What is the trim on the side of stairs called?
- Baluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail.
- Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters.
- Bottom Rail. A bottom rail is the lower, bar-like component of a railing.
- Guardrail.
- Hinge.
- Landing.
- Lattice.
- Newel Posts.
What is the thing on the side of stairs called?
· A stair stringer (also called 'string' or 'stringer board') is the housing on either side of a flight of stairs, into which the treads and risers are fixed. A staircase will have two stringers, one on either side of the steps.
What is this part of Stair trim that the arrow points to?
· The curtail is used as a feature on the side of the stairs that is not attached to the wall or on both sides if the staircase is open. Bullnose: what is a bullnose? A bullnose is another type of feature step at the bottom of the stairs. Like a …
What is stair trim and why do you need it?
· If it's structural (the tread/risers are supported by it), it's called a stringer. If it's not structural, it's called skirting (or simply a skirt). Source (PDF)
Where do you put quarter round trim on stairs?
· A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces. A banister is installed by stair professionals, trim carpenters or skilled do it yourselfers. A stair banister will be the focal point of a home and should be planned and installed carefully. The stair banister provides the functional purposes of safety and assistance …
What is the molding on the side of stairs called?
Skirtboard. A trimboard running with the rake, pitch or incline of the stair against the wall on the closed side of the staircase. While usually nonstructural, skirtboard protects the drywall surface and adds to the décor of the staircase.
What is a stair skirt?
A stair skirtboard is a continuous piece of trim or molding for the sides of your stairs to give them a finished look. There are two kinds of skirt boards for stairs. The first type is the one between the stairs and the wall adjoining the stairs.
What are baseboards on stairs called?
A skirt board on your stairs is a long, unbroken piece of trim just for your stairs. It either stands alone against the wall along the closed-end of your stairs, or you can run your regular baseboard along the top of it to create an unbroken line of trim from floor to floor.
How do you end trim on stairs?
0:036:50How To Trim Stairs, Like A Pro! Tips and Tricks From SAWSET, The ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst things first is we need to find all of our saw settings to do so simply take your t-bevel lineMoreFirst things first is we need to find all of our saw settings to do so simply take your t-bevel line it up with whatever miter you're looking to cuts. Take that t bevel.
What is the wood on the side of stairs called?
A stringer is the support board that runs along each side of the staircase. The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer or stringer board. A staircase always has two stringers. The inner stringer is located against the wall, while the outer stringer is on the side of the staircase open to view.
What are skirting boards for?
Skirting boards will typically protect the walls from accidental knocks, as well as wear and tear from furniture and soiling and scuffs from mops and hoovers. In the third instance, skirting boards can be used as a really clever way of hiding uneven or rugged floor or wall edges.
What is shoe molding on stairs?
Paired with baseboard and stained or painted to match your trim, shoe molding (also known as “base shoe”) is a small, thin strip of molding that gives your room a finished look. Shoe molding adds a decorative touch while covering any gaps that might lie between the bottom of baseboard and the floor.
Does trim go on stairs?
Stair trim is a fantastic way to add accent to your staircase without overwhelming the natural flow of its design. From the baseboard to the railing molding, there are countless areas in which to show off your aesthetic panache.
How do you put skirting boards on stairs?
0:5113:29How to Install Stair Skirt Boards: Tricks, Finding Angles, Cutting, TransitionsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all i do is lay my level across the top of the treads then i take my pencil. And mark across theMoreSo all i do is lay my level across the top of the treads then i take my pencil. And mark across the top of that and that's going to be the top of my skirt.
How do you install wainscoting on stairs?
Place your first piece at the bottom of the stairs, and secure it into place by using finish nails. Then, work your way up the stairs, one piece at a time. If you are installing tongue-and-groove planks, install the first plank with liquid nails on the backside with the grooves facing up the stairs.
How do you finish carpet edges on stairs?
How to Finish the Side of a Carpet on StairsMeasure and Cut Your Carpet and Padding. ... Measure and Cut Tackless Strips. ... Add Extra Strips Where Needed. ... Install the Padding. ... Install the Carpet. ... Measure the Width of the Stair Tread. ... Install Tack Strips and Padding. ... Cut Your Carpet Pieces.More items...
How wide is a skirt board for stairs?
9-1/2-inches wideThe width should be at least 9-1/2-inches wide. A second consideration is the thickness of the skirt board. Thickness is a variable that is based on aesthetical purposes and not for structural stability. The thickness may vary from 1/4-to 2-inches, depending on preference and cost.
What is a staircase with risers called?
