Installation Guide

5
SURE
WOOD
~
LNL
TERMINOLOGY AND DESIGN
A
B
C
RISE, RUN & RAKE. Two terms that apply to every staircase is the “rise”
and the “run." If you are going to use handrail fittings, knowing the rise and
run of your staircase is essential. Using the diagram at right, the terms are
defined as follows:
A. RISE. The measurement between the surface of one tread to the
surface of the tread above it.
B. RUN. The measurement between the face of one riser to the face of
riser above it.
C. RAKE. The angle of ascent up the stairs is called the “rake”. The rake
also defines the balusters, newels and rail that are attached to the
staircase.
D. STRINGER. The wood that supports the treads and risers is called
the “stringer.”
Riser
Tread
D
Half
Newel
Fillet
Newel Mounting Kit
Landing
Newel
Square Top
Baluster
Shoerail
Plowed
Handrail
Starting Newel
Upeasing
Plain tread
Riser
A
A. POST TO POST RAIL SYSTEM.
A traditional post to post newel
system is shown with a few
variations.
1. Block top newels where handrail
attaches.
2. Block top newels that require a
handrail fitting.
Rails with handrail fittings are
generally more expensive and labor
intensive
1
2
Volute
Non-Plowed
Handrail
Rosette
Wall Rail Bracket
Tapered Top
Baluster
Turnout
Miter Returned
Tread
Landing
Tread
Balustrade
B. OVER THE POST RAIL SYSTEM.
An over the post system comprises
handrail fittings that fit on top of pin-
top newel posts, allowing the hand
to flow interrupted over the railing.
These systems are generally more
expensive than post-to-post. Many
fittings are available through special
order.
Box Newel
Iron Baluster
Iron Angled
Shoe
Rail Bolt Kit
or
Spring Bolt Kit
Iron Flat
Shoe
Iron
Knuckles
Riser
C. BOX NEWEL WITH METAL.
Box newels require few, if any
handrail fittings. This stair shows a
double bullnose starting step.
While this system is viewed as post-
to-post, the use of box newels can
make it more expensive than the
traditional post-to-post system.
B
C
Deciding on the type and style of your staircase is up to you. Updating your staircase with new components will
create a dramatic first impression, and doing the job right includes getting the right parts. The drawings below
illustrate basic staircase designs and the stair parts used to construct them.