glossary of stair parts terms

G L O S S A R Y
G L O S S A R Y O F S T A I R PA R T S T E R M S
This Glossary is intended to provide a helpful tool for parts and terms sometimes used when determining the
requirements and choices in your staircase design.
O F
B A LU S T E R S A vertical stair part turned, carved or otherwise vertical
G R A D I E N T O F A S TA I R The ratio between run of the stair and the
section placed between the handrail and the stair tread or stair stringer.
rise of the stair; the angle of inclination.
B A LU S T R A D E A rail system including the framework of rail, newels
G UA R D R A I L A protective railing designed to prevent people or
and balusters.
objects from falling into open well, stairwell or other open spaces.
B R AC K E T S Ornamental pieces used on the skirt boards and stair
G O O S E N E C K A combination of an easing and a fitting in a rail system
stringers. Several different variations exist from carved to scroll. Typically
which allows the handrail to change heights from an incline back to the
they are 3/16” thick and made from the same wood species as the rest of
level. Placed at landings or at the top of a stair. Allows the use of the same
the stair system.
top block on newel at each transition.
B OX Straight stairs with closed stringers.
H A N D I N G The direction a stair part is designed to be used. Handing is
right or left. The orientation of the handing is always determined by
B U L L N O S E A rounded front to a board.
standing at the bottom of the staircase and looking up.
C A R R I AG E S The angled pieces used to support the stair system and
for the treads to rest upon.
and forming the top or connecting piece of the balustrade.
T E R M S
COV E M O U L D Molding placed under the treads and landing treads,
typically 3/4” x 5/8”.
H E A D R O O M The vertical distance from the lowest point of the ceiling
or soffit directly above the stair to the point of rake. Most codes require
C LO S E D S T R I N G E R S A staircase in which the ends of the treads are
not visible to the outside. Used in box stairs.
6'8" (80 in).
J ATO B A The technical name for Brazilian Cherry
CO D E The rules adopted by a state and/or local authorities that govern
how a stairway must be put together for safety reasons.
L A N D I N G A resting place at the middle or top of a flight of stairs.
Landings are often used to change the direction of a stair.
C U R V E D S TA I R Stairs that curve as they ascend.
N E W E L S O R N E W E L P O S T A solid square, or turned section of
E A S I N G The curved junctions placed in a handrail to bring the parts at
vertical post at the center and at regular turns and transitions of a rail
different levels into one flowing curve. A fitting that curves in a vertical
system. The newels provide the main support for the rail system. There is a
plane, used to change the angle of the handrail.
starting newel at the base of the stairs and a landing newel at the turns or
E P OX Y A two-part adhesive used to bond various materials including
top of the stair.
wood, composites, and metals. Epoxies are especially useful in bonding
N O S I N G The front edge of the tread which projects beyond the face of
metal to wood in stair applications. Epoxies vary in strength, setting time
the riser. It is usually rounded.
and elasticity once cured.
O P E N F L I G H T a stair that is open or without a wall on one or both
F I L L E T A thin strip that fills the plowed (grooved) rail space between
balusters in a hand rail or shoe rail.
sides.
O P E N S T R I N G E R A stringer or skirt board that is cut out for the
F I N I A L The ornamental top of a newel post. Usually turned, sometimes
treads and risers. Typically the tread will have a return that hangs over the
carved. Box newels often receive an optional finial.
skirt board to finish the look.
F I T T I N G S Pieces of wood that are shaped with the same profile as
O P E N I N G C A P A fitting or portion of the rail system which begins
handrail to form changes of direction for the handrail. Used in “over-the-
with a round cap and is connected to the handrail.
post” installations. Examples of fittings are volutes, turn outs, tandem caps,
easing, and goosenecks.
one landing to the next. A flight may be straight or curved.
F LU T E S Flutes are decorative vertical grooves placed in a wood surface
such as a baluster or newels.
Stair Parts Supply
O P E N W E L L S TA I R a stair with two or more flights around an open
space.
F L I G H T An uninterrupted series of steps and stringers reaching from
52
H A N D R A I L A molded rail following the pitch or rake of the staircase,
P I N TO P B A LU S T E R A baluster having dowel type top rather than a
square. This type of baluster is attached to the handrail by drilling a hole
into the handrail and inserting the top of the baluster into the handrail.
