A component part of the balustrade, the balusters are the vertical tubes/ bars that sit directly beneath the handrail.


The collective name for the assembly of handrails, balusters etc that together form a safety guarding to protect the side of a stair or stairwell.

Beech wood

A type of hardwood used in the construction of some of the staircase we sell. It is naturally pale in colour with a smooth finish ideal for taking stains or varnish.

Block laminated timber

Sections of timber (wood) glued together to form larger pieces of timber (generally boards for making treads etc). Laminated timber is strong and stable and therefore ideal for use in staircases.


A measurement of distance taken at a right angle from the pitch line to an obstruction above, which is generally the ceiling opening edge.

Clear width

A horizontal measurement of unobstructed distance between walls, handrails etc. On our spiral stairs this measurement is taken between the centre column and the handrail.

Centre going

A horizontal measurement of the depth of a tapered or winder tread taken at central points, whilst excluding any part which is overlapped by another tread.

Double winder

A layout or configuration applicable to modular stairs whereby a 180° or U shape change in direction is made using winders.


A flight is an uninterrupted series of steps.

Floor to floor height

A measurement of distance taken vertically between two floors. (finished upper sides)

Floor to ceiling height

A measurement of distance taken vertically between a floor and a ceiling.


A component part of the balustrade, the handrails are the parts you are supposed to hold.


A layout or configuration applicable to modular and space saver stairs whereby the treads change direction to rotate around a central void (unlike a spiral stair which turns around a central column).

Individual going

A measurement of distance taken horizontally from the front edge of two following steps.

Intermediate landing

A landing between floors.

Kite tread

A winder tread shaped like a kite. It is normally located in the middle of a set of winder treads.


A platform or floor area at the beginning or end of a stair.

Landing balustrade

A balustrade located on a landing to protect a stairwell.

Overall diameter (spiral stairs)

A measurement of the diameter of a spiral stair as it appears on plan if measured from outer edge to outer edge.


The angle between the pitch line and a horizontal plane.

Pitch line

A notional line connecting the nosing’s of consecutive treads in a flight of stairs.

Private Stair

A staircase located within a single dwelling that cannot be accessed by the public.

Quarter landing

A landing where a 90° change in direction to be made.


A measurement of distance taken vertically of the height of a singular step.

Riser bars / Safety Riser

Bars used to partially to obstruct an open rise for the safety of young children.

Single winder Stairs

Where a 90° change in direction is made using winders.

Space saver treads

Left and right handed treads which are arranged in an alternate or staggered sequence (left, right, left, right etc). This arrangement permits a steep pitch whilst maintaining a similar rise and going per step to that of a normal stair.

Spiral stairs

Where the treads are tapered and turn around a central column (Circular on plan). 

Straight stairs

Stair format where the direction of the treads are the same throughout.


The space/void provided for the stairs.


A tread and riser combined


The horizontal surfaces for walking on.

Tread width

The overall width of a singular tread


A set of triangular and kite shaped treads that form part of a modular stair. They are used to provide a change in direction.