Staircases are more than just a way to get from one floor to another. They’re also an important design element that contributes to the overall look and feel of a building.
Whether you’re planning a new build, renovating an existing space, or just curious about the components that make up a staircase, understanding stairs anatomy is key.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different parts of a staircase, the materials they’re made from, and some of the design considerations that go into creating a functional and beautiful set of stairs.
Staircase Basics: Core Components
Staircases are more than just a way to get from one floor to another. They’re carefully constructed structures with specific components that work together. Here’s a breakdown of the core parts:
Treads: The Walking Surface
Treads are the horizontal boards you step on. They’re the actual steps themselves, and they need to be durable because they take a beating from foot traffic. The depth of the tread is important for safety, because if it’s too shallow, you’re more likely to slip.
Risers: Defining Step Height
Risers are the vertical boards between the treads. They determine how high you have to lift your foot for each step. Risers play a big role in how steep and comfortable the staircase feels. You can also use paint or wallpaper on the risers to add a personal touch to your staircase.
Stringers: The Structural Backbone
Stringers are the sloping boards that run along the sides of the staircase. They’re the framework that holds the treads and risers in place. They’re essential for the stability of the stairs and their ability to hold weight. The type and size of stringers used depends on the design of the staircase and local building codes, so they can safely support people using the stairs.
Newel Posts: Anchoring the Railing
Newel posts are the vertical posts that hold up the handrails and give the whole staircase some stability. You’ll usually find them at the bottom and top of a staircase, and also at any landings in between.
Standard and Landing Newels
Standard newels are the ones you see at the start and end of a staircase. Landing newels, on the other hand, are used where the staircase turns or at a landing.
Pin-Top and Stabilizer Newels
Pin-top newels have a pin or dowel that connects straight to the handrail. If you have an integrated handrail, it’s probably connected to a pin-top newel. Stabilizer newels are there to give the handrail system some extra support.
Handrails and Balustrades: Safety and Style
Handrails and balustrades aren’t just decorative elements; they’re crucial for safety on a staircase.
Handrails: Providing Support
Handrails give you something to hold onto as you go up and down the stairs, and good handrail placement contributes to stair safety and stability. The handrail materials and design will influence the overall cost of the staircase.
Integrated Handrails
Integrated handrails attach right to the pin-top newels, creating a clean, modern look.
Wall-Mounted Handrails
Wall-mounted handrails are attached directly to the wall. You might not even need newel posts for this style, which makes it ideal if you like a minimalist design or if you have limited space.
Balustrades/Infill Panels
Balustrades, also called infill panels, fill the space between the handrail and the stairs. Balusters are the vertical posts that make up the balustrade. Infill panels add both safety and style, closing off any gaps between the handrails and the staircase itself.
Commercial Staircase Components: Durability and Safety
If you’ve ever wondered why the stairs in your office building or apartment complex seem so different from the ones in your home, it’s because commercial stairs are built to withstand much more use.
Key Differences in Commercial Stairs
Because commercial staircases get a lot of foot traffic, they often need stronger materials and a more durable design than residential stairs.
Stairpans and Treads
Stairpans create the walking surface of the stairs. These need to be built with specific dimensions and materials to make them safe for lots of people to use.
Stairpans are often made of steel or concrete.
Stringers and Carrier Angles
Stringers are the main structural supports for commercial stairs. They’re the backbone of the whole system.
Carrier angles give extra support to the stairpans and treads, attaching them securely to the stringers.
Landings and Nosings
Landing pans provide a transition area between flights of stairs, allowing people to pause and change direction.
Stair nosings are the edges of the steps. These are designed to give you better grip and make the edge of the step more visible.
Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Stuff
Staircases can be constructed from many different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Steel and aluminum are often used in commercial buildings because they are strong, durable, and relatively lightweight.
- Wood is a classic choice for houses, offering a warm and inviting aesthetic.
- Concrete is a durable material suitable for both indoor and outdoor stairs.
- Stairs can also be constructed using glass and other materials to achieve a unique design.
The choice of material depends on the intended use of the staircase, the desired aesthetic, and the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stair terminology?
Navigating the world of stairs comes with its own vocabulary. You’ve got the tread, that’s the part you step on. The riser is the vertical piece between the treads. A stringer is the structural support that runs along the sides, holding the treads and risers in place. The nosing is the edge of the tread that overhangs the riser. The handrail is what you hold onto for support, and the balusters are the vertical posts that support the handrail. Understanding these terms will help you better understand the anatomy of a stair system.
What is the anatomy of the stair system?
A stair system is more than just steps; it’s a carefully engineered structure. The main components include the treads and risers, which form the steps themselves. These are supported by stringers, which provide the necessary structural integrity. The handrail and balusters offer safety and stability. The landing provides a place to rest between flights of stairs. All of these elements work together to create a functional and safe way to move between different levels.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the parts of a staircase can help homeowners, designers, and contractors make better choices about their projects.
Every piece, from the treads you step on to the handrails you hold, is important for safety, function, and how good the staircase looks.
Think about the materials, the design, and what you need the space to do. That will help you build a staircase that’s beautiful and works well.