COMPONENTS OF A STAIRCASE

The space occupied by the stairs is called a staircase or stairwell. Various components of a stair are shown in Fig. 21.1 and also defined below.

1. Baluster

It is a vertical member supporting the handrail.

2. Flight

It is a series of steps without any break such as a platform, landing, etc.

3. Tread

It is an upper horizontal portion of a step used to keep the foot while ascending or descending.

4. Riser

It is a vertical portion of a step which provides support to the tread.

5. Step

It is a portion of the stair comprising of tread and riser.

Figure 21.1 Components of a staircase

6. Rise

It is a vertical length between the upper faces of any two consecutive steps.

7. Landing

It is a flat platform provided between the flights.

8. Winders

These are the tapering used for a change of direction in a stair.

9. Soffit

It is the under surface of a stair.

10. Going

It is the horizontal projection of the flight.