Rise to the challenge

taircases take many forms, although all are built in essentially the same way using a range of parts crafted by carpenters and sometimes metalworkers. We step on the ‘treads’ that sit on vertical ‘risers’. Supporting these are usually sloping timber boards known as ‘strings’ or ‘stringers’ into which the treads and risers are jointed. Typically, the inner string is fitted to the wall with the outer string supported by a newel post, which transfers the weight of the whole structure to the floor while also supporting the handrail. Placed at