Staircase Terminology Explained: Your Essential Guide to Styles and Components
Staircase Terminology Explained: Your Essential Guide to Styles and Components
Choosing the right staircase is about more than good design - it's about making informed decisions at every step.
At Central Joinery Group, we empower our clients with the knowledge they need to plan projects with confidence.
This guide distils decades of hands-on craftsmanship into simple, clear explanations. Whether you're finalising specifications for a development or shaping the heart of your home, you'll find everything you need to understand staircase structures, styles, and key terminology.
Because when you know what to ask for, and what to expect, the whole process feels a lot smoother. And we're here to make sure it stays that way.
Staircase Anatomy: The Key Components Explained
A staircase might seem simple at first glance - but understanding the key components can help you plan smarter, ask the right questions, and avoid costly surprises.
Here are the most important parts you’ll come across:
- Tread – The flat part you step on
- Riser – The vertical face between each step
- Stringer – The supportive side structure that holds the treads and risers
- Newel Post – The sturdy vertical post at the top, bottom, or turning points
- Balustrade – The combined safety system, including the handrail, spindles, and newels
Popular Staircase Styles (and Where They Work Best)
Choosing your staircase style is about more than just looks. It’s about finding the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.
Whether you love traditional craftsmanship, crave light-filled spaces, or want to make a bold design statement, there’s a staircase style to match your vision.
Explore below a selection of our most popular staircase designs, trusted by homeowners, developers, and architects across the UK.
Traditional Staircases
Elegant. Timeless. Rich with character.
Traditional staircases are rooted in classic joinery techniques, offering warmth, symmetry, and lasting architectural beauty.
Crafted in rich oak, stained hardwoods, or heritage-painted finishes, they blend seamlessly into period homes and character renovations.
Expect features like turned spindles and sculpted newel posts for added depth.
Best for: Period homes, character renovations, traditional extensions.
Cut String Staircase
Heritage style, high-impact detail.
Cut string staircases reveal each individual tread from the side, showcasing intricate shaping and hand-finished craftsmanship
While often associated with Georgian and Victorian designs, a cut string staircase can also be modernised with oak, glass, or minimalist profiles.
They create stunning focal points and lend a handmade, timeless feel.
Best for: Classic renovations, feature staircases, statement entrance halls.
Glass Balustrade Staircase
Light, open, and effortlessly modern.
Glass balustrade staircases replace traditional spindles with crystal-clear glass panels - opening up views, enhancing natural light, and creating clean sightlines.
Choose from frameless, clamped, or glass-in-groove systems to match your style.
They pair beautifully with timber like oak or walnut for a warm, contemporary blend.
Best for: Modern homes, open-plan living, transitional interiors.
Open Tread Staircase
Float above the ordinary.
Open tread staircases skip the traditional riser between each step, creating a striking "floating" effect.
This design enhances the feeling of space and is perfect for connecting different levels without blocking natural light.
Popular in lofts, mezzanines, modern extensions, and minimalist homes.
Best for: Light-filled spaces, modern builds, mezzanine floors.
Bespoke Staircases
Custom-built for spaces that demand more.
Our bespoke staircases are crafted to complement your space, your style, and your aspirations.
Whether you need a custom staircase for a tight space, a unique design, or something that honours original period features, we bring your idea to life with traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge precision.
Best for: Signature homes, complex layouts, one-of-a-kind designs.
What Materials Are Used in Bespoke Staircases?
Your staircase isn’t just a structural feature. It’s a design statement. The materials you choose directly influence the final look, feel, durability, and even how your home is experienced day-to-day.
We work with a curated range of high-quality materials, allowing you to balance visual impact with long-term performance.
From classic oak to sleek glass, here’s what you should know:
When designing a staircase, many choose to mix materials for both function and style, such as pairing timber treads with glass balustrades or combining painted finishes with natural wood accents. The key is finding a balance that complements your space and enhances daily use.
Book a design review and we’ll help you explore options with material samples and finish recommendations.
Quick Glossary: Staircase Terms At-A-Glance
| Term | Technical Definition | Plain English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Tread | Horizontal part of each step | The surface you step on |
| Riser | Vertical face between treads | The upright part between steps |
| Stringer | Structural support for the staircase | Side panel that holds the steps in place |
| Closed String | Treads hidden within the stringer | Side panels enclose the step edges |
| Cut String | Exposed treads along the stringer | Step shapes visible from the side |
| Balustrade | Complete guarding system | Handrail + spindles + newels |
| Handrail | Long rail for support | The part you hold as you go up or down |
| Newel Post | Upright support post | Anchor post at turns, top, or bottom of stairs |
| Spindle / Baluster | Vertical infill between handrail & tread | Thin posts supporting the handrail |
| Nosing | Protruding edge of tread | Step edge that overhangs the riser |
| Landing | Horizontal platform between stair flights | Flat area at top, bottom or in the middle |
| Pitch | Incline angle of the staircase | How steep the staircase is |
| Winder | Angled tread that changes direction | Step that helps stairs turn a corner |
| Flight | Continuous series of steps | Unbroken section of stairs |
| Going | Horizontal distance of a step | Depth from front to back of a tread |
| Rise | Vertical height of a step | Height between two treads |
How We Help You Choose the Right Staircase
You don’t need to know every technical term. That’s our job. But for those who want to understand how it all works, here’s what to expect:
- On-Site Survey: One of our experienced surveyors visits your property to take accurate measurements and discuss your ideas in detail.
- CAD Designs: Our design team transforms your brief into detailed CAD drawings, allowing you to visualise your staircase before manufacturing begins.
- Manufacturing: All components are precision-cut in-house using CNC technology, then assembled and dry-fit tested for a perfect, hassle-free installation on site.
- Delivery: Your staircase is packaged and delivered in our dedicated vehicles, ready for site installation. Components are clearly labelled and protected.
- Installation (optional): If you opt for installation, our specialist fitting team will carry out the install to the highest standard, ensuring the finished product matches your approved design.
- Project Management: From order through to final sign-off, we manage deadlines, coordinate production, and support smooth site delivery aligned to your build schedule.
- After Care: If anything needs attention after delivery or installation, our support team is on hand to help. We stand by the quality of every staircase we produce.
Beyond Terminology: Building Smarter, From the First Step
Knowing your staircase terms isn’t just “nice to have”, it sets the foundation for smarter choices throughout your project.
When you understand the basics, from treads to balustrades - from closed strings to floating designs - you can collaborate better with your suppliers, challenge poor advice, and protect the quality of your investment.
At Central Joinery Group, we believe that informed clients make the best partners. From design consultations to dry-fit tested manufacturing, we partner with homeowners, developers, and designers who care about getting it right - not just getting it done.
When you choose i, you’re choosing clarity, craftsmanship, and complete confidence from start to finish.
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