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Learn the Basics of Stair Design

Learn the Terminology Relating to Stair Structure, Stair Railings, Stair Treads & Spindles

Structure

1

Continuous Handrail

When posts support the handrail from underneath, allowing the handrail to flow uninterrupted throughout the staircase. 


2

Birdsmouth Stringer 

Birdsmouth stringers are a design choice that results in the bottom edge of the stair stringer being continued into a ceiling or stair header. 


3

Support Post

A support post is a way to support a freestanding stair instead of using a big foot.


4

Big Foot 

A big foot is a way of supporting a frestanding stair by vertically extending the stringer to the floor. This creates a wedge-shaped support for the staircase. 


5

Self Supported Stairs & Landing

This type of landing is integrated into the stair stringers eliminating the need for support posts.


6

Stair Notch

A stair notch is a portion of a stair where the stringer jogs around the corner of a wall.


Railings

7

Mitred Goose Neck

A mitred goose neck elevates the railing to match the termination point of the ajoining railing on the post. 


8

Lambs Tail

Lambs Tail is a traditional decorative approach to ending a railing. 


9

Stainless Steel Wall Bracket

A stainless steel wall bracket enables stainless steel hand railing to be attached to a glass panel. 


10

Modern Wall Bracket

This wall bracket enables hand railing to be mounted to the wall in a more modern design.


11

Traditional Wall Bracket

Traditional wall brackets enable hand railing to be mounted to the wall. This is considered a more traditional style.


12

Y Turn

A y-turn is a component that allows custom railing to jog around a wall making it continuous from top to bottom.


Treads

13

Bullnose Bottom Tread

A bullnose tread is a half circle added to the sides of the bottom tread for decorative purposes


14

Convex Nosings vs Straight Nosings

A curved front edge of a tread between two stringers is considered a Convex Nosing. Typically, stairs have straight nosings. 


15

Tread Caps 

For carpeted stairs, hardwood tread caps are used on the outside edge of a stair tread to create the illusion of a hardwood tread with a flush carpet runner.


Spindles

16

Diminishing Spindles 

Diminishing spindles are used when railing terminates into the underside of a stair or ceiling creating a triangle shape (acute angle). 


Are you ready for the next step?

Call 1 (844) 482-7213 or visit our showroom

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Head Office and Show Room
8:30am - 4:30pm

15138 123 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

T5V 0A3

1 (844) 482-7213

info@specializedstairs.com
BC Office and Showroom
Showroom hours are by appointment only

#200 - 3042 Sexsmith Rd Kelowna, BC V1X 7S6

1 (778) 753-7422

info@specializedkelowna.com

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