You probably do not put too much thought into it, but the simple staircase is a wonderful answer to the question of how to go up (or down) into or inside a building. In order to span a lengthier vertical distance than can be easily achieved by a person, a staircase breaks the journey into "bite-sized" pieces that most people have no trouble navigating. Imagine if all stairs were ladders, and what a problem that would be! Here are some things to think about the next time you are on the stairs.
There is a specialized terminology to the construction of stairways that is used when they are built or designed. The word stairway (or staircase) encompasses the sum of the parts, which includes the steps, the railing, and whatever support structures and embellishments are also there. A step or individual stair consists of two main parts: the tread, where you place your feet, and the riser, which is the vertical facing that connects the treads. If the tread overlaps the riser, the portion that juts out is called the nose. If the risers are absent (to give the stairs an exposed look), that is called a floating staircase. The (normally two) beams that run diagonally under the treads to support them are called the stringers or strings.
The railing that is provided for additional support for stair-climbers is also called a bannister. These are usually mandated by law through the building code to meet minimal safety standards. Balusters refer to spokes or posts that run from the tread to the bottom of the bannister (normally two per tread); newels refer to larger structural posts that go from the tread up past the bannister itself.
Many stairways open up at the bottom, insofar as the final step or two is wider than the others and extends out past the bannister(s). This setup is called a "bullnose," and it allows for a wider entry to the stairs, which can be handy at entrances to buildings. It is frequently seen with outdoor Concrete Steps at government buildings. Note that if the handrails spiral inward at the bullnose, those features are called volutes.
Stairs may be constructed from any number of materials, although stairs on the outside of a building are typically stone or concrete. Precast Steps are often an excellent choice, as they are very durable and low maintenance. Because the components have been precast, they can be installed year-round without difficulty.
The next time you take the stairs, stop for a moment and consider the amount of human ingenuity that went into getting you from here to there safely and efficiently. It is easy to take stairs for granted. But a well-maintained, safe staircase is crucial to the secure enjoyment of a building's inhabitants.
There is a specialized terminology to the construction of stairways that is used when they are built or designed. The word stairway (or staircase) encompasses the sum of the parts, which includes the steps, the railing, and whatever support structures and embellishments are also there. A step or individual stair consists of two main parts: the tread, where you place your feet, and the riser, which is the vertical facing that connects the treads. If the tread overlaps the riser, the portion that juts out is called the nose. If the risers are absent (to give the stairs an exposed look), that is called a floating staircase. The (normally two) beams that run diagonally under the treads to support them are called the stringers or strings.
The railing that is provided for additional support for stair-climbers is also called a bannister. These are usually mandated by law through the building code to meet minimal safety standards. Balusters refer to spokes or posts that run from the tread to the bottom of the bannister (normally two per tread); newels refer to larger structural posts that go from the tread up past the bannister itself.
Many stairways open up at the bottom, insofar as the final step or two is wider than the others and extends out past the bannister(s). This setup is called a "bullnose," and it allows for a wider entry to the stairs, which can be handy at entrances to buildings. It is frequently seen with outdoor Concrete Steps at government buildings. Note that if the handrails spiral inward at the bullnose, those features are called volutes.
Stairs may be constructed from any number of materials, although stairs on the outside of a building are typically stone or concrete. Precast Steps are often an excellent choice, as they are very durable and low maintenance. Because the components have been precast, they can be installed year-round without difficulty.
The next time you take the stairs, stop for a moment and consider the amount of human ingenuity that went into getting you from here to there safely and efficiently. It is easy to take stairs for granted. But a well-maintained, safe staircase is crucial to the secure enjoyment of a building's inhabitants.
About the Author:
John G. Stone is a freelance Internet blogger who focuses on construction materials and associated technologies. He has a particular interest in Concrete Steps, particularly Precast Steps.
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