Common Terminology:
Baluster
Verticle railing spindles.
Base Volutes
Round or rectangular base at the side of the tread.
Carpet Tee
A wood strip installed on the bottom or back of an open riser stair with plywood treads.
Ceiling Plate
A plate where a railing system ties into the ceiling.
Closed Risers
The vertical surface of the stair between steps.
Convex Treads
The front edge of your tread is curved between stringers.
Degree of Turn
The degree in which a curved stair turns.
Designer Foot
A method to add additional support to a stair.
Diminishing Spindles
When spindles gradually change from full height to smaller heights.
Eastern Stringer
Saw Tooth or cutout stringer design in which the spindles sit on the tread of the stair.
Extended Wall Brackets
A Bracket used to attach a wall-mounted railing to the wall. Longer than the standard wall bracket.
Half Newel
A newel cut in half vertically and placed against the wall where the handrail terminates.
Handrail Volute
A custom rail curl at the base of the stair.
Inside Radius
The measurement from the center point to the inner edge of the staircase.
Mould
The material used to provide ornamental variation of outline or contours and to cover any gaps or seams between materials.
Newel
The posts used in railing construction at changes in directions and terminations.
Nosing
The front portion of the tread that overhangs the riser.
Open Risers
look at steps for extra period.
Outside Radius
The measurement from the center point to the outer edge of the staircase.
Recessed Paneling
Moulding used to create a panel effect.
Riser
Vertical dimensions from tread to tread.
Run
Horizontal dimensions from riser to riser.
Shoe
The bottom plate that the balusters/spindles are set on.
Stair Width
Width measurement from edge to edge.
Straight Treads
When the treads are straight across from stringer to stringer.
Tread
The horizontal structure where you step on.
Walk Line
A measurement into the stair that the inspectors use to determine the legal run per tread.
Wall Bracket
A bracket is used to attach a wall-mounted railing to a wall.
Wall Mounted Railing
A handrail supported by brackets that are mounted to the wall.
Wall Plate
A plate where a railing system ties into the wall.
Western Stringer
Closed stringer design in which the spindles terminate directly into.