When it comes to your stairs, we pride ourselves on helping you take things to that next level (See what we did there?!). Whether you’re designing a new home from the ground up and want the stairs to be one of the focal points or you just need to add some luster or pizzazz to an existing staircase design, Stair Parts has the inventory and the expertise to get the job done right.
While you may have a vision in mind of what you’d like your stairs to look like, you may not be familiar with commonly used stair terms that can help you express your design ideas. Without further ado, here’s a look at some of today’s most common stair components and stair parts, so you can streamline your project and spend less time searching for the right words.
Stair Treads
The treads are the part of the stairs that you actually step on. In most cases, the tread is crafted from wood, although metal materials are sometimes used as well. Stair treads are also sometimes covered with a non-slip surface to prevent falls, particularly in homes where children or the elderly are present.
Stair Risers
The stair risers are the vertical parts of the stairs that are affixed to the horizontal treads. Typically made of wood, the risers are ultimately responsible for determining the height of your stairs.
Balusters
The vertical components that lend support to your stairs’ handrail are known as balusters, or in some cases, spindles. These can be made of soft or hard woods or iron, depending on the look you are going for and how much support you need them to bear.
Newel Posts
The newel posts are not unlike the balusters in that they help support the hand railing, but they differ in that they typically extend higher than the balusters and are often decorative or elegant in nature. The newel posts offer a great opportunity to give your staircase a “wow” factor as well as a more customized, unique design.
Handrails
Often referred to as a bannister, the handrail is there to offer support for those climbing and coming down the stairs. They can be very basic or very intricate based on your chosen materials and design preferences.
Now that you know the proper terms for the most common stair parts, you should find it easier to discuss and plan for a renovation or an entirely new design. You can also use these terms when communicating your wishes to a contractor or when discussing your purchasing needs over the phone or the web.