Parts of a Staircase
Are you upgrading (or building) a staircase and overwhelmed by the parts and terminology? Below, we break down the two main parts of a staircase and explain each component in detail.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PartsofaStaircase_StepSystem-1024x832.png)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PartsofaStaircase_StepSystem-1024x832.png)
Step System
The step is comprised of four main components:
Stringer: The structural part of the staircase.
Tread: The walking surface of a staircase. Treads are sold in various species and sizes. Â
Riser: The vertical section between treads. In an open staircase, there are no risers.
Nosing: The edge of a tread that extends over the riser. This is an optional part of the step.
Additional parts of the stairs could include:
Landing: A platform that allows the stairs to change direction.
Winder: A special type of tread that is narrower on one side. Winders are used to change the direction of the stairs without using a landing.
Choosing Stair Treads
There are 5 different types of stair treads. Keep in mind that the direction is relative to someone going up the stairs.
Closed Stair Tread
Treads butt against a wall on both sides and doesn’t require a return on either end.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_Closed-1024x594.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_Closed-1024x594.jpg)
Left Return Stair Tread
Treads have a return (mitered edge) on the left side only. The right side sits flush against a wall.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_LeftReturn-1024x632.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_LeftReturn-1024x632.jpg)
Right Return Stair Tread
Treads have a return (mitered edge) on the right side only. The left side sits flush against a wall.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_RightReturn-1024x790.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_RightReturn-1024x790.jpg)
Double Return Stair Tread
On open staircases, where there is no wall on either side of the steps, you would use a double return tread. These treads have a mitered return on the right and left sides. For open staircases, the treads will be made so that they are good on all sides.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_DoubleReturnStairs-1024x854.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_DoubleReturnStairs-1024x854.jpg)
Turnout Starter Step (Volute Tread)
The bottom step is usually larger than the rest of the steps. If they are rounded on one side and curve back, they are called a volute or turnout step. The turnout can be on the left, right, or both sides.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_TurnoutStarterStep-1024x558.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_TurnoutStarterStep-1024x558.jpg)
The second part of a staircase is the railing system.
Railing System
The railing is made up of many different parts including:
Rail/Handrail: Angled piece that acts as support while going up or down the stairs.
Post (Newel Post): A structural component that anchors the handrail. Found at the top and bottom of the railing system.
Spindles/Balusters: Vertical pieces between posts to create a safety barrier.
Shoe: The bottom plate where spindles/balusters are set.
Shoe Mould: Covers the gap between the shoe and the wall.
Volute: An ornamental handrail section installed at the bottom of a staircase. A volute is curved and can resemble a scroll.
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_RailingSystem-1024x661.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase_RailingSystem-1024x661.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase-1_Volute-285x300.jpg)
![](https://wood-source.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PartsofaStaircase-1_Volute-285x300.jpg)
Looking for a place to source quality staircase parts? The WoodSource is a fully operational mill and premium lumber supplier. We stock many staircase components and can also custom-manufacture products to fit your specific project.
Contact us to learn more about our stocked options or milling capabilities.
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