STAIR ANATOMY
Balusters
The vertical posts which support the railing of the staircase; balusters are typically wood or metal.
Balustrade
Refers to the entire system. Made up of handrail, balusters and newels.
Fittings
The stair parts used to form a smooth transition when the handrail changes height or makes a turn at a landing or a balcony. Common types of fittings are gooseneck, volute, overeasing, upeasing, quarterturn with cap and without cap, tandem cap.
Handrails
The horizontal or rake member of a balustrade system. It sits on top of the balusters and is supported by newell posts.
Intermediate Landing
Level platform separating flights of stairs.
Newels
Major support posts for the balustrade system. Larger and heavier than the balusters, newels are located at the bottom and top of a staircase and at turns and critical support areas of balcony rails. Can be over-the-post or post-to-post.
Risers
The vertical components of a stair which support the treads.
Starting Steps
The first tread and riser at the bottom of the staircase. Can be square or round (round is typically called a bullnose).
Tread
The top surface of a stair on which one steps.
