Designer Staircases

NSW premium timber staircase and steel staircase supplier

Author: Designer Staircases

Trending Designs

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There is no doubt that one of the biggest focal points when entering a home is the staircase. Being the pioneer in staircase trends means you need not just choose the best look possible, but you need the staircase to coincide with the character of your home. It is a large piece of furniture, so it is important to get it right. As stair trends come and go, as do architectural trends. We have included this classification as merely a guide into the unknown. Setting a trend is not an easy task as everybody’s idea of ‘difference’ varies so greatly, but with the right design flare and guidance, you could be setting the new standard.  

To describe or classify this style of staircase is not an easy task, nor is it simple to describe what elements go into forming a ‘trending staircase’. Points of difference and / or fundamental features are a good starting point in trying to achieve this.

Factors such as colour, lighting, contours, shape, geometry, material and textures, are just a few elements of a staircase that can classify it as ‘Trending’.

Features to help you start the next 'stair trend'?

Stringers

The stringer is essential in supporting the treads of the staircase. These stringers can be concealed in a wall, form part of the balustrade, be made from a thin metal material or be made to standout and be the focal point. The design or profile of the stinger could mimic the tread and riser outline, it could be set a certain distance in from the edges of the treads or even be a uniquely designed spine supporting the treads.  

It is, however, imperative when creating your staircase design that the strength of the supporting stringer isn’t compromised. If you can get over that hurdle, then anything could be possible.

Treads & Risers

Standard thicknesses of boards that form the treads of a staircase are 30mm, 40mm, and 68mm but can be custom made to suit various requirements or designs. The treads can however have a profiled shape or design to them, or they could be thick box shaped items that look to be stacked one on top of another, they could also be from a combination of materials like steel and concrete or stainless steel and solid timber. If the loads that are applied to each tread of the staircase are considered and overcome, then your imagination is your only limitation.  

The riser boards are usually 18mm thick but can be as thick as 40mm. Once again, customized sizes and shapes can be incorporated as well. Alternatively, Open Riser staircases designs, and semi-closed riser designs are a very useful way in complimenting a staircase trend. The distance that the tread of a staircase can span without the support at certain points, will usually determine your limitations in your desired riser appearance.  

Balustrades

A ‘Trending’ balustrade designs could be as simple as constructing dwarf walls at a compliant height, around the perimeter of the staircase or stair void in a certain material or finish. Plywood veneered panels and plastered walls are a trend that comes and goes quite frequently. Flat metal panels that could be coated in a multitude of colours and finishes are another way of creating that ‘Point of Difference’.

Other factors of creating a design to suit, would coincide with the home’s décor. More modern, minimalist designs would possibly involve glass or other clean and simple materials with darker features. Contemporary designs could involve beautifully grained timbers in a multitude of finishes, with creative rectangular or circular balusters in an interesting layout and the minimal use of newel posts.

The possibilities are there to explore, so get thinking, be creative, and start the new stair trend….. before we do!

Economical Designs

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Economical Staircase designs don’t need to look rudimentary. These are essentially a const-effective means of getting from one floor to the next whilst getting a functional and interesting staircase design to suit the home. This range of staircase design is commonly utilized in many project homes as a standard inclusion.

This style can include staircases with a painted finish, carpeted treads and risers with a simple timber or metal baluster design, or a staircase with clear coated treads and handrails, with the remaining elements being painted. It is most common for most of the materials to be painted, with the occasional lacquered or clear finished timber components used to provide subtle highlights.  

Keep in mind that the style of your staircase needs to be implemented to match in with the home’s general decor and style.

Stringers

These structural components carry the treads and risers of the staircase. They are generally a Closed, or Cut Stringer design made from a paintable, stained / clear finished timber. These stringers come in a range of varying widths that suit different staircase constructions of which are  30mm or 40mm thick, dependant on the design.  

Treads & Risers

Carpeted staircases are very cost-effective, safer for children to use, and are predominantly constructed from 25mm or 32mm thick MDF treads. If a tread with a solid timber finish is desired, then these are available in 30mm thick. The risers are 18mm thick and if chosen, can be made in the same material and finish as the treads, or they can be painted to suit the stringers.  

Balustrades

The balustrade designs used on these Economical staircases include Square balusters in a 32mm or 42mm sizing for a paint or stained / clear finish, as well as the most popular options of either 12mm square or 16mm Round balusters that are available in a Black finish or a Brushed Stainless Steel. Handrails are usually painted, but stained / clear finished timber handrails are popular as well. A wide range of handrail sizes and shapes are available to suit every décor. Painted newel posts are the most popular in the Economical styled staircases but nevertheless the stained / clear timber newel posts are also included and are all available in 88mm section sizes. The newel posts come in various designs, with different styles of newel caps or finishes applied to the tops of them. Custom hand turned newel post designs are also commonly used in this category.  

