What is the bottom of a stair railing called
David Jones
Published Apr 14, 2026
Base rail: what is base rail? The base rail is the board at the bottom of the guardrail that is located beneath the balusters and on top of the stringer. The base rail runs up the staircase and is supported at each end by a newel post.
What is the bottom part of a staircase called?
A curtail step is a step at the bottom of the staircase. Often widened at one or both ends. The inner string is the side of the staircase that is set against a wall. The landing of a staircase is either a platform where the direction of the staircase changes or is located at the top of a staircase.
What is the difference between newel and baluster?
is that baluster is (architecture) a short column used in a group to support a rail, as commonly found on the side of a stairway; a banister while newel is (architecture) a sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
What are the parts of a stair rail?
- Spindles—the vertical supports that sit between a handrail and base rail. …
- Base rail—sits on top of the string or along a landing. …
- Handrail—a rail that sits on top of the baluster/spindles. …
- Newel post—the vertical post that supports the handrail at the top and bottom of the stairs.
What is base rail?
What is a Base Rail? The base rail (also known as bottom track) runs up a staircase on the top of the stair string, and continues along the landing where there is one. Spindles or panels are fixed into or onto to the base rail, and it is supported at either end by newel posts.
What is a stair rung?
(en noun) A single step in a staircase.
What are stair balusters?
A baluster is a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. … The term banister (also bannister) refers to a baluster or to the system of balusters and handrail of a stairway.
What are the parts of a banister?
Banister. The banister refers to the system of parts that combine to make the stairway. A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces.What is the bottom of a banister called?
A newel, also called a central pole or support column, is the central supporting pillar of a staircase. It can also refer to an upright post that supports and/or terminates the handrail of a stair banister (the “newel post”). … Hollow newels are known more accurately as box newel posts.
What are the parts of a step?- Step. A step is composed of tread and riser. …
- Nosing. Nosing is the horizontal, protruding edge of a stair where most foot traffic occurs. …
- Bullnose. Bullnose of a staircase. …
- String. It is also known as stringer or stringer board. …
- Winders. …
- Balustrade. …
- Volute. …
- Baluster.
What is the difference between a baluster and a spindle?
A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.
What are Newels and balusters?
Newels have added weight and are seen as the support system for your staircase. The thicker posts support the handrail, while the balusters fill out the rest. Balusters are used in succession to create a balustrade, or a line of balusters. Each post contributes to the look and feel of your home’s staircase.
What is the difference between baluster and balustrade?
The term baluster is interchangeable with the word spindle. A balustrade is comprised of an assembled top rail, balusters or spindles and often a bottom rail, posts, post caps, and decorative finials. It is a composite made up of individual parts, such as the balusters and a railing/handrail.
How do I attach spindles to base rail?
Apply a little adhesive to the ends of the spindle and fix with a pin into the handrail groove. The head of the pin should be placed so that it will be covered by the fillet. Repeat until all spindles and fillets have been secured in place.
What is soffit in stair?
The soffit is the underside of the stair or bottom of the stair slab. Under the surface of the stair called the soffit.
What is the trim on stairs called?
Skirtboard. A trimboard running with the rake, pitch or incline of the stair against the wall on the closed side of the staircase. While usually nonstructural, skirtboard protects the drywall surface and adds to the décor of the staircase.
What is the difference between carriage and stringer?
A stringer encases the treads and risers. A carriage exposes the treads and risers. Defines the type of right support used in the stair. … A carriage exposes the treads and risers.
What is baluster railing?
Balusters are those vertical, vase-like posts or legs on railings that can be made of wood, iron, stone, or other materials. The balustrade consists of several balusters spaced evenly and connected to form a decorative railing supported by baluster posts.
What is the name of stair parts?
Most people are aware of some stair parts names such as the tread, riser, landing and handrail. But unless you are an architect or builder, you may not be familiar with staircase terminology such as baluster, stringer, volute, bullnose or newel post.
What are the parts of a deck railing called?
A wooden porch railing consists of five basic parts: posts, top rails, bottom rails, balusters and railing cap. Other decorative elements may be added, such as post caps, but are not necessary for a basic, sturdy design. The posts attach to the deck and provide the support for the entire framework.
What are the spindles in a railing called?
Balusters are the closely spaced supports used to hold up a waist-high handrail, safely containing people inside a staircase or patio deck. They are practical and decorative, providing style and support to the rail system. Balusters are attached to either the floor or secondary support called a base rail.
What is the space between balusters?
Balusters are the vertical guards that support the handrail. They must be installed close enough that the space between them is less than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing.
What is the meaning of newel?
Definition of newel 1 : an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind. 2 : a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing.
What are block type Newels used for?
A newel post serves as a support pole that helps bear the weight of the rest of the stairway. Newels are always found at the foot of a flight of stairs and you will also find newels at the top of the stairway in order to maintain symmetry. Further, newels are placed at junctures where the stairway changes directions.
What is a starting newel?
Pin top stabilizer wood newel post. This post is used to tie directly into the bottom of a handrail to avoid using a fitting or a fitting with a cap.
