Entries by Stair101

What thickness is newel post?

Understanding Newel Post Dimensions: What is the Standard Thickness? Summary: While the provided answer gives a specific size (1500mm x 90mm x 90mm), it’s important to understand that newel post dimensions can vary. In the USA, typical thicknesses for square newel posts range from 3.5 to 6 inches. However, factors like staircase design, load-bearing requirements, […]

What is the best wood for a newel post?

Choosing the Ideal Wood for Your Staircase Newel Post Summary: While several wood types can be used for newel posts, oak stands out as a popular and durable choice. Its strength, resistance to damage, and classic aesthetic make it well-suited for this essential staircase component. However, other options like poplar, maple, and cherry offer their […]

What are stairs that turn back on themselves?

Unraveling Staircase Designs: What Are Switchback Stairs? Summary: Switchback stairs, also known as 180-degree staircases or U-shaped stairs, are characterized by a distinctive design where the stairs turn back on themselves, creating a U-shape with a landing in the middle. This configuration effectively reverses the direction of travel, offering a space-saving solution and a unique […]

What are the posts to support stairs handrails?

Demystifying Staircase Terminology: What are the Posts that Support Handrails? Summary: The vertical posts that support handrails on a staircase are called newel posts. These sturdy components are typically found at the bottom and top of a staircase, as well as at landings. They provide crucial support for the handrail, ensuring stability and safety for […]

Why is the top of the stairs called a landing?

Understanding Stair Landings: More Than Just a Place to Land While it’s true that a landing is where you “land” after traversing a staircase, there’s more to this architectural feature than its simple name suggests. Landings play a crucial role in both the safety and design of staircases, and their importance is reflected in building […]

What is well or open newel stairs?

Understanding Open Newel Stairs: A Staircase with a View Open newel stairs, also known as well stairs, are a type of staircase design characterized by a central open space or “well” around which the stairs ascend. Unlike straight stairs or closed-riser stairs, where the steps are enclosed between walls or risers, open newel stairs offer […]

What is the purpose of stair nosing?

Stair Nosing: Enhancing Safety and Style on Your Staircase Stair nosing, the edging that covers the front edge of a stair tread, serves a multifaceted purpose in staircase design. While its primary function is to enhance safety, it also plays a significant role in protecting the stair tread and contributing to the overall aesthetics of […]

What are the uprights on a banister called?

Decoding Staircase Terminology: What are the Uprights on a Banister Called? The vertical supports on a staircase railing system are called balusters. These are the upright posts that run between the handrail and the baserail (or tread) and are a key component of the balustrade, which is the collective term for the entire railing system. […]

What can be used for stair nosing?

Stair Nosing Materials: Choosing the Right One for Your Project Stair nosing, the protective edging applied to the front edge of a stair tread, is a crucial component of any staircase. It enhances safety by improving visibility and providing a non-slip surface, protects the tread from wear and tear, and contributes to the overall aesthetics […]

What is a landing newel post?

Landing Newel Posts: More Than Just a Post A landing newel post, often called a transition newel, is a specialized component used in staircases with landings or changes in direction. Unlike standard newel posts found at the top and bottom of a straight staircase, landing newels serve a unique purpose. They are specifically designed to […]