P I TC H The angle of the staircase. Determined by the rise and run.
8 0 Wa m p u s L a n e
Milford CT 06460
P LO W E D R A I L A handrail which has had the bottom grooved or
S H O E R A I L A plowed base rail that is used to accept the bottom end
plowed to accommodate a square top baluster. Fillet is used to fill the
of square balusters. The shoe rail often sits on a short wall or it may float
space between balusters.
above the treads.
P O S T S see newels.
S O F F I T The visible sloping under-surface between the stair stringers.
Q UA R T E R T U R N F I T T I N G A machined block of wood that matches
S P I N D L E S The balusters or turned, carved or otherwise, vertical
the handrail and allows a 90 degree change of direction. The fitting may
sections placed between the handrail and the stair tread or stair stringer.
have a round cap to accommodate the newel or it may be the same width
S P I R A L S TA I R S Stairs, which rise regularly around a cylinder or
as the handrail and make the turn without the elongation need to
elongated cylinder either real or imaginary. Sometimes called helical stairs.
accommodate a newel.
S TA I R Series of steps
R A I L S YS T E M The balustrade. Used to describe a complete rail
system consisting of the handrail, newels, fittings and balusters.
S T E P One unit of a stair, consisting of a riser and a tread.
R A K E The stair “rake” is the slope or angle of the staircase.
S Q UA R E TO P B A LU S T E R Balusters with square tops rather than
R I S E The vertical distance between the upper surfaces of two consecutive
treads.
R I S E R S The vertical face of a step.
R U N The horizontal dimension between the face of two consecutive
risers.
the more commonly used pin tops. Square top balusters require plowed
rail and fillets.
S TA I R T R E A D The horizontal surface of a step.
S TA R T I N G T R E A D O R S T E P The first tread and riser at the
bottom of the stair. Starting steps are usually rounded on the ends to
accept volutes or turn outs.
S TA I R W E L L The framed opening in the floor that incorporates the
stairs.
S T R I N G E R The inclined boards or laminations in which the treads and
risers are attached. Stringers provide the support for the stairs.
TA N D E M C A P A fitting that matches the handrail profile with a round
enlarged portion in the middle designed to accommodate a newel.
T U R N O U T A fitting used to start a rail system. The turn out flares left
or right slightly to give the appearance that the stairway is enlarged and
inviting.
V E N E E R A thin sliced wood used to cover wood. Veneer is often used in
tread ends and stair stringers.
VO LU T E A decorative way to start a stairway. The volute is round with a
newel in the center surrounded by balusters and ascending to the rake of
the handrail.
WA L L R A I L Used where a stair runs alongside a wall and is attached to
the wall with rail brackets.
W I N D E R Tread that is narrower at one end than the other. Used to turn
corners or go around curves.
Shown at left:
S t a i rc a s e f e a t u r i n g B A S 1 b a l u s t e r s ( p g 3 5 ) , n e w e l s ( p g 1 2 ) ,
p re m i u m re d o a k t re a d s ( p g 4 8 ) a n d 6 0 1 0 ra i l i n g ( p g 4 7 ) .
A l s o h i g h l i g h t e d a re 7 0 3 0 & 7 0 3 5 v o l u t e s ( p g 4 3 ) a n d
7098 & 7099 gooseneck fittings (pg 46).
w w w. s t a i r p a r t s s u p p l y. c o m
(phone) 877-337-7700
(fax) 203-877-7783
53
“ O F F ”
CUSTOM ORDER PRODUCTS - “OFF” SPECIES
Stair Parts Supply will manufacture any of our stock profile
newels, balusters, fittings, rails or treads in one of six
beautiful custom wood species. With the rich color palette
provided by our various “Off” species, you can further
S P E C I E S
Red Oak
White Oak
Maple
Brazilian Cherry
Mahogany
American Cherry
enhance your stairway with a finish that not only matches
your style, but also your furnishings and your home’s
interior.
Shown below:
Staircase featuring Contemporar y Collection with
Hard Maple 5360 balusters (pg 31), 4095 newels (pg 33),
premium maple treads (pg 48) and 6010 railing (pg 47).
