Does the riser sit on top of the tread?
Stair Construction: Does the Riser Sit on Top of the Tread?
Brief Summary
No, in standard stair construction, the riser does not sit on top of the tread. The tread actually rests on top of the riser, creating a supportive structure for each step.
Expanded Answer
Understanding Stair Anatomy
To fully grasp the relationship between risers and treads, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the key components of a staircase:
- Treads: These are the horizontal surfaces of the stairs that you step on.
- Risers: These are the vertical boards that connect one tread to the next, creating the “rise” of each step.
- Stringers: These are the angled, sawtooth-shaped boards that support the treads and risers, forming the structural backbone of the staircase.
How Treads and Risers Connect
In most standard staircase constructions, the tread sits on top of the riser. The riser acts as a support for the back edge of the tread, while the front edge of the tread is typically supported by the stringer or another structural element.
- Open Stringer Construction: In this common design, the treads rest on notches cut into the stringers, and the risers are then attached to the back of the treads.
- Closed Stringer Construction: Here, both the treads and risers are housed within grooves cut into the stringers, creating a more enclosed and finished look.
- Other Methods: There are variations in construction techniques, but the fundamental principle remains the same: the tread rests on top of the riser, creating a stable and supportive structure for each step.
Why the Tread Sits on the Riser
This arrangement offers several advantages:
- Structural Integrity: Placing the tread on top of the riser creates a stronger and more durable connection, distributing the weight and load more effectively.
- Ease of Construction: This configuration is generally easier to build and assemble, especially for traditional wooden staircases.
- Aesthetics: The tread-on-riser design creates a clean and visually appealing look, with the riser often recessed slightly behind the tread.
Exceptions and Variations
While the tread-on-riser arrangement is the standard, there are a few exceptions and design variations:
- Open Riser Staircases: In this contemporary style, the risers are omitted, leaving an open space between treads. This creates a more airy and visually open feel but requires careful consideration of safety and building code requirements.
- Cantilevered Stairs: In these designs, the treads appear to float without visible support. However, they are often anchored to a hidden steel structure or a wall, maintaining the basic tread-on-riser principle albeit in a concealed manner.
Conclusion
Understanding the structural relationship between treads and risers is key to appreciating the mechanics and safety of staircases. While design variations exist, the standard configuration of the tread resting on top of the riser provides a proven and reliable solution for creating durable and aesthetically pleasing staircases.