 |
 TERMINOLOGY |
Balcony
A second-floor area at the top of the staircase that has a level rail for protection.
Balusters
The vertical supports usually set 4" to 6" on center beneath the rail and
between the newel posts.
Base
The bottom portion of a newel post that attaches to the staircase.
Easing
A rail fitting that gradually changes the direction of the rail either up or down.
Face
The vertical flat portion of a newel post near the top to which the rail is attached.
Fillets
Spacers used between balusters to fill in the plowed area (the notch that is made in the
rail to enable it to accept square-top or -bottom balusters).
Gooseneck
Allows a rail that is angling up or down a stairway to stay parallel to the stair rise (or
angle of ascent) and still be able to connect with a newel post and continuous railing.
Handrail
Available in plowed (notched in the bottom for square-top
balusters) and unplowed (solid, ready to drill for taper-top balusters).
Landing
An intermediate level platform usually in the middle of a stairway where a turn is
accomplished.
Newel Posts
Provide the major support for the rail/baluster system.
Rake
The angle of the staircase. When used to describe a rail, it means that portion of rail
that angles to match the staircase.
Shoe Rail
The bottom rail in a stair system—usually plowed (notched on the top to accept
square-bottom balusters without dowel pegs).
Wall Rail
Used on wall surfaces encasing stairways.
 NOTE: When
trying to determine if you need a right- or left-hand fitting for a staircase, remember
that fittings are always labeled as though you were standing at the bottom of the
staircase, looking up. |
|
