Staircase Parts Names: A Complete Guide to Staircase Parts Terminology

When planning a staircase project—whether it’s a new construction, a renovation, or simply a repair—it’s important to know the right vocabulary. Understanding staircase terminology and stair parts names is essential for clear communication with contractors and professionals, ensuring every element is correctly identified, installed, finished, and maintained.

We’ll break down essential stair part names and staircase terminology, using straightforward explanations and expert-backed insights to help both professionals and DIY homeowners learn the proper terms for each component.

What Are the Parts of a Staircase Called?

A staircase is more than just steps. It’s a carefully engineered structure composed of multiple interconnected elements, and understanding the main parts of a staircase is essential. Below, we cover the most important staircase parts terminology used by builders, designers, and flooring pros alike.

1. Tread

The tread is the top or horizontal surface and the horizontal part of the stair that you step on. Treads need to be durable and comfortable, and in hardwood staircases, they’re often crafted from oak, maple, hickory, or walnut. Their depth typically ranges between 10 and 12 inches, depending on building code and intended use. Treads can be solid wood or engineered, depending on the budget and environmental conditions of the home.

2. Riser

The riser is the vertical board between each tread, creating the vertical space that separates each step. Stairs can be either closed riser (with a full board) or open riser (no board), depending on the architectural style. Closed risers offer more structure and visual solidity, while open risers create a contemporary, airy look.

3. Stringer

A stair stringer, also known as a ‘string,’ is the backbone of the staircase. It’s a diagonal board that supports the treads and risers on either side (or sometimes underneath). There are two common types: cut stringers, which have visible steps notched into them, and closed stringers, which conceal the stair structure. The design of the stringer determines whether the edges of the steps are visible or hidden—cut stringers expose the step edges, while closed stringers cover them. The outer stringer serves as the support on the exterior side of the staircase, especially in open or cut string designs, where it is both visible and structural.

Stringers are typically made from plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), or solid wood for strength and durability. In most residential stairs, two strings are installed on each side with a third in the center for additional support. String capping is sometimes used to finish or protect the top of the stringer, enhancing safety and aesthetics.

4. Nosing

The nosing, also known as stair nosing, is the overhanging edge of the tread that extends slightly past the riser. It provides a bit more space for your foot and helps reduce slipping. Nosing also plays a big role in the visual appeal of the stair and is often rounded, beveled, or squared depending on the home’s style.

5. Baluster (Spindle)

Balusters, also known as spindles or smaller posts, are the vertical posts that support the handrail. They provide a safety barrier and come in various materials and styles, from traditional turned wood to sleek metal or even glass for modern interiors. Iron balusters are often made from hollow tubular steel for strength and cost-effectiveness. Balusters must meet local building codes, usually requiring that they be spaced less than four inches apart, and are a key part of stair railings.

6. Newel Post

At the beginning, end, and turning points of a stair railing system, you’ll find a newel post. Box newel posts are a type of newel post constructed with a box shape, often using rectangular panels joined at the corners to form a hollow, box-like structure.

These larger, often decorative supports anchor the handrail and provide structural stability. They come in a wide variety of styles—from clean and modern to carved and traditional, including box newel posts whose box shape and middle section can feature decorative details for added craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.

7. Handrail (Banister)

The handrail, also known as a banister, is the rail you grasp as you ascend or descend. Handrail fittings are used to connect different segments of the handrail, ensuring a continuous and seamless flow along the staircase. It must be smooth, secure, and at the right height per building codes. Handrails can run along the wall or between balusters and newel posts, and they must be able to withstand a significant amount of force. A monkey’s tail is a decorative spiral or scroll detail often found at the bottom of a handrail, adding an ornamental finishing touch.

8. Landing

The landing is a flat platform that breaks up a staircase—either at the top of stairs, mid-flight, or at turns. It’s often required by code for longer staircases. Landings offer safety, rest points, and also a chance to decorate creatively. They are also functional for changes in direction, allowing the staircase to alter its course or orientation at specific points. In some designs, a parallel landing return is used to create a 180-degree turn, optimizing space and reducing the stair’s protrusion into lower levels. Landings often allow for natural lighting or entryway features to be incorporated into the design, and they connect different floors of a building.

9. Skirt Board

The skirt board runs along the wall beneath the treads and risers. It hides construction gaps, protects the wall from scuffs, and provides a polished look. It’s typically painted or stained to match the trim or stairs.

10. Shoe Rail and Fillet

These lesser-known parts are important in traditional stair construction. A shoe rail is a horizontal base that holds the balusters at the bottom, often seen in more elaborate staircases. The fillet is a small piece of molding that fills in the gaps between balusters to keep them snug. End caps are accessories used to finish the ends of shoe rails or handrails.

11. Base Rail

The base rail is a fundamental part of any staircase railing system, acting as the horizontal support at the bottom of the balustrade. This rail runs parallel to the treads and risers, providing a secure foundation for the vertical posts—whether they’re wood balusters, iron balusters, or glass spindles. In a cut string staircase, the base rail is often visible and can be crafted as a decorative feature, adding character and style to the stair’s edge. In contrast, a closed string staircase may conceal the base rail within the stringer, creating a more streamlined look. The base rail is typically made from solid wood or metal, chosen to complement the overall design and durability needs of the staircase.

12. Newel Caps

Newel caps are the finishing touch that sits atop newel posts, the prominent vertical posts anchoring the handrail at key points of the staircase. These caps serve both a decorative and practical purpose: they protect the top of the newel post from wear while also enhancing the staircase’s overall style. Available in a wide range of materials—including wood, glass, and metal—newel caps can be simple and understated or feature intricate carvings and unique shapes to match your staircase’s design.

Why Knowing Staircase Parts Names Matters

Whether you’re hiring a flooring contractor or tackling a DIY staircase upgrade, knowing what the parts of a staircase are called helps you:

• Communicate clearly with installers and suppliers
• Understand and interpret cost estimates or design drawings
• Accurately describe maintenance issues or required repairs
• Make better material and design choices based on each part’s function

Understanding which parts provide structural support is crucial for both the safety and design of your staircase, as these elements ensure overall stability and integrity.

By familiarizing yourself with staircase parts names and how they function, you’re better prepared to design, install, or maintain your stairs. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, accurate staircase parts terminology is a must.

At First Atlanta Flooring, we specialize in hardwood stair design, construction, and refinishing. Our team has created various styles of staircases over the years and can help you identify exactly what your project needs and ensure flawless results from top to bottom.

Need help with a stair upgrade or repair? Contact First Atlanta Flooring to speak with a stair specialist today.