- Tread – This is the part of a step that your foot will make contact with
- Riser – This is the vertical part of a step which is connected, at 90 degrees to the tread
- Newel Post – Newel Posts are the large posts that signify the beginning and end of staircases, a change of direction or a change of elevation. They are also what can support parts of a staircase half or quarter landings for example.
- Stringer – The support for a staircase, this is where the treads and risers are embedded.
- Baserail – This sits on your string and has a groove which is used to accept the spindles. Should you want a cut string staircase there would be no need for a baserail as the spindles enter the treads.
- Staircase Balustrade – Similar to the landing balustrade designed to stop falls from the staircase.
- Handrail – This is the piece of timber that sits on top of the spindles, it is for the people using the staircase to provide support.
- Bull Step – A type of feature step that meets into the front of the newel.
- Cut/Open Stringer – The support for a staircase, this is where the treads and risers are exposed unlike a normal stringer.
- Spindles – The are the smaller posts that are between the handrail and stringer, they prevent anyone from falling from the staircase and also can be a source of elaborate decoration.
- Landing Nosing – Nosing that sits around a landing.
- Half Newel Post – These large posts that signify the end of staircase, a change of direction or a change of elevation.
- Landing Balustrade – Balustrade, low screen formed by railings of spindles or glass designed to prevent falls from the stairwell.
- Width – Demonstrates how wide your staircase will be.
- Kite Winder – Three tapered steps that turn a staircase 90 degrees.
- Riser – An individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread. Your total rise is measured from finished floor to finished floor.
- Tread – This is the part of a step that your foot will make contact with
- Landing Board – Landing or platform: A landing is the area of a floor near the top or bottom step of a stair. An intermediate landing is a small platform that is built as part of the stair between main floor levels and is typically used to allow stairs to change directions, or to allow the user a rest.
