ABSTRACT
Staircases can be subdivided into two forms of construction, those integral with the building structure and those which are self-supporting, either propped against walls (like ladders) or between floors or framed independently. External and landscape stairs have similar categories but are excluded from this chapter apart from fire escape components. A schedule of common terms used in stair construction is given in the following summary.
Apron lining Lining used to finish exposed edge to floors at stair-well.
Apron panels The infilling to the triangular area between strings and the floor line.
Balustrade Guarding employed at open sides to stairs and landing.
Brackets Timber supports for treads that are secured to carriage pieces.
Carriage pieces Timber beams or bearers inserted below treads and risers to improve support at mid-spars in wide timber stairs.
Flight A general description for a sequence of steps between landings.
Going The horizontal dimension from nosing edge to nosing edge.
Handrail The top member of a balustrade or wall rail to provide a handhold.
Helical stairs Cylindrical stairs which are constructed within a constant drum.
Lining An abbreviated term for apron lining.
Newel The post employed at the base and head of stair balustrades to help brace the balustrade.
Nosing The extreme leading edge of a step or landing.
Nosing line The setting-out line for the landing edge of nosings.
Part riser Used to reduce the gap between treads in open stair construction.
Pitch The angle contained by the nosing edges and the horizontal floor plane.
Shaft The total space occupied by stairs and landings.
Spirals Stairs constructed within a tapering drum. The term is commonly applied to free-standing stairs supported off a central post and employing a constant geometry.
Standard A term employed for metal supports to balustrades, where length of construction depends upon larger members for bracing.
String The framing members at the edge of flights used to carry the treads and risers. Can be formed in timber, metal or reinforced concrete.
Tapering treads See windows.
Three- and four-turn stairs Stairs which change direction three or four times around a central well.
Tread The horizontal dimension from nosing edge to nosing edge; also applies to the horizontal face or component of each tread.
Well A general term that can apply to the whole space or shaft occupied by stairs, or to the clear space between stairs and open landings or between stairs in dog-leg flights.
Winders Tapering treads which occur at landings or at the base of stairs.
Wreathing Curved handrailing in metal or timber where handrails curve in one or more directions at the base and head of stair balustrades.
