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If you have never been involved in construction, remodeling, or interior design, chances are you have never heard stairs and rails jargon. We made it easier for you and created a list of components of a stairs and rails system to have a better idea of what you are looking for.

Components of a Stair and Rails System

Here are a few keywords that will help you understand what your contractor is saying, or better yet, allow you to speak with confidence when you ask for a quote.

1. Tread

A tread is the top surface of a stair upon which the foot is placed.

2. Riser

The riser is the vertical face of a step.

3. Step

The step is the unit of a stair, consisting of a riser and a tread.

4. Stringers

The stringers are the inclined boards in which the treads and risers are enclosed.

5. Handrail

The handrail is the gripping surface where you hold on to for support. The handrail is molded following the pitch of the staircase and connects to the top of the balustrade.

6. Newels

7. Balusters

Balusters are a turned, carved, and typically decorative vertical section placed between the handrail and the stair tread or stair stringer used to fill the open area between these two elements. It adds safety, support. And stability to the balustrade.

For a more modern look, balusters can be installed in a horizontal position. Check out our stainless steel balusters in this beautiful railing renovation in this Boca Raton, Florida, home. 

8. Balustrade

The framework is formed by the combination of rail, newels, and balusters.

9. Fittings

These are the fixtures added to the sections of a handrail. Used at the beginning and end of a balustrade or wherever the handrail changes height or direction.

Contact us today to schedule your free on-site estimate. Most estimates can be scheduled in the same week.

Let us design the stairs and railings of your dreams!

A stairway is a structure that offers both, function and style. Many homeowners want to renovate their stairs and rails not only for beauty but also for value. If you are considering upgrading your stairs and railings, here are a few things you need to know before you get started.

Whether you are considering rebuilding your entire staircase or just want to change out the railings or balusters, hiring a qualified stairs and rails contractor is key.

A contractor will guide you through the entire process that may include, but is not limited to:

• Taking accurate measurements.
• Designing a new and improved layout of the staircase.
• Presenting a wide variety of supplies and materials available in the market.
• Showing you samples of all types of wood, railings, balusters and newels, accessories and fittings.
• Exhibiting pictures of previous projects.

In most cases, upgrading a staircase requires design, custom-ordered supplies and custom building that only experienced carpenters and contractors can provide, so it’s not recommended for the weekend DIY-er.

Custom jobs, such as those that require custom-fitted glass panels, may require more than one contractor involved in the project. A balustrade installed over wooden staircases may only require the presence of carpenters, which in many cases the job is handled by the same contractor, as opposed to a balustrade installed over tile or marble staircase, which will require the presence, input, and cooperation of a flooring contractor.

A wide variety of styles and materials can be combined to design and create a staircase. An image search on the Internet for stairs design styles and materials will help you get an idea of many possible material combinations. From the traditional look of wooden posts and balusters to a more elaborate approach with forged iron balusters or contemporary glass panels, there are lots of combinations and choices for all tastes and budgets.

Some popular combinations are:

• Wooden handrail, wooden posts, wooden balusters.
• Wooden handrail, wooden posts, forged iron balusters.
• Stainless steel handrail, tempered glass panels.

An experienced contractor as A Step Above can guide you through this process by showing you pictures of previously executed projects or offering you physical samples or catalogs of products.

Like any home renovation, a stairs and rails upgrade requires planning ahead. In some cases, the material needed for the renovation might be in stock and immediately available for installation, but some other jobs may need several weeks for installation and completion. Custom builders and contractors may have to obtain the material from a supplier localized cross-country or even overseas.

Make sure to take all these variables into consideration in order to make the renovation process as smooth as possible without any major complications or unexpected events along the way.

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