Stairs with risers are called closed tread stairs. To give a staircase a more modern look, it can be built without risers. This open riser style provides the appearance of a larger space.
What is a handrail on a staircase called?
A handrail, also called a bannister, is what people hold onto for support when going up and down the staircase. The handrail is fixed to vertical posts (balusters) or a wall up one or both sides of the staircase.
What are the materials used to build a staircase?
Many types of materials are also used to build staircases - from traditional wood to more modern materials such as glass, tile and wire. Despite the number of design and material variations possible, the main parts of a staircase are fairly standard.
What is a tread on a staircase?
A tread is the horizontal part of a staircase that extends from the front edge of the stair nosing to the riser. It serves as the walking surface of the stair that you step on when climbing up or down the stairs. Below are a few common tread types used for prefabricated industrial stairs and bolted access stairs.
What is a riser in stairs?
A riser is the vertical part of the stair between each tread. Stairs with risers are called closed tread stairs. To give a staircase a more modern look, it can be built without risers. This open riser style provides the appearance of a larger space.
What is a stringer board?
A stringer is the support board that runs along each side of the staircase. The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer or stringer board. A staircase always has two stringers. The inner stringer is located against the wall, while the outer stringer is on the side of the staircase open to view.
Where are the treads and risers on a staircase?
The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer or stringer board. A staircase always has two stringers. The inner stringer is located against the wall, while the outer stringer is on the side of the staircase open to view.
What is the first step of a stair system called?
Starting step. Sometimes called a scroll step. The first step of a stair system. The ends of the tread project beyond the skirt boards The ends are semicircular in shape.
What is a stair banister?
The banister refers to the system of parts that combine to make the stairway. A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces. A banister is installed by stair professionals, trim carpenters or skilled do it yourselfers. A stair banister will be the focal point of a home and should be planned and installed carefully. The stair banister provides the functional purposes of safety and assistance when climbing the stair banister. A banister should contain parts that are strong enough to support the weight of adults leaning against them and spaced close enough that infants cannot get their heads lodged between the vertical elements in the banister.
What is a banister in a stairway?
Banister. The banister refers to the system of parts that combine to make the stairway. A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces. A banister is installed by stair professionals, trim carpenters or skilled do it yourselfers. A stair banister will be the focal point ...
What are brackets on stair stringers?
Brackets. Ornamental pieces used on the skirt boards and stair stringers. Several different variations exists from carved to scrolled. Typically they are ¼” thick and made from the same wood species as the rest of the stair system.
How thick are skirt boards?
Ornamental pieces used on the skirt boards and stair stringers. Several different variations exists from carved to scrolled. Typically they are ¼” thick and made from the same wood species as the rest of the stair system.
What is a false end tread?
False end treads. A less expensive option when using carpet on a stair tread. False treads come in a kit with a plywood riser and plywood tread which receives a nosing that is attached to the face and the side. False end treads when covered with carpet look like solid treads and are less expensive than a solid wood tread.
What is a block on a stair?
Blocks of wood attached to the underside of a stair at the junction of the riser and tread . Glue blocks secure the treads and risers together and are used to prevent movement which causes squeaks.
What is stair trim?
Stair trim is a fantastic way to add accent to your staircase without overwhelming the natural flow of its design. From the baseboard to the railing molding, there are countless areas in which to show off your aesthetic panache. The beauty of owning a home is the ability to curate a space that is entirely your own, ...
Can baseboard trim be cut with mitered corners?
Often, it is made from the same baseboard used throughout the home, but it can also have a different appearance entirely. Baseboard trim can be cut with mitered corners and follow the angles of each tread and riser. While this method takes time to cut and install, it can look elegant when properly finished.
What is a wainscot for stairs?
1. Wainscoting Stair Trim Ideas. Wainscoting first appeared in homes during the 18th century where it was used as a durable, insulating wall covering. Its popularity never waned, although today it’s generally used only for visual appeal instead of serving any practical purpose.
What are embossed metal panels?
Embossed metal panels can also be used as wainscoting, with or without a wood frame. These panels have been used for centuries as decorative ceiling tiles and can often be found at antique markets. Embossed metal panels can be painted or left bare and look stunning when used along a staircase in a cottage-style home.
What is shiplap wainscoting?
Technically another form of wainscoting, beadboard and shiplap have grown in popularity due to the warm, rustic feel they add to rooms and stairways. These textured panels have long appeared in farmhouses and Victorian homes, but can be found in virtually any type of house today. Both products were traditionally crafted of wood, although they now can be made from any number of manufactured materials. They are a simple way to add texture to your staircase walls and usually mesh well with your existing baseboards and railings.
