Different parts of a staircase explained

You may think of a staircase as a quite simple construction, but there are actually many different parts. If you are going to get a new staircase fitted in your home, it can be useful to know what these different parts are and how they fit together to form the finished staircase.

Risers and treads are the first things you are likely to notice when you look at a staircase. Risers are the vertical parts of the steps, whilst the treads are the horizontal parts of the step. These two are secured together by parts known as tread/riser blocks, whilst riser and tread wedges provide support from below.

Stair banisters are the next part we will look at. The banister or handrail is used to support people as they use the stairs, and it is found down the side of the staircase, supported from below by balusters. These are the vertical posts which together form the balustrade, and they connect together the treads and the handrail.

When you reach the bottom of the staircase, you will find newel posts. These are vertical posts generally found at the bottom of the staircase, but you may find a newel post in a turn in a more complex staircase. Some spiral staircases, however, don't have any newel posts.

Also at the bottom of the staircase is likely to be a curtail step. This is the bottom step, which curves round the base of the staircase. It is used for decoration, similar to the finial, which is a decorative ornament often found atop the newel post at the bottom of the staircase.

Two of the other staircase parts you should know about is the return nosing, which is the moulding used to cover exposed tread ends, and the fascia, which is the vertical board covering the edge of an exposed landing.