Finding the terminology confusing? The explanations are here:

Support Structures

  • Double Cantilevered Stairs - stairs where the treads are supported on a carriage
  • Spiral or Square Spiral Stairs - stairs where the treads are supported by a central column

Formats

  • Straight stairs - where the direction of the treads are the same throughout
  • Turning stairs - where the direction of the treads change. These can be;
  • Quarter Landing Stairs - where a 90° change in direction is made on an intermediate landing
  • Half Landing Stairs - where a 180° change in direction is made on an intermediate landing
  • Single Winder Stairs - where a 90° change in direction is made using winders
  • Double Winder Stairs - where a 180° change in direction is made using winders
  • Spiral stairs - where the treads are tapered and turn around a central column (Circular on plan)
  • Square Spiral Stairs - where the treads are tapered and turn around a central column (Square on plan)

Dimensions

  • Rise - the vertical distance between two treads
  • Going - the horizontal distance between the leading edges of two consecutive treads
  • Pitch line - an imaginary line that touches the top of the leading edge of each tread
  • Pitch - the angle between the pitch line and a horizontal plane
  • Tread Width - the overall width of a tread
  • Clear width - the unobstructed distance between walls and handrails etc

Components and Elements

  • Treads - the horizontal surfaces for walking on
  • Winder Treads - tapered treads used to change direction
  • Tapered treads - treads that are narrower at one end than the other
  • Landing - platform or floor area at the beginning or end of a stair
  • Intermediate Landing - landing between floors
  • Open Rise - that the space between the treads is open and unobstructed
  • Riser bars - bars used to partially obstruct an open rise for the safety of young children
  • Half risers - panels obstructing roughly half an open rise for the safety of young children
  • Tread Spacers - blocks used to separate treads
  • Carriage - spine like support structure for Double Cantilevered Stairs
  • Baluster - vertical support component of a balustrade
  • Handrail - support for holding onto
  • Balustrade - safety barrier formed of balusters, handrails etc

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