Learn about stairs and stair parts
For most of our customers wood flooring generally is a project for one or two downstairs rooms. But every so often someone comes along who wants to take our beautiful wood flooring up the stairs and to second and maybe even third floor. This blog will address what you need to know about stairs and stair parts so you can confidently discuss, choose and order your stair package.
Let's start with the basics.
The above drawing lays out the key elements of your stairs. Your focus will be first on the wood choices for the treads ( also referred to as the run ) and then on the risers ( also referred to as the rise ). It is common for people to order just treads and use a painted riser made of a less expensive material such as poplar.
Here is a perfect example of heart pine offset by painted white risers. This option is easy on the budget and does allow the choice of materials to stand out further.
A very elegant stair configuration. Lots of strong contrast for this project. When ordering your treads ( run ) and risers ( rise ) here are some standard measurements.
The run length should be 9 inches (23 cm) or longer for enough foot space.
The riser height should be 8.25 inches (21cm) or lower.
The nosing protrusion length should be 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) or lower to prevent tripping on the nosing. The nosing is the front rounded part of the stair tread.
The tread widths will vary based on your project and thus there is no real standard measurement.
For many stair projects such as the one above you will see that the stairs are enclosed on both sides. Some stair projects will have an open end on side or even both. If that is the case you need to order what are called returns.
What is a return?
This gorgeous antique oak highlands plank staircase is a perfect illustration of returns. The outside exposed edge of the stairs when manufactured have two exposed edges that if not abutted by a wall need to be closed up with a strip of wood on that edge. A return is that piece of wood. This strip of material will give the exposed edge the clean look it needs.
Next up landing nosings. Let's take a look first.
As the picture illustrates this stair case has several "landings". Landing tread nosing is normally used at the top of the staircase where carpet meets the first step, around stair steps, on the edge of any landings, and balconies to create a finished edge. Available in 3/4" thick material, which is the same thickness as the flooring used for landings.
Ok so these are the basics of stair parts and now you have enough information to be dangerous! Give us a call and let's get started.
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