Stair Parts Terms Illustrated and Defined

Over the Post system

 (The rail goes over the newel)

Post to post system

Definitions

Balusters
The vertical posts which support the railing of the staircase. The term "Balustrade" refers to the baluster and rail system.

Cove Moulding
A decorative strip which, when attached to the underside of the tread nosing, covers the point between the tread and riser.

Fillet
Strips which fill the plow between balusters on plowed handrail and shoerail.

Fittings
The stair parts used to form a smooth transition when the hand-rail changes height or direction. For example, staring a balustrade (volute, turnout, starting easing), at a landing (gooseneck), and at a balcony.

Handrails
The horizontal or rake member of a balustrade system. It sits on top of the balusters and it supported by newel posts.

Newels
The major support posts for the balustrade system. Larger and heavier than the baluster, newels are located at the bottom and top of a staircase and at turns and critical support areas of balcony rails.

Nosing
The portion of a tread or landing tread which protrudes beyond the face of the riser.

Rake
The slope or angle of the staircase (also referred to as rake angle).

Risers
The vertical component of a stair which supports the treads.

Shoe rail
A piece running along the floor which is plowed for the insertion of balusters and fillets.

Starting Steps
The first tread and riser at the bottom of a staircase.

Treads
The horizontal portion of the staircase that is walked upon.