NOTES:
54
Stair Parts Supply
8 0 Wa m p u s L a n e
Newels & Balusters
Rails
See pgs 11-39
See pg 47
Fittings
Treads
See pgs 42-46
See pgs 48-50
Milford CT 06460
INDEX
ACCESSORIES
Type
Item
Assy Kit, Newel INKT1
Bracket, Plain 8028REV
Bracket, Rail
601-B-MD
Bracket, Rail
603-B-MD
Bracket, Rail
702-B-MD
Bracket, Scroll 8029REV
Connector
Dowel Driver Bit
Connector
Dowel Screw
Connector
EPOX100
Connector
EPOX-APPGUN
Connector
EPOXCONVKT
Connector
EPOX-NOZ
Connector
EZ Pin
Connector
Rail Bolt Kit
Cove Mould
CMO6250
Cove Mould
CMP6250
Knuckle, Adj.
AK01
Knuckle, Adj.
NAK02
Rosette, Oval
7037
Rosette, Round 7017
Shoe, Flat, 1/2” FSH01
Shoe, Flat, 1/2” FSH02
Shoe, Flat, 5/8” H03
Shoe, Flat, 1”
NFSH01
Shoe, Pitch, 1/2” H02
Shoe, Pitch, 5/8” H04
Page
39
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
39
39
39
39
51
51
51
51
39
39
51
51
39
39
39
39
39
39
BALUSTERS
Collection Baluster
Classic Fluted 2005F
Classic Fluted 2015F
Classic Plain 2005P
Classic Plain 2015P
Contemporary 5060
Contemporary 5360
Forged Iron NPL
Forged Iron NTW1
Forged Iron NBAS1
Forged Iron NRIB1
Forged Iron NGS1
Forged Iron BYBAS142
Forged Iron BYPL44
Forged Iron BYPLB42
Forged Iron BYTW1B42
Forged Iron BXL
Forged Iron BXL236
Forged Iron BXL236K2
Forged Iron BXL244
Forged Iron BXL2K1
Forged Iron BXL2P36
Forged Iron BXL2P44
Forged Iron BXLPL36
Forged Iron BXLPL44
Forged Iron BB1
Forged Iron BB2
Forged Iron G10
Forged Iron GS1
Forged Iron GS2
Forged Iron GSB1
Forged Iron PL
Forged Iron PLAK01
Forged Iron PLAK02
Forged Iron RIB1
Page
23
22
19
18
31
31
38
38
38
38
38
37
37
37
37
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
36
36
36
36
36
36
37
37
37
36
Type
Square Top
Pin Top
Square Top
Pin Top
Square Top
Square Top
1" Newel
1" Newel
1" Newel
1" Newel
1" Newel
Belly
Belly
Belly
Belly
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cast
Hammered
Hammered
Hammered
Hammered
Hammered
Hammered
Plain
Plain
Plain
Ribbon
BALUSTERS (con’t)
Collection Baluster
Forged Iron RIB2
Forged Iron RIB1B2
Forged Iron RIB1F2
Forged Iron RIB2B1
Forged Iron RIB2F1
Forged Iron F44-A
Forged Iron FHS44
Forged Iron FRS44
Forged Iron BAS1
Forged Iron BAS2
Forged Iron FFS44
Forged Iron TW1
Forged Iron TW2
Georgian
2715
Hampton
5005
Hampton
5105
Hampton
5200
Hampton
5300
Traditional 5015
Traditional 5070
Traditional SS5015
Type
Page
Ribbon
36
Ribbon
36
Ribbon
36
Ribbon
36
Ribbon
36
Scroll
37
Scroll
37
Scroll
37
Twist & Basket 35
Twist & Basket 35
Twist & Basket 35
Twist & Basket 35
Twist & Basket 35
Pin Top
29
Square Top
25
Square Top
27
Pin Top
26
Pin Top
26
Pin Top
14
Square Top
15
Pin Top
14
FITTINGS
Type
"S" Fitting No Cap
1/4 Turn w/cap
1/4 Turn w/no cap
135º Turn No Cap
2-Rise w/cap
60º Over Easing
60º Over Easing w/return End
60º Starting Easing w/return End
60º Up Easing
90º Turn No Cap
90º Turn w/cap
90º Up Easing
ADA - "Saddle" Wall Bracket
ADA - 60º Over Easing
ADA - 60º Up Easing
ADA - 90º Level Quarter Turn
ADA - Round Rail
Climbing Volute
Coped End
Opening Cap
Returned End
Small Turnout w/up Easing
Starting Easing w/cap