What is shiplap in a bathroom?
It’s also a great look to carry over into your bathroom or kitchen. Shiplap consist s of thin wooden planks that are installed horizontally along the wall. They are usually between four and six inches in width.
What is a coffered wall?
A coffered wall has strips of wood arranged in a grid pattern, much like a series of framed boxes. Unlike wainscoting and beadboard, coffering usually extends from floor to ceiling instead of stopping at chair-rail height. This is a classic element of design with a simplicity that conveys a strong, masculine statement. Coffered walls and ceilings can be seen inside many famous American homes, including the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and the Studebaker Mansion in Indiana.
Parts of a Staircase: A Guide to Stair Part Terminology
A staircase is made up of different components that function together and are common from one stairway to another. Some designs incorporate common parts to form uniquely shaped stairs or arrangements. In this section, we’ll identify what the different parts of a staircase are called and take a look at their purposes.
Typical Residential Staircase Dimensions
The typical residential staircase dimensions have only been consistently regulated in most areas of North America since the 1940s. Although the IRC and its minimum safety regulations are accepted in much of North America today, there are still some areas with unique codes, and others with none.
Conclusion
Building stairs is a specialized component of construction. Most carpenters and DIYers can build them, although many prefer to leave it to those who have chosen to specialize in stair construction. The terminology used to identify the different parts of stairs may be confusing as it is often shared with other facets of construction.
What is a handrail on stairs?
Image Credit: David Sacks/Digital Vision/Getty Images. The handrail is the rail that you place your hand on as you climb the stairs. The handrail can either be attached to the top of the balusters and newel posts or directly to a wall. Advertisement.
What is a baluster on stairs?
Image Credit: Robin Krauss/iStock/Getty Images. Balusters, also known as spindles, are the thin poles that go from the tread to the handrail.
What is spiral staircase?
Spiral staircase. While steps are used almost everyday, most people give little thought to the fact that they are actually made up of several parts. While not every set of stairs has every part, the parts work together to provide stability and strength.
Do stairs have every part?
While steps are used almost everyday, most people give little thought to the fact that they are actually made up of several parts. While not every set of stairs has every part, the parts work together to provide stability and strength.
What is the back part of a step?
The back part of the step is the riser. Risers are the vertical pieces at the back of each step that keeps your toe from going any further. Some stairs do not have risers. When they are used, they determine the height of the step.
What is a riser on a step?
Risers are the vertical pieces at the back of each step that keeps your toe from going any further. Some stairs do not have risers. When they are used, they determine the height of the step.
What is a swell step?
The swell step is many times larger. Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images. The swell step is the first step on the stairs. It can also be called the starter step. It is often larger than the rest of steps. Advertisement.
What is a stringer on a closed side of stairs called?
Stringers on open-sided stairs are often open themselves so that the treads are visible from the side. Such stringers are called "cut" stringers. Stringers on a closed side of the stairs are closed, with the support for the treads routed into the stringer.
Where do you put trim on a floor?
Trim. Trim (e.g. quarter-round or baseboard trim) is normally applied where walls meet floors and often underneath treads to hide the reveal where the tread and riser meet. Shoe moulding may be used between where the lower floor and the first riser meet.
What is run length on stairs?
If it is present, this means that, measured horizontally, the total "run" length of the stairs is not simply the sum of the tread lengths, as the treads actually overlap each other slightly.
What is a baluster on stairs?
The balusters typically form a semicircle around the circumference of the rounded portion and the handrail has a horizontal spiral called a "volute" that supports the top of the balusters. Besides the cosmetic appeal, starting steps allow the balusters to form a wider, more stable base for the end of the handrail. Handrails that simply end at a post at the foot of the stairs can be less sturdy, even with a thick post. A double bullnose can be used when both sides of the stairs are open.
Can you use a double bullnose on stairs?
Handrails that simply end at a post at the foot of the stairs can be less sturdy, even with a thick post. A double bullnose can be used when both sides of the stairs are open.
How many stringers are there on stairs?
There are typically two stringers, one on either side of the stairs; though the treads may be supported many other ways. The stringers are sometimes notched so that the risers and treads fit into them. Stringers on open-sided stairs are often open themselves so that the treads are visible from the side.
What is the tread on a stairway?
Tread. The part of the stairway that is stepped on. It is constructed to the same specifications (thickness) as any other flooring. The tread "depth" is measured from the outer edge of the step to the vertical "riser" between steps. The "width" is measured from one side to the other.
