Concrete Stairs Key Terms

Step up into the world of concrete stairs key terms

By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor Beeline Editing Services

Whether you are in the market to buy concrete stairs or are planning to make some of your own, address the subject with a few concrete stairs key terms. Concrete stairs can be roughly finished and hidden from view in stark high-rise stairwells or be masterfully designed, breathtakingly beautiful elements of architecture in the nicest country clubs, estate homes and hotels. The patterns, textures and design elements of concrete stairs are limited only by your imagination.

Riser

The riser is the vertical element of the stairs, the part that builds the stairs "up" and doesn't get any foot traffic. The riser can be either open or closed.
Try: A page at Concrete Network discusses concrete stair risers and their importance in relation to the depth of the tread.

Tread

The tread is the horizontal part of stairs, the part that actually gets foot traffic. It's important for concrete stair treads to be both durable and safe.
Try: Commercial Concrete Products devotes an entire page to the discussion of concrete stair treads and the important considerations around their manufacture and installation.

Nosing

The nosing on concrete stairs is the front edge of the tread that projects beyond the face of the riser. It is typically rounded, although sometimes it is shaped or molded for effect. Nosings are often a safety feature on concrete stairs.
Try: Learn about concrete stair nosings and the safety features they offer at B.L. Wilcox & Associates.

Stringers

Stringers are the objects that hold the stairs in place or support the stairway from underneath. Concrete stair crafters can choose to either custom-design or buy ready-made stringers.
Try: If you plan to make your own stair stringers, there's a handy stair stringer design calculator at Shalla. Pre-made welded steel stair stringers are another option, discussed in depth and available at Stairframe.

Formwork

Formwork is the upfront task of designing and outlining or forming up the stairs to meet functionality and code requirements. This is the most important part of building concrete stairs.
Try: Read the informative article on the importance of formwork when building concrete stairs at Concrete Construction Online.

Precast

Precast concrete stairs are stairs that are either "off the shelf" or made to customer specifications. They are made at the manufacturer's location then delivered to the site to be installed.
Try: Shea Concrete does a great job of explaining and showing the advantages of precast concrete stairs.