Balusters: Vertical posts which help support the handrail and compromise an internal design element in the formation of the balustrade.

Balustrade: Refers to the collection of newels, balusters and handrail on a staircase.

Bullnose: Used as a starting step – a tread and riser assembly that has one or both sides finished in a radius.

Fittings: Specially designed stair parts that provide a smooth transition during handrail height changes or handrail directional changes. Examples: volutes, turnouts, starting easings, and goosenecks.

Gooseneck: A handrail fitting used at a landing or balcony to complete a smooth transition between varying heights.

Handrail: The horizontal member of a balustrade system that sits on top of the balusters and is supported by the newel posts.

Landing Newel: A newel post positioned at a landing or balcony.

Level Quarter Turn: A level handrail fitting that turns 90 degrees.

Newel Posts: Larger in diameter than balusters, newel posts form the major support of the balustrade system.

Over-the-Post: A balustrade system that utilizes fittings to smoothly transition over newel posts forming a fluid line of continuous handrail.

Post-to-Post: A balustrade system with handrail that runs between finial-topped newel posts.

Riser: The vertical boards positioned between steps.

Rosette: A decorative piece of wood that ends the handrail into the wall.

Starting Newel: The first newel used at the bottom of the staircase.

Starting Step: The first tread and riser at the bottom of the staircase.

Tread: The horizontal member of the staircase that forms the position of the stair upon which one walks.

Tread Bracket: A decorative molding that is fastened to the outside of the stringer.

Volute: A handrail fitting that is typically used on a Pin Top starting newel and curves away from the stair in a circular manner.