newel Cap

The newel cap, also referred to as the newel post’s pinnacle, serves as an ornamental crowning element. Its configuration may encompass square, spherical, or tailor-made geometries, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the post.

Base Rail

The balusters are mounted on the base rail and supported on the stringer. It gives support to the newel posts.  

Landing

Landing is flooring at the bottom and top of the staircase. It is a resting portion of the space to give access to the lifts and rooms. While taking turns at a specific angle (45 to 90 degrees), the landing portion is present.

Fascia

It is an outer structure of the landing. It covers the open space of the balcony and ceiling.

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