Wood Stairs Key Terms

You'll climb to the top of success with these wood stairs terms
By Marjorie Gilbert One probably does not think about wooden stairs very much, even if they're traversed every day. There is a lot to consider with wood stairs however-- from the steepness of the stairs, the height of every individual step, the depth of every stair, as well as making sure that there are the proper number of stairs so that the flight of wooden steps is even.

This guide is designed to help when you need to have a set of wood stairs built.

Stairs residential building code

When you build stairs, it's important to do so according to the building codes as specified by your town or city. There are different codes for residential or commercial stairs, wood stairs or any kind of material.
Try:  Stairs Residential Building Code for the United States can be found on this site. However, as these vary from state to state, it's important to contact your town or city office.

Riser

The riser of wood stairs or any stairs refers to the height of each step. The regulations regarding the height vary from state to state, so it's important to find out exactly what this is. Generally, the riser height varies from 6 inches to 8 1/4 inches. It's important to keep the riser height consistent for the entire of the wood stairs.
Try:  Stairs and Handrails has helpful information about the height of risers.

Stringer

The stringer refers to the part of the wood stairs or any stairs which is the framework upon which the treads of the steps rest. There are various ways of building stringers, and they vary according to the run and height of the stairs.
Try:  This Stair Stringer Design Calculator is helpful when building stairs.

Tread

The tread of the wood stair or any stair is the portion on which you step as you climb stairs. Widths of the tread can vary, depending on the space allowed for the stairs. This is especially true if you are building replacement stairs in an old or existing building. However, the run, which refers to the depth of the stair, has to have a minimum of 10 inches. Check with your city hall for building code regulations.
Try:  OSHA has information about the stair tread regulations.

Nosing -- or nose

The nose refers to the overhang on the tread. This overhang exists on all wood stair and every stair. It is not necessarily included in the regular measurements of the tread. These can range from 3/4 of an inch to 1 1/2 inch. Check with the building codes in your area for the exact measurement.
Try:  University of Florida IFAS Extension Service has building regulations for stairs.

Handrails

Handrails are also an important consider in wood stairs. These, like the rest of the wood stairs, are regulated by building codes. The height of the handrails vary according to the building codes in your area.
Try:  Boom Speed has the OSHA regulations for handrails.