Joseph Terra

   Custom Stair Cases:
Helpful information from an experienced contractor is extremely necessary.  A wooden staircase starts with two or more solid boards lying diagonally from one floor to the next. These boards are called "stringers" (or carriages). They are usually 2" x 12" size lumber and they are the supports for the steps of the staircase. The newels are the big posts supporting the railing. Between the newels, the balusters support railing from each stair tread. "Fillets" are thin pieces of wood that give support between square balusters. The stringers are either cut in a saw-tooth pattern, giving support from under steps, or they have grooves cut into their faces that receive the ends of the steps - known as "housed" stringers. Every step in a staircase has two parts: the "tread" which is the horizontal board that you walk on, and the "riser" which is the vertical board linking each pair of treads. They are joined with grooved joints or simple butt joints. Both parts are nailed to the stringers or, with the housed stringer, held tightly in the stringer grooves by wedges driven from the underside of the staircase. The "balustrade" consists of the railing, the newels, and the balusters.
         It will help you a lot in repairing if you know the type of staircase you have. If you have access to the underside of staircase, start investigation there. You can note the location and design of supporting stringers and their general health and examine the joints between the stair treads and risers. From the top side of the staircase, peek under carpet or remove molding to find how your stair parts are fitted together. The usual stair problems are squeaky steps and loose balustrades. If it's possible, fix squeaky steps from underneath staircase so you won't have to hide repairs.