Anticlockwise stairway
A stairway that viewed from below winds to the left is an anticlockwise stair.
Baluster
Another name for the posts (laths) in the railing.
Block step
The first tread of the stairs, made slightly wider than the others to give a more welcoming feeling.
Child safety list
In an open stairway (without risers) a strip is fitted under each tread to prevent children from creeping under and getting stuck.
Clockwise stair
A stairway that viewed from below winds to the right is a clockwise stair.
Closed stairway
Refers to stairs with vertical boards (risers) between the treads.
End knob
Round wall handrails can terminate with a turned knob.
Floor structure
Limited normally by the distance between ceiling and surface of the floor above.
Floor structure covering
The board that is sometimes used to cover the floor structure.
Floor structure opening
The opening between storeys where the stairs are placed.
Free stringer
Refers to a stringer not fitted against a wall.
Inner stringer
Refers to stringer of inner winding, usually suspended freely but not always.
Inner stringer railing
Refers usually to railing of inner curve
Newel
The sturdy posts at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, sometimes also fitted in corners of the stairway.
Outer stringer
Refers to stringer on outer winding. Is often (but not always) fitted on the wall.
Outer stringer rail
Railing on outer winding.
Riser
The vertical board between treads of a closed stairway.
Side beam
The wooden beam in which the treads are secured (or on top). Some stairs have no side beams.
Side stringer
A long beam used for structural purposes.
Stringer
A long beam used for structural purposes.
Tread profile
The front edge of treads can be made with various profiles.
Under rail
The joist on which the balusters stand.
Underlying string
Stringer with treads fixed on top.
Upper rail
The handrail fitted on the balusters.
Wall handrail
Handrail secured to the wall, for stairs of which one side runs along a wall.
