
How high can I Make my riser stairs?
There is no simple fix for steep stairs, complete remodeling is necessary. Some builders use the “7-11 Rule” to create comfortable and safe staircases. The 7-11 Rule means the risers, or vertical boards at the back of each step, are no higher than 7 inches. The depth of the treads, or the flat stepping surfaces, is at least 11 inches deep.
What is the ideal stair rise?
On the other hand, a stair that is 5 inches high and 13 inches long might be acceptable, according to building safety suggestions. The total of the rise plus the run is 18, which meets the ideal, according to the first rule. But it would be slightly uncomfortable based on the second rule, given that double the rise plus the run equals 23.
What is the usual height riser of a stairway?
What is the standard height for a stair riser? The general rule (in the US) is 7-11 (a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run) (17.78cm-27.94cm). More exactly, no more than 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) for the riser (vertical) and a minimum of 10 inches (25.4cm) for the tread (horizontal or step).
How to repair a broken stair riser?
Open-Riser Tread Repair
- Pry off any end trim or cove molding from the broken stair tread. ...
- Remove the balusters from the broken tread. Most modern balusters are nailed in and can be pried off, but older balusters may be glued in mortise-and tenon-joints.
- Pry up the tread with the prybar, working slowly to loosen the nails. ...

What are the parts of stairs?
There are Stringers, Treads, Risers, Newels, Winders and Landings, Handrail's and Balusters.Stringer – The inclined boards in which the treads and risers are enclosed.Tread – The top or horizontal surface of a step.Nosing – The visible front of the treads.Riser – The board that forms the face of the step.More items...
What is the rise on a stair step?
Rise/Riser: The rise, or height of a step is measured from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread. It is not the physical height of the riser because this excludes the thickness of the tread. The number of risers, not the number of treads, is used to determine the number of steps that comprise a staircase.
What goes first step or riser?
Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first.
What goes on first stair tread or riser?
The riser is installed first for the reason that you want a nice tight fit along the top of the riser to the tread above it. There is always the possibility that there is a small variation in the width of the riser boards or the height of the notches cut in the stair jacks.
How many steps is a 10 foot rise?
Hence there are 17 stairs or steps or riser for 10 feet height of staircase. Mathematical calculation such as 1) no. of riser or steps or stairs in 10 feet height of staircase or ceiling = 10 ×12÷ 7 = 17.14, rounding it near to 17, 2) no.
What is the first step of stairs called?
Staircase Basics The riser is the vertical surface of the stair. The tread on the other hand is the horizontal surface of the stair and the part of the stair you step on. Nosing is the portion of the tread that overhangs the front of the riser. Often a stair builder will talk about the rise and run of the stair.
Does riser go on top of or behind tread?
When installing stairs, install the riser first, and then the tread. Start at the bottom of the stairs and work your way up, alternating risers and treads. The back of each tread will sit flush against the riser. Treads and risers fasten with construction adhesive to the subfloor.
Does the top of the stairs count as a step?
Should I count my stairs from the top or the bottom? You should always count from the bottom up to the top. For some reason people often (but not always) miscount a stair if they are counting downward.
What is the rise of a 5 step Stringer?
A: from 42 -48 inches high. there is a 7 in rise for each step.
How do you calculate rise and go up stairs?
Divide the overall change in level (overall rise) by 150mm.450mm / 150mm = 3. This tells us that with a riser of 150mm we will need 3 risers/steps. ... 450mm / 2 = 225mm. ... Twice the Rise plus the Going (2R + G) should be between 550mm and 700mm. ... 2 x 150mm + 275mm = 575mm.
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 gooseneck on a staircase?
Gooseneck: what is a gooseneck? A gooseneck is part of the staircase handrail that is used to join a handrail that runs parallel with the stringer to a higher handrail on a landing or balcony. A gooseneck is commonly used when the staircase changes directions.
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 baluster in a guardrail?
A baluster is a the vertical post onto which the handrail is affixed. It is usually a part of the guardrail system. These pillars or columns are usually decorative in design and are also referred to as the spindle.
What is a guardrail on a stair?
A guardrail is a barrier system erected on an unprotected side of a stair that protects people from falling. The guardrail can be attached directly to the stringer or to the treads.
What are the names of stairs?
Most people are aware of some stair parts names such as the tread, riser, landing and handrail. But unless you are an architect or builder, you may not be familiar with staircase terminology such as baluster, stringer, volute, bullnose or newel post.
What is a bullnose on stairs?
A bullnose is another type of feature step at the bottom of the stairs. Like a curtail, it is also wider than the other steps and rounded. However, the bullnose stops at the front edge of the newel post and has a much smaller radius than a curtail.
What is riser in stairs?
It is the vertical surface that connects to each thread, between each step. Put simply, risers form the face of the step. Staircases could have open or closed risers, depending on the particular design. Open riser staircases have grown in popularity in recent years and offer a more modern take on the traditional staircase design.
What are the different types of treads?
