Getting to Know Your Stair Parts

Getting to know your stair parts may not be that interesting especially if you are not the technical type of person. It may be come to your as probably a waste of time understanding every part of your stairs. You may even ask “what for?”

Well, maybe you don’t need it now. However, if you will be building your own home in the future, it might just help knowing these important parts.

Stairs are often used by everyone who lives in the house. It is used every single day going up and down every level of the house. Therefore, stairs should be maintained regularly. Inspect it every now and then or after a few years of use. Try to observe if all the stair parts are still in good condition. If not, replace them as soon as possible. Replacing your stair parts will be easy especially if you know the technical term of the part you are replacing. It will be easier to tell the sales person in a construction or stair specialty store where you will buy your parts.

So here it is. The horizontal steps of the stairs are called the stair tread. The part that you hold on to while using the stairs is called the stair railing. It can be made from different materials such as wood, iron, stainless steel, metal, or glass. The part that supports the stair handrail is called the baluster. It usually looks like vertical poles all lined up to support the railing. It also serves as a protection or a barrier so that no one will fall out of the stairs especially the children. The two main posts that support the railing are called the newel posts. You can see them at each end of the railing.

See, it is very easy to get familiarized with all these stair parts! So, next time you need to replace your old stair parts, you will know what to ask from your supplier.