Staircase Terminology

Baluster;

The vertical elements that sit between a handrail and baserail, this is often referred to as spindle

Balustrade;

Name of the fully assembled handrail, base rail and balusters/spindles

Base Rail;

Base Rails sit on top of the string or along a landing underneath the balusters/spindles.

Bullnose Step;

Is the bottom step on the staircase where one of the ends has a rounded edge design for decorative purposes.

Curtail step;

Is the bottom step on the staircase where both of the ends have rounded edge design for decorative purposes.

Newel Cap;

The cap sits on top of the newel post; this can come in various designs and materials.

Closed String;

The treads and risers of the staircase are enclosed and cannot be seen from a side view of the staircase

Cut String;

Cut String is when the sting is such that the treads and risers of the staircase are exposed, so the profile can be seen from the side.

End Caps;

End Caps sit on the end of a mopstick handrail for decorative purposes.

Total Going;

The total going of a staircase is the measurement from the nosing of the first tread to the back of the top riser.

Individual Going;

The individual going is the measurement from the front of the nosing on one tread to the front of the nosing on the next tread.

Handrail;

The handrail provides support and guidance for ascending and descending the staircase. The handrail can either sit on top of the spindles or be attached to the wall.

Handrail Bracket;

A Handrail Bracket is used to fasten a handrail to a wall.

Newel Post;

The Newel Post is a large post acting as a structural element between the balustrade and the floor.

Nosing;

The end of the tread which overhangs the riser element of the staircase

Pitch;

The angle of the slope of the staircase between the rise and going

Rake;

Pitch of the stairs. The maximum pitch/rake cannot exceed 42 degrees.

Riser;

The vertical piece of timber between the tread(s).

Tread;

The top of each step, where your foot is placed

Winder staircase;

A winder staircase is a staircase which changes direction of the stairs through 90 or 180 degrees. In order to do this the tread is narrower at one side in order to allow the staircase to turn.