Classic Designs

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The Classic Staircase design is in some way ‘self-explanatory’. These designs will always be present and always in fashion. This style of staircase can include stairs that are square in shape, curved, flared or straight. There is not a common theme in their appearance, but there is an abundance of handcrafted elements, beautifully flowing handrails and classical ornate newel posts.

This style of staircase combines beautifully grained timber components with crisp painted finishes, elegantly shaped timber or mental baluster designs, and even hand crafted turned balusters that compliment the style of the home.

Each Classic Staircase design will always be embedded into our popular Australian architecture.

What makes a classic style staircase?

Classic involves many materials and textures of which all combine to make each individual staircase unique, the following are the common materials that we incorporate into our Classic stair designs;

Stringers

These components carry the treads and/or risers of the staircase. They are generally a Closed, Cut or Open Rise Stringer design made from a paintable, stained clear finished timber. These stringers come in a range of varying widths that suit different staircase constructions of which are 32mm, 40mm, and  68mm dependant on the design.  

Treads & Risers

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Solid timber treads and risers is the common material of which could also include a carpet runner. Alternatively, carpeted staircases would be constructed from 25mm or 32mm thick MDF treads . If a solid timber finish tread is desired , then these are available in 30mm, 40mm, and 68mm thick. The risers are mostly 18mm thick in most instances and can be either be the same finish as the treads or painted to suit the stringers and other similar coloured components

Balustrades

The balustrade designs used on a Classic staircase are almost endless. They range from 32mm or 42mm Square balusters or various rectangular sections as well as the popular turned balusters or distinct custom designed balusters that are available in various materials and finishes. Ornate wrought iron baluster designs are also common of which can be custom designed or selected from a wide range of individual shapes. Painted or strained / clear finished timber handrails are all common. A wide range of sizes and shapes are offered to suit every decor.

Painted, Clear or Stained timber newel posts are all used in various section sizes varying between 88mm, 110mm, 130mm and larger . These come in various designs, with different decorative caps or finishes to the tops of them. Custom turned designs are also available in this category.  

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Hampton’s Designs

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Hampton’s has become a popular design, especially in recent years. Hampton’s style interiors are bright, light, fresh and airy with natural materials and timber floors combining to create a coastal vibe that makes you feel relaxed from the moment you walk in the door, and this theme needs to continue as you move between the different levels of our home. Hampton’s also demands fine craftsmanship, and this is evident in the staircase designs.  

Large painted newel posts highlighted by hand crafted profiles and trims, American Oak treads and handrails along with painted risers and balusters finished in crisp whites and neutrals, all form the foundations of a classic Hampton’s style staircase.

Hampton’s Style doesn’t follow the basis of “less is more”! This style shouts ‘Grandeur’ and ‘Opulence’ so don’t hold back! Be sure to make a statement piece that will make your family and friends envious.

What forms the perfect hamptons style staircase?

Hamptons used a lot of natural materials and painted finishes so to achieve the perfect Hamptons theme, we incorporate the following into our staircase designs ; 

Stringers

These components carry the treads and/or risers of the staircase. They are generally a Cut Stringer design made from a paintable timber. Hampton style doesn’t generally consist of a stained or lacquered finish stringer. The stringers come in a range of varying widths that suit different applications of which are 32mm, 40mm, and 68mm dependant on the riser configuration. Hampton’s staircase designs can be Closed Riser and Open Riser as well.

Treads & Risers

You would not be able to walk up a staircase without treads. Most Hampton’s staircase designs have risers, but Open Riser designs can be effective as well. Varying species of timber are used with varying styles of finishes. American Oak and Victorian Ash timbers are the most popular, but all species come in varying thicknesses. 30mm and 40mm thick stringers are common but can be custom made to suit various requirements. The risers are usually 18mm thick and are mostly of a painted finish . The risers can sometimes be the same finish as the treads .  

Balustrades

Hampton’s staircase designs are predominantly made up of timber 32mm or 42mm Square balusters but can also be rectangular sections as well . The painted finish of the balusters tie in perfectly with the décor of this style of home. Solid timber handrails are very popular as well. Sizes and shapes can vary but they mostly a ‘Ladies Waist’ or a ‘Rectangular’ profile. Hampton’s Style balustrades must integrate large painted newel posts. These have feature panel designs, decorative trims and skirting and will often include larger bottom newel posts which can be slightly different in design compared to the other newel posts for that added ‘Grandeur’.

