Steel Staircase Parts

Steps

• Steel staircase steps consist of two parts, the tread and the riser. The tread is the flat part of the step where you place your feet as you walk up the stairs. The riser is the front of the step that meets the tread at a 90-degree angle. The tread and riser can be welded together to form a single unit or they can be separate units that are attached together with bolts. The front of the tread is often rounded for safety with an attachment called the nosing. Nosing, especially for steel staircases, is often made of a material that increases traction and helps prevent slipping.

Sides

• A number of a number of different components make up the side of the staircase to support the steps. Stringers, also called the carriage, are step supports. One stringer is placed on either side of the steps to position the steps at an incline leading upward. Stringers are cut into step-like patterns to fit snugly on either side of the steps.

Rails

• Rails make it safer to use a steel staircase. Handrails follow the same angle as the stringers and are about waist-high to make climbing the steps easier. The handrails are attached to or through the treads by the vertical pole-like units called balusters. The row of balusters along the side of the steps is called the balustrade. The large pole on either side of the beginning or end of the staircase is called the newel post. It is often wider and heavier than the balusters.