Staircase Designs for Modern, Contemporary and Traditional Style Homes

Staircases — you probably use them every day, but do you know what all the parts and pieces are called? Find out before you call a pro or tackle a staircase update yourself. Building codes for staircases can vary greatly even in a small geographic area, so your design may be limited by your location. If you plan to DIY your staircase updates, find out the codes before you start. Check with a general contractor or a call a master codes professional in your municipality; they’ll likely send you documentation with all the code specifications.

This very basic staircase illustrates how the stringers are the main framing component of a staircase. A typical staircase will have two to three stringers to hold the treads and risers. They are commonly made out of 2x12 boards and most often are not visible when the staircase is complete unless, of course, it's part of the design. The notches are a standard size so pre-cut stringers are readily available at lumberyards. Big-box hardware stores will carry stringers for outdoor decking.

Stringers can be hidden or be a big part of a staircase's design. This set of metal-beam stringers works beautifully with the architecture of this industrial-rustic home. Twin posts protrude up from the stringers to support the hefty wood treads.

Here is another example of the staircase stringers being a prominent architectural feature of the home. The redux of this famous TV staircase is supported by two large stringers that match the wood finishes in the surrounding area. The stringers are not notched to hold the treads, instead, the tread supports are secured to the inside of the stringers.