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Modern Designs

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We have countless innovative designs to suit your Modern home. But what defines ‘Modern’ when it comes to choosing your staircases ?……. Really, it is anything that is up to date, ahead of its time or cutting edge. Being creative is what makes you the ‘Trend Setter’ . Staircases and Balustrades in the modern home can include most material types. Ideally the colour tones don’t vary dramatically in a modern stair but that’s not to say that it wouldn’t work if undertaken correctly.

Large stairwell walls with huge towering windows are one of the most popular places that our customers configure their Modern staircases around. Our homes our getting increasingly larger in size, so huge open void areas allow for more light to flow through and bring that wonderful feeling of ‘open space’ .Full height feature timber dividers and decorative screen designs are also commonly used as they make a dramatic, beautiful impact and will add instant value to the home due to their uniqueness.  

Glass is predominant in the balustrade design of a Modern staircase, but many staircases are similarly made which apply a combination of using glass with either a coated steel, stainless steel or surround. Alternatively, these modern designs include can include dwarf walls of which are usually built with framing and plasterboard and painted to match the rest of the walls in that area.  

What makes a Modern Style Staircase?

Modern is New, Exciting, Pioneering or Revolutionary. The basis of these Modern Staircases is achieved by commonly using the following components of which could include the following:

Stringers

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These components carry the treads and /or risers of the staircase. They can be made from various species of timber that could be painted, lacquered or stained, or they could be made from a coated steel. Timber stringers come in a range of varying widths that suit different applications of which are 30mm, 40mm, and 68mm but can be custom made to suit. Steel stringers can be from either rectangular sections that are 150x100mm or 200x100mm. Contemporary designs also utilize steel plate stringers of varying widths and thicknesses. Alternatively, we can design staircases with floating treads of which hides the stringers in the walls, so they are not visible.  

Treads & Risers

These are an essential part of your staircase otherwise you would not be able to walk up it without them. Closed in risers are just as common as Modern staircase designs that include an open riser design. Varying species of timber are used with different styles of coatings. Timber treads are available in various thicknesses. These come in 30mm, 40mm, and 68mm but can be custom made to suit various requirements or designs. The risers are usually 18mm thick but can be customized as well. The risers can sometimes be the same finish as the treads, but Open Riser staircases designs are very common in Modern staircase designs.  

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Balustrades

Modern staircase designs include 10mm or 12mm thick glass panels, dark coated steel or brushed finish stainless steel balusters that are round or square in shape. Various shaped Stainless steel and coated steel handrails that tie in with homes décor are commonly used, but timber handrails are popular as well. Sizes of these can vary greatly depending on the desired look. Modern staircase designs can also integrate plasterboard dwarf walls as the balustrade design into them as well.  

Contemporary Designs

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This is summed up with modernist and sleek, minimalist and gorgeous. These staircase designs combine simple, clean lines and the effectiveness of vertical balusters in a dark finish or the inclusion of crystal-clear glass panels of which complements the minimalist look and style. The cool dark metal components balance well with the modern and warm feel of the solid timber treads and risers.  

The stigma that contemporary designs have usually been cold and impersonal has been challenged by our stunning staircase designs. We prove that contemporary staircase designs can be fresh and striking and can bring warmth and a homely feel into your house hold, whilst impressing your visitors when they walk through your home.  

What makes a Contemporary Style Staircase?

There are numerous ways to express Contemporary when designing your staircase by using different textures and colours of various materials in numerous sizes.An overview of this type of staircase style could include the following:

Stringers

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These structural components carry the treads and risers of the staircase. Contemporary dsign includes Open Rise, Cut Stringer and Cantilevered stringer designs.There are various species of timber that can be used that could be painted, lacquered or stained, alternatively they could be made from a coated steel. Timber stringers come in a range of varying widths that suits.Steel stringers can be from either rectangular sections that are 150x100mm or 200x100mm. Contemporary staircase designs also utilize steel plate stringers of varying widths and thickness ranging from 10mm to 12mm or thicker.

Treads & Risers

These are essentially what you walk on when using your staircase. Varying species of timber are used with different styles of coating. Contemporary staircases are rarely finished with a carpet. Solid timber treads come in a range of various thicknesses. 30mm, 40mm, and 68mm are the most commonbut these can be custom made to suit countless requirements. The risers are usually 18mm thick but can be customized as well. Generally, the risers are the same timber species and finish as the treads, but Contemporary staircase designs can also incorporate an open riser as well which allows more light through and emphasizes that classical Contemporary look.