Straight No Cap
Straight w/Tandem Cap
Tandem Cap
Turnout w/up Easing
Volute w/90º Up Easing
Volute w/up Easing
NEWELS
Collection
Box Newels
Box Newels
Box Newels
Box Newels
Box Newels
Box Newels
Box Newels
w w w. s t a i r p a r t s s u p p l y. c o m
Newels
FL4092
FL4093
FL4096
FP4098
PL4075
PL4077
PL4091
Type
Square Top
Square Top
Radius Cap
Radius Cap
Square Top
Radius Cap
Square Top
Page
44
44
42
45
46
44
44
44
42
45, 46
45
44
46
46
46
46
46
43
42
44
42
43
42
46
45
44
43
43
43
Page
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
NEWELS (con’t)
Collection
Newels
Box Newels
PL4095
Box Newels
RP4094
Box Newels
RP4097
Classic Fluted 3015F
Classic Fluted 3030F
Classic Fluted 3045F
Classic Fluted 3046F
Classic Fluted 3063F
Classic Plain 3015P
Classic Plain 3030P
Classic Plain 3045P
Classic Plain 3046P
Classic Plain 3063P
Contemporary 4000
Contemporary 4001
Contemporary 4004
Contemporary 4006
Georgian
4815
Georgian
4840
Georgian
4863
Hampton
4500
Hampton
4515
Hampton
4545
Hampton
4546
Hampton
4563
Traditional
4015
Traditional
4019
Traditional
4040
Traditional
4045
Traditional
4046
Traditional
4062
Traditional
4063
Type
Page
Radius Cap
33
Square Top
33
Radius Cap
33
Over-The-Post 21
Post-To-Post
20
Post-To-Post
20
Post-To-Post
20
Over-The-Post 21
Over-The-Post 17
Post-To-Post
16
Post-To-Post
16
Post-To-Post
16
Over-The-Post 17
Over-The-Post 31
Over-The-Post 31
Post-To-Post
30
Post-To-Post
30
Over-The-Post 28
Post-To-Post
29
Over-The-Post 28
Post-To-Post
24
Over-The-Post 25
Post-To-Post
24
Post-To-Post
24
Over-The-Post 25
Over-The-Post 13
Over-The-Post 13
Post-To-Post
12
Post-To-Post
12
Post-To-Post
12
Over-The-Post 13
Over-The-Post 13
RAILS
Type
ADA - Wall Rail
Bending Mould
Bending Rail
Fillet
Rail
Round Wall Rail
Shoe Track
Page
47
47
47
47
47
47
47
TREADS &
STARTING STEPS
Type
3/4" Select or Better Tread - Plain
3/4" Select or Better Tread - Rev.
Assembled Riser - Reversible
Bull Nose - Double End Riser
Eng'd Tread - Plain
Eng'd Tread - Reversible
Landing Tread - 3 1/2"
Landing Tread - 5 1/4"
Pine Risers - APG
Premium Solid Pie Tread
Premium Solid Tread - Plain
Premium Solid Tread - Reversible
Primed Risers - Clear
Primed Risers - Primed
Solid Pine Treads - APG
Starting Tread - Double
Starting Tread - Single
Stringers - Primed
Page
49
49
50
50
48
48
50
50
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
50
50
49
(phone) 877-337-7700
(fax) 203-877-7783
Shown on
back cover:
Special order
par ts feature a
wide variety of
available profiles
and species
(see pg 54)
55
w w w. s t a i r p a r t s s u p p l y. c o m
(phone) 877-337-7700
(fax) 203-877-7783
© 2 0 0 6 S t a i r Pa r t s S u p p l y. S t a i r Pa r t s S u p p l y re s e r v e s t h e r i g h t t o m a k e c h a n g e s i n d e s i g n , m a t e r i a l s a n d s p e c i f i c a t i o n s a s w e l l a s d i s c o n t i n u e p ro d u c t s w i t h o u t n o t i c e.
P l e a s e v e r i f y p ro d u c t d i m e n s i o n s w i t h y o u r a u t h o r i z e d S t a i r Pa r t s S u p p l y re p re s e n t a t i v e. 1 2 / 0 8