The following are two common types of tread designs: 1 Straight Tread: Straight treads are categorized by their straight nosing and the lack of increased front edge curve. 2 Convex Tread: Convex treads, on the other hand, has a curved front edge between the stringers on either side.
What is the purpose of stringers on stairs?
Stringer. Visibly seen as the side edge of the steps, stringers provide the structural support for the staircase. Sometimes referred to as simply the “string” or stringer board, they are sometimes notched so that the risers and treads can fit easily into them.
What are the two main components of a staircase?
The Basic Anatomy of a Staircase. When you break it down, the two main components of a staircase are the tread and the riser . The tread refers to the horizontal piece of the stair where you actually step and the riser is the vertical section that is connected to two treads. Both are integral pieces of a staircase.
How many balusters are needed for a staircase?
Each tread generally requires at least two balusters, with the second being closer to the riser and much taller than the one in front. They play a large role in the overall design of a staircase. However, some may not have a baluster and, instead, have solid sides made of glass for a more contemporary aesthetic. 7.
How tall is a stair riser?
Similar to treads, risers can also be found made of steel, timber, tiling, panels, acrylic, or even glass. The minimum height of a stair riser is four inches and the maximum is seven inches. If you are building your own staircase, always consult your local building code in regards to the appropriate stair riser sizing.
Why do stairs have no nosing?
The primary reasoning behind nosing is to increase the visibility of stair edges as a safety measure.
Why is the nose rounded?
It is the projecting part of the tread beyond the face of the riser. Nosing is usually rounded to give good aesthetic effect to the treads and make staircase convenient and easy to use.
What are the parts of a stairway?
The different parts of stairs are as follows: 1. Step: It is a combination of tread and riser which permits ascent and descent from one floor to another. 2. Tread: The upper horizontal portion of the step over which foot is placed during ascend ing or descending a stairway is known as tread. 3.
What is the undersurface of a stair called?
The undersurface of the stair is known as soffit. It is either finished with plaster or covered with a ceiling.
What is a balustrade post?
It is a vertical timber or steel post provided at the head, foot, or at point where the balustrade changes its direction. It is also used for supporting the hand rail.
What is a landing that extends for half the width of the staircase called?
It facilitates the change of direction of the flight. Landing which extends for full width of the staircase is known as half-space landing. Landing extending for only half the width of staircase is known as quarter space landing. 6.
Where is the walking line on a stair?
It is an imaginary sloping line parallel to the slope of the stair and touching the nosing of all the treads. 21. Walking Line: It is the approximate line on the stair, adopted by the people during the use of the stair. This line is located about 40 cm from the centre of the handrail.
What is a framework made from series of balusters and hand rails called?
Framework made from series of balusters and hand rail is known as balustrade. It is also known as barrister.
What is the difference between a step and a staircase?
Step: It is comprised of a tread and a riser, while stairs composed of a set of steps.
What is waist in structural?
Waist: The thickness of structural slab in case of plan R.C.C. stair known as a waist.
What is the arrangement of steps that allows the person to move from lower to higher floor?
A stairs are arrangement of steps that allows the person to move from lower to higher floor or higher to lower floor.
What is the projecting edge of a tread called?
Nosing: The projecting edge of the tread is normally termed as nosing.
What is a riser in a step?
Riser: It is the vertical portion of a step offering support to the thread.
What are the parts of a staircase?
A staircase made of various parts has essentials for a safe and durability, various parts of stairs include treads, risers, etc.
What is headroom in construction?
Headroom: It is the minimum clear vertical distance between the thread and overhead construction, i.e. ceiling.
What is the standard tread depth for stairs?
Standard tread depth (i.e. from riser to end of tread) is 10″ . 5. Riser.
What is a riser in stairs?
The riser is the portion of the staircase that rises vertically. It’s the face of the steps. It’s usually made of the same material as the tread.
What is the difference between an open stringer and a closed stringer?
For staircases that are against the wall, there’s an open stringer which is exposed and a closed stringer which is the wall or is built into the wall.
What are the parts of a staircase?
Discover all the main parts of a staircase here with this helpful illustrated diagram pointing out each part of a staircase including baluster, stringer, tread, handrail, riser and more.
How wide is a sandbox?
Most are made from wood or metal. Some are wide (5 to 6 inches) while others narrow (2 inches).
How wide should stairs be?
Most building codes stipulate that stairs be no less than 36″ wide.
Do staircases have balusters?
Some staircases don’t have balusters. Instead they have solid sides, often glass. Here’s an example. Example of a staircase without a baluster. This has a solid side made of glass. 2. Handrail. The handrail is the part that forms the top of the railing. If the staircase has balusters, it sits on the balusters.
What is a western stringer?
From the side view a western stringer is a consistent ribbon with the treads and risers routered into the inside face of the stringer.
What is the difference between a riser and a tread?
The riser is the vertical surface of the stair. The tread on the other hand is the horizontal surface of the stair and the part of the stair you step on.
What is a stringer fascia?
Stringer fascia is the finished surface that on a western style stringer is on the inside vertical surface of the stringer. A stringer capping is the finished surface that is on the top face of a western style stringer.