Balustrades

Contemporary designs include 10mm or 12mm thick glass panels, dark coated steel balusters that are round or square in shape and commonly utilize timber species that tie in with the treads and risers. Sizes of these can vary greatly depending on the desired look. They can also involve rectangular  vertical timber elements in a larger section size than most other staircase styles inhibit. These vertical components, combines with a rectangular shaped handrail of a similar size, forms the unique style of balustrades associated with that Contemporary look.  

“LIGHTING THE WAY”

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Our guide to stair lighting

Whether you’re opting for an architectural staircase or a more practical staircase design that simply gets the job done, it’s important to light your staircase properly. You could do this either with artificial lighting fixtures or by finding ways to bring natural light into the house. 

A few options for lighting your staircase include:

  • Installing internal or external high lights or windows over the doors at the top and bottom of the staircase to help illuminate the stairs
  • Adding stair lights down low or ceiling lights over the stair void
  • Taking advantage of a sun tunnel or solar tube in a terraced home or in a staircase in a limited space.
  • Adding a concealed lighting strip to your staircase to help make the staircase area more illuminated
  • Place the stairs next to a large running window
  • Add a skylight above the staircase to let in natural light
  • Add a glass balustrade so that light can more easily flow from one room to another.

While there are many ways for you to illuminate your staircase, the type of lighting you choose will depend partly on what staircase design you are opting for. An architectural staircase with sharp angles and a glass balustrade may involve having your staircase builder to integrate provisions for LED wall or stair lighting to add a modern elegance. Or you may ask your electrician to add wall or hanging lights that complement the Victorian or Hamptons style of staircase to compliment the space.

Creating a Staircase to suit my home

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Choosing staircase styles & colours

staircase styles

The style of your staircase should mimic that of your home & décor. Different staircase styles could fall in the following categories:

  • Modernist
  • Classic
  • Contemporary
  • Victorian
  • Hamptons
  • Federation
  • Mid Century Modern
  • Commercial
  • Traditional
 

Although It is not uncommon to have a mixture of these styles in the one staircase depending on location and the area, it is important to try to blend the staircase style to the suit the home. Most importantly you must be comfortable with the overall look of the staircase once it is completed. Other design features of the staircase could involve the following methods:

Staircase designs:

  • Closed Riser
  • Open Riser
  • Cut Stringer or Sawtooth Stringer
  • Cantilevered
  • Semi-Cantilevered
  • Curved
  • Floating
  • Timber Spine
  • Steel Spine

 

Of these staircase designs, a multitude of materials could be utilized effectively in any one staircase and balustrade. These materials should be chosen in a way that it compliments the home and also the structure of the staircase design. You would not design a large, long straight flight staircase with a glass balustrade with a material that could not support the load of the staircase and the users of the staircase eg. Balsa. You would need to design it with a material that would support the loads imposed upon it with a hardwood or a steel structure. On the other hand, you can use less structural materials for shorter flights of stairs as the span isnt as great and the loads are less. The staircase can incorporate but not limited to the following materials:

staircase materials

colors and finishes

a few things to consider
  • Hardwood Timbers
  • Softwood Timbers
  • Glass
  • Stainless steel
  • Mild Steel
  • Structural Steel
  • Concrete

Your staircase is going to be the largest piece of furniture on display in your home. Be sure to make it the focal piece. Don’t be afraid to use different colours on your staircase to compliment solid timber tones. Alternatively, having a staircase all in the one colour with slightly altered shades and carpeted treads and risers, can be just as effective. Hamptons Style staircases use this theme constantly. The combination of a lighter paint colour and a natural or darker coloured timber, always looks great in the home. This method is used in a wide range of staircase styles.

Matching your timber colour on the staircase to the timber flooring is essential. This will ensure that they compliment each other. You can generally stain lighter timbers to match the colour of darker pre-finished timber flooring. It is a good idea to ask your staircase supplier for timber offcuts off the staircase of the same species, to sample stain colours. Be aware that some pre-finished timber flooring species from overseas may not be available in Australia, but generally your qualified staircase company can guide you to something that is very similar.

