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Stair Supplies

Stair Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

Let's briefly define the lexicon of stair parts. The newel post is the anchor of the balustrade section. It may be ornately carved or simply designed, but its function is to prevent the hand rail and spindle assembly from wobbling. Newel posts tend to be the most ornate components in classic staircases. In modern staircases, such as pre-assembled spiral cases, newel posts may be reduced to a central non-ornate pole.

Each step in a staircase is composed of a rise and a tread. The rise is the wood that's used to build the vertical length of every stair, and the tread is the part you walk on. The length of the tread is known as the "going," which is technically the distance between the noses of two adjacent risers. The nose is a nub of approximately 20 mm that overhangs every riser.

The Essential Stair Parts

At the bottom of the staircase, you may find something called a bullnose step, which is a semi circle or quarter circle step designed to create a more aesthetically delightful staircase by setting back the newel posts. You can also use what's known as a curtailed step here, which is the bottom component of the balustrade hand rail.

The hand rail is the long, often continuous, piece of wood which users employ for balance. Hanging down from the hand rail are the spindles, a.k.a. the balusters. The function of the spindles is to prevent stair users from falling off the side. Spindles also add a decorative touch to a staircase. They can be hand hewn or beveled, and they can also be sawn.

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