Here is a simple list of the stair parts you  will need to create your new or remodeled banister.  Balustrades can be broken down into two types that are in turn reduced into several components.  In order to determine the stair parts you will need for your specific balustrade you will need to consider each type.

The types are Stair Balustrades and Floor Level Balustrades.  Today I will break down the components of each then in a future blog show you exactly how to calculate the quantities of each.

Stair Baluststrades consist of the following components, some of which are of course optional:

• Aprons – This includes the Skirtboard under the banister and what is often referred to as a Kickboard against the closed wall side of a stair.  Aprons may be a solid piece of wood with or without an accompanying moulding or a plywood with moulding.
• Open Treads:  Solid Treads and Risers or False Tread End Caps and/or Wall Caps and risers.
• Kneewall: Shoe Plate also called Landing Tread and/or Shoe Rail
• Newel Posts – Turned or Box Newel Post which may include accessories.
• Balusters – Balusters may include wood balusters, wrought iron balusters, wrought iron panels, glass or any combination of these.
• Handrail – This of course includes straight handrail, bending handrail, and handrail fittings.

Floor Level Balustrades consist of the following components.  Again some of these depend on the situation or may be optional.

• Aprons – Skirtboards only under the banisters and these again may be solid wood or veneered plywood or paint grade material with or without accompanying moulding.
• Landing Tread, also called Shoe Plate, with accompanying moulding and/or shoe rail with fillet.
• Newel Posts – Turned or Box Newel Posts.
• Balusters – Again, balusters may include wood balusters, wrought iron balusters, wrought iron panels, glass or any combination of these.
• Handrail – This too includes straight handrail, bending handrail and handrail fittings and possibly fillet.

Finally, there are a variety of hardware and accessories that may be required.  These include Rosettes, Wallmounting Brackets, Wood Plugs, Dowel Screws, Rail Bolts, Post Mounting Hardware, Wood Glue, Construction Adhesive and miscellaneous finish nails and screws.  Here is a  simple checklist to help you  insure that nothing is forgotten: Stair Parts Checklist.