  • Closed Riser staircases you can either have a carpeted staircase, solid timber treads and painted risers or solid timber treads and risers. The stringers can either be painted or a timber finish. Rule of thumb is that you don’t have painted risers with timber treads and stringers. Any other combination works well.
  • Open Riser staircases have treads that are generally of a solid timber or concrete construction, depending on the style of stair. The finish of the timber or concrete treads needs to be of a non-slip resistance that complies with the Building Code of Australia. These non-slip resistant coatings will aid in preventing falls on the staircase. The stringer or structure that supports the treads can be a timber or paint finish that compliments the rest. Steel stringers can be powder coated off site or painted on site. Be ware that some staircase designs strictly involve the onsite paint method due to their assembly requirements.

The Ultimate Guide for creating a “Designer Staircase” for your Home

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Adding a staircase to your home is an important decision. You need to come up with a design that’s not only practical and safe, but that also adds a touch of style. On top of that, you’ll want to make sure that your staircase is in a prominent position that allows for frequent use and easy access. Regardless of whether you’re renovating an older staircase or you’re building a custom-designed staircase, you’ll need to think carefully about the layout, size, and materials needed.

 Following this guide will help you to easily learn the staircase building regulations, create a design that’s practical and in an optimal location for your staircase while taking advantage of the benefits that the materials used in the construction of your staircase can provide.

 On top of that, we have included some ‘staircase terminology’ to help you better understand one of the most important features inside your home.

Australian Staircase Building Standards

Before you get started building your staircase or contacting staircase builders, it’s important to understand the regulations that the Building Code of Australia has in place surrounding staircases. That way, you can be sure your staircase and balustrades are fully compliant with the appropriate legislation for safe staircase construction and use.

 First, staircases can not to have more than 18 risers or less than 2 risers in any one flight. The entire flight of stairs from the lower floor to the upper floor, can contain more risers combined, but it must be divided with landings, of which these landings need to be at least 750mm or more in length (riser to riser) to be deemed as landing. It is important to note that a 90deg or a 180deg winder section is not deemed to be a landing so these will need to be included in your count of 18 risers in each flight.

 The next safety requirement you need to keep in mind when building a staircase in your Australian home is that staircases need to have a slope range. The standard & most comfortable angle is usually between 30 to 38.5 degrees for most staircase designs. The table below helps determine the appropriate range for determining these measurements that govern the angle of the staircase.

Additionally, you need to make sure people using the staircase have at least 2000mm clearance (head height) above their heads at any given point along the staircase measured vertically from the front of the tread. That way, they are protected from bumping their heads on the ceiling above as they ascend or descend the stairs.

 

On top of these requirements, it’s important to note that your staircase is required to be properly maintained to ensure ongoing safety for anyone using the staircase. These regulations are common knowledge to staircase builders and designer staircase manufacturers. This article outlines most important facts you need to know in order to create the perfect staircase. 

Determining the Size of Your Staircase

The first step in building your staircase is determining how big or small the stair needs to be to make it work out correctly. Staircase construction requires exact measurements, so you’ll need to start by measuring the overall rise of the stairs. This number should measure the distance from the bottom landing to the top landing. You will need to consider any floor finishes as well that will affect these heights.

 

From there, you’ll have to figure out how many risers are required. Remember, if you plan on adding more than five risers, you’ll need to add handrails & balustrades as well to prevent a fall. Once you have calculated how many risers your staircase will need, it’s time to calculate the amount of treads you’ll need. You’ll typically need one tread less than you do risers, making this a pretty quick and easy number to calculate.

 

The final piece of the puzzle when designing your staircase is to work out the length of your staircase flight. The staircase’s “going”, or the distance from the face of one riser to the next, is what governs this length. This going will also affect the width of the turns of the stair whilst determining the overall measurement of your staircase. Most staircases have a width ranging from 900mm to 1150mm.

Choosing The perfect layout and location of your staircase

The best place for a staircase is somewhere that’s close by the front door or nearer to the central part of your home. Eliminating the need to cross multiple rooms to reach the staircase, is always good practice. Ultimately the staircase needs to be practically accessible and to allow an easy flow when transitioning between floors……. And as Designer Staircases have always enforced, “it’s all about the staircase”, so make it the focal point of your home!

 Selecting a layout for your staircase plan is the next big step of designing and building the staircase. Space is the key, so to fit a straight staircase into a home or a L-Shaped or U-Shaped staircase, will all require special calculation & design work to ensure the adherence & compliance to the appropriate building codes. Generally, any 90-degree or 180-degree turns as opposed to creating a straight flight, will take up more floor space as the amount of treads that fit in each section of any turn is less than that of a straight flight of treads. The most comfortable way to add a turn into a staircase is to incorporate a landing into the stair in place of winders.