What are spindles on stair posts?
Spindles, which are vertical wood or metal structures, are interspersed between posts to provide a safety barrier along the stair system.
What is shoe moulding?
Shoe mould is moulding that covers the gap between the shoe and the drywall surface of the wall below where the shoe is installed.
What is the rail on a stair?
The rail is the part of the railing system that you touch with your hand as you go up and down a stair. The post (also called a newel) is the vertical structure that connects the stair or floor to the railing system. Spindles, which are vertical wood or metal structures, are interspersed between posts to provide a safety barrier along ...
What are the components of a staircase?
A staircase has many components from the treads, fascia, stringers and more. Understand some of the terminology related to stairs, railings, and their components.
Why use outer stringer on stairs?
The upper edge of the outer string is cut so that the profile of the stairs can be visible from the side. The outer stringer allows you to experiment with tread nosing and brackets so that you can give your stairs a creative touch.
How deep should a tread be on a staircase?
It’s also possible to add a carpet or other anti-slip floor coverings to the treads of the stairs in accordance with your needs. Keep in mind that the minimum depth of a tread has to be 10 inches.
What is railing on stairs?
Railing: the handrails of a staircase that are installed along the edge of a landing and provide additional support when ascending or descending.
What are the main parts of a staircase?
The Definition of the Main Staircase Parts: Inner stringer: the hidden edge of the staircase set against a wall which locates the tread and riser. Outer stringer: the visible edge of a staircase which locates the tread and riser. Riser: the vertical part of a step.
What is a return nosing made of?
The typical materials a return nosing can be made from include vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Sometimes, stairs do not have nosing.
What is an inner stringer?
Inner stringer. The inner strings are wooden boards – not threads- that enclose the tread and riser. These strings act as the edging of the stairs in order to hold them together. The closed or inner string covers the face of the stairs, which means the profile of the staircase can’t be seen.
Why do stairs have landings?
For safety purposes. Having a landing minimizes the chances of falling plus it makes the staircase structurally more sound.
What is a volute on stairs?
A volute is said to be right or left-handed depending on which side of the stairs the handrail is as one faces up the stairs.
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.
Why are stringers notched?
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. 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.
What is the horizontal portion of a handrail called?
At the bottom of the stairs such railings flare to a horizontal railing and this horizontal portion is called a "starting easing ". At the top of the stairs, the horizontal portion of the railing is called a "over easing".
What is a stringer board?
Stringer, Stringer board or sometimes just String. The structural member that supports the treads and risers. 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. ...
What is the name of the spiral on a staircase?
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.
What is an angled member?
The angled member for handholding, as distinguished from the vertical balusters which hold it up for stairs that are open on one side; there is often a railing on both sides, sometimes only on one side or not at all, on wide staircases there is sometimes also one in the middle, or even more.
What is string board?
The string, stringer, or stringer board is the sloped structural support for a flight of stairs. They are made of wood, metal, concrete, stone, or other materials. Treads and risers are commonly supported by one or more stringers, although other support methods are used too. A stringer can’t have a vertical rise of more than 151” (R311.7.3). Stringers may have an exposed or finished face.
What is a winder staircase?
Winders are triangular-shaped treads that are narrower at one end than the other. They are commonly used to continue the stair path as it changes direction instead of using a landing; thus, requiring less run or horizontal distance. Circular or spiral staircases are formed using winder stairs.
What does a mitered edge on a stair look like?
Stairs that don’t require an overhang may have a mitered edge where they meet the riser, forming a 90° or greater angle between the two without a visible seam. The effect is to make the stair look like it is made from a solid piece of wood, for a clean, minimalistic look.
What is a volute on stairs?
A volute is the section of the handrail at the foot of the stairs that horizontally curves 360° to the left or right – left or right-handed when looking up the stairs. It is a scroll-like detail that leads into the handrail at the first step up and is also known as a monkey’s tail. It provides an elegant or graceful end or beginning (depending on the direction of travel) to a handrail and staircase.
What is a baister?
Banister refers to the barrier or guard formed by the vertical uprights – the newel posts and balusters – and capping or top rail. It is commonly found on the exposed or open side or sides of a stairway or as a parapet around open landings. Some ornate banisters may have a cross-sectional width of 5” to 6”, while simpler ones may be 2” across.
What is a spindle baluster?
Spindles and balusters are terms used interchangeably by many people but they are not the same. They are vertical posts that prevent people falling from one height to another. Baluster is a term used to describe the individual vertical support for a railing. Balusters sit on a horizontal base like a step, floor, landing, or deck and form a low wall or barrier. They can be made of stone, concrete, wood, iron, plaster, or other materials. The term originally meant jugs, vases, or posts with the bulbous shape of the pomegranate flower or balaustro (Italian).
How deep is a tread?
A tread must have a minimum depth of 10” measured horizontally from its leading edge to the leading edge of the next step (R311.7.5.2). The maximum deviation from the greatest tread depth to the smallest in a flight shall be 3/8” or less.
