This
glossary of staircase related terminology is by no means
exhaustive but does detail the most common and basic terms
used in staircase construction and balustrading installation.
Baluster/Spindle - the vertical member, plain or decorative,
that acts as the infill between the handrail and baserail (or
tread if cut string).
Balustrading - the collective
name for the complete assembly
of handrails, baserails, newels, spindles and caps.
Bullnose Step - usually at the bottom of the stairs with one or
both ends of the step having a quarter circle design.
Closed String - a string with the face housed/trenched to
accommodate treads and risers so their profile cannot be seen.
Continuous Handrail - using straight lengths of handrail
connected to handrail fittings and ramps, the handrail flows over
the tops of newel turnings creating a continuous run of handrail.
Curtail Step - a decorative shaped step at the bottom of the
stairs usually accommodating the volute and volute newel
turning of the Continuous Handrail System.
Cut or Open String - a string
with the upper edge cut away
to the shape of the treads and risers so that their profile can be
seen from the side.
Going - the going of a flight of stairs is the horizontal distance
between the face of the first and last risers. The individual
going of a step is measured from face of riser to face of riser
and for domestic use should be a minimum of 220mm.
Newel - accommodates the strings, handrails and treads/risers
of stairs.
Nosing - the edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of
the riser and the face of a cut string.
Pitch - the angle between the pitch line and the horizontal.
Pitch Line - the notional line connecting the nosings of all
treads in a flight of stairs.
Rake - the pitch of the stairs.
Rise - the rise of a flight is
the vertical distance between the
floors or landings connected by the flight. The individual rise is
the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread.
Riser - the board that forms the face of the step. The
maximum individual rise for domestic flights is 220mm.
Staircase - the entire structure relating to a stair, comprising
steps, treads, risers, strings, balustrading, landings etc.
Stairway/Stairwell - the space/void provided for the stairs.
Stelten - Stelten is a handrail fixing Stelten is short for Steel Tenon.
Step - the tread and riser combined.
String Margin - the distance between the top of the string
and the pitch line measured at 90° to the pitch line.
Tread - the top or horizontal surface of a step.
Wall String - the string of a staircase fixed flush with a wall.
Winders - are radiating steps narrower at one end that are
used to change the direction of a stairs through 90° or 180°.
What to do when your handrail runs into the ceiling.
