stairs by mw design

The horizontal part of a stair that provides footing for people to ascend or descend a stair. Climb up or down a stair.  Treads can be made in a variety of materials and physical configurations to provide traction and appearance.

A floating tread that projects away from a wall or anchor point into space.

The vertical member of a stair that connects adjacent treads in stair.

When a conventional riser is not used in order to create a more open feel to a stair.

The horizontal distance between two adjacent steps or a full flight of stairs.

The vertical distance between two adjacent treads or two floors/landings.

A platform or platform in the course of a staircase between flights.  Stair landings are typically a component of the staircase system and are independent of the floor elevations of the structure.

A platform or platform in the course of a staircase between flights.  Stair landings are typically a component of the staircase system and are independent of the floor elevations of the structure.

A single linear and load bearing member which supports a flight of stairs from underneath.

The first step in a flight of stairs. Also called a starter-step.

Linear mill-work used to encase the sides of steps and railed openings such as balconies.

The open edge of a floor at the top of a stair or along open balconies.

The underside surface of a staircase. When walking underneath a stair, this would appear to be the ceiling under the stair flight.

A stair structure that openly spans the distance of its flight between floors with no additional support structures.

A structural support for a staircase, concealed beneath treads and risers. Typically a wooden board in a conventional straight stair, sometimes a complex steel fabrication supporting a floating circular stair.

When treads, risers and skirt boards are directly applied to a structural stair carriage with fasteners and adhesives without interlocking mortises between the components. This is the most common way to install treads and risers.

When treads, risers, and stringers are interconnected so that the whole stair base is an integral unit, there is no need for a structural substructure because the assembly is intrinsically strong because of how it’s made. Arguably the best way to make a stair because it’s dimensionally consistent, strong, with fewer visible fasteners and the least likely to squeak over time. This method of stair building requires higher carpentry skills and experience, and the final result is noticeably better.