 You may have the need for a change in direction in your staircase by means of a winder section. This is a change in direction that is formed typically to handle a 90-degree or 180-deg turn. Staircase winder sections can have either 2 or 3 winders in a 90-degree turn, or 4 to 6 treads in a 180-degree turn. Winders and are used to navigate corners or turns at the top, middle and bottom of staircases. Be aware that the greatest number of winders that can be used in any 90-degree turn is 3 winders, hence a maximum of 6 winders for a 180deg turn.

Staircase Design Features

Part of the excitement of a custom staircase design is that you’re able to add unique features that improve the safety of the stairs while also adding excitement to the house. You can opt to add storage space to your staircase design or to have your staircase builders create stunning balustrades, added width, or other aesthetic features.

 

Integrated storage units can allow you to add an under stairs cupboard to keep your belongings safe and take up less space. And luckily, these can be added during standard staircase renovations so if you’re looking to redesign, keep this in mind as it is usually an easy addition to incorporate.

You could also choose to add round or square bullnoses, wide landings, feature steps or podiums to the bottom of the staircase, a stylized balustrade, or incorporate materials such as metal, glass and stainless steel to help make your staircase pop. Just be aware of the following

  • that the largest opening in any balustrade design is to be no more than that of a 125mm sphere.
  • The height of the level rail balustrade above any level floor needs to be a minimum of 1000mm from finished floor level
  • The height of the rake handrail measured vertically above the tread and riser line, needs to be a minimum of 865mm.

Warning

These guides and reference to the Building Code of Australia is intended as reference only. Along with the staircase you engage, your architect, draftsperson or building certifier would be able to confirm these above guidelines for your individual applications and governing areas. While every care has been taken in providing the correct information, Designer Staircases can accept no liability for any loss or damage, however occurring, arising out of the use of or reliance on this general guide.

Also be aware that these guidelines and Building Codes may change from time to time, and there may be State or local variations to these Codes, this guide may neither reflect the requirements currently applicable to building work in your area or state so please confirm these before proceeding.

Staircase Anatomy Key Terms

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To be better equipped to build your staircase, it’s important to understand a few key terms used by most staircase builders:

  1. Balusters: The vertical structure that supports the handrails.
  2. Balustrade: A balustrade is the combined framework of a handrail and balusters. This provides protection or a barrier to protect the user from falling from a stair. 
  3. Flight: Is a group of steps without any platform, landing or break in their direction.
  4. Going: The going is the horizontal distance between two steps. This is measured from the nosing on one step to the nosing on the next…. Or from the face of riser to riser of the subsequent steps.
  5. Handrail: Is the handhold that follows the contour of the nosing line of the staircase and is fixed on the top of the balusters.
  6. Wall Rail: Is the handhold that is mounted from a wall on brackets. This does not usually incorporate balusters.
  7. Floor to Floor: The vertical distance from the lower floor to the next floor up.
  8. Landing: The level platform between two flights and facilitates the change in of direction of the staircase.
  9. Newel Post: A vertical component that is placed at the ends or middle of a staircase flight They can support stringers and handrails. These provide rigidity to the handrails and balustrades.
  10. Bottom Rail: The bottom member of a balustrade panel that supports the balusters.
  11. Facia or Buildup: The void trim that completes the detail between the bottom plate and the floor or plasterboard.
  12. Nosing: The front or side overhangs of the tread which extend past the riser or stringer.
  13. Pitch or Slope: The angle which the line of nosing of the stair aligns with the horizontal.
  14. Rise: The rise is the vertical distance from the top of one to the next subsequent tread.
  15. Riser: The riser is the vertical member that infills between the treads.
  16. Run: The total length of the stair in a horizontal plane, including the landings.
  17. Step: Comprised of a tread and a riser, this is the part of the stair which permits ascending or descending from one floor to another.
  18. String or Stringers: The side or middle supports in a stair that support the treads and risers. They run along the slope of a stair.
  19. Closed Stringer: A staircase design that does not allow you to see the tread and riser outline from the side.
  20. Sawtooth Stringer: A staircase design that allows you to see the tread and riser outline from the side.
  21. Mono Stringer: A staircase design that involves a central or off-center spine to support the treads
  22. Sofit: The underside lining or area of the stair.
  23. Tread: The tread is the part of the staircase that a person’s foot would walk on when using the staircase.
  24. Winders: 2 or 3 Tapering or triangular shaped section of treads used to change the direction of a stair.