Staircase Components
Tread: The upper horizontal part of a
staircase, the actual step you walk on.
Riser: The vertical part of a staircase.
Starting Step: The first tread and
riser of the staircase.
Nosing: 1. Tread Nosing: the horizontally
projecting edge of a stair
tread, overhanging the riser.
2.Nosing/Landing Tread: Located
around balconies/overlooks for balusters
to rest.
Cove Molding: A decorative piece of
trim moulding usually under treads,
nosing, or box newels to cover joints
between treads and riser, and etc.
Rake: The slope or angle of the staircase.
Handrail: Horizontally or on stair
rake, to be grasped with the hand for
support when walking up and down
the staircase or overlooking balconies.
This sits on top of balusters
and attaches to newel, rosettes, or
columns.
Fittings: Transition pieces of handrail
so straight handrail can change
heights or directions.
Shoerail: runs parallel with handrail
that is plowed for placing balusters.
Fillet: a thin flat piece of wood to fill
plowed handrail or shoe rail between
balusters.
Newels: The chief support piece
for the balustrade system. These
are usually larger and heavier than
balusters and are located in critical
stability points of the balustrade
system and balcony areas.
Baluster: the vertical decorative
closely spaced wooden/metal pieces
between newel posts.