Stair Terminology: Rise, Going, Treads & Stringers
Understand stair rise, going, treads, stringers, landings and width measurements with a labelled diagram and plain-English definitions.
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Reference photograph. Confirm the material, profile and components in your specific quote.
Plan your stair project
Premium stair kit
Discuss a premium stair kit for your project. We confirm the timber, tread detail and included components in your quote.
No online payment. Send a quote request and we will confirm the specification and price.
What should I measure?
Measure the finished floor-to-floor height vertically, the width across the stair and the horizontal space available. Include project notes and confirm whether your finished levels are still changing.
Does the calculator confirm compliance?
No. The calculator is an indicative geometry tool. Final design, structural support, landings, headroom, handrails, barriers and slip resistance require project-specific checks.
Premium stair kits and prefabricated stairs
Use this range to discuss a wider-material stair configuration. Specify the timber and profile you require. Ask whether supply is as separate components or an assembled flight; prefabricated does not automatically mean delivered fully assembled.
Dimensions: what the selector means
The standard enquiry selector offers 1–17 separate treads, calculated at 165 mm per rise. With the upper landing as the final walking surface, this means 2–18 risers and an indicative total rise of 330–2,970 mm. These choices describe an enquiry, not stock availability. Select Custom for your actual measured height.
The width field records your requested dimension; it is not a list of manufactured sizes. Label whether it means tread length, clear walking width or outside-to-outside width. Confirm the going, board depth, thickness, nosing and any centre supports before ordering. See the complete rise table and labelled stair diagram.
Your written specification
| Detail | What to record or confirm |
|---|---|
| Geometry | Finished total rise, riser and tread counts, individual rise, going and horizontal projection. |
| Timber and dimensions | Timber, treatment where applicable, section sizes, tread profile, nosing and clearly labelled width. |
| Supply and assembly | Complete kit or components; assembled or flat pack; exact treads, stringers, supports and fixings included. |
| Price and timing | Current written price, GST treatment, quote validity, production lead time and any finish work. |
| Delivery | Destination postcode, freight cost, access, unloading arrangements and agreed dispatch or collection timing. |
How to order a stair kit or components
- Measure the finished vertical height, available horizontal space and required width. Record obstructions and landing positions on the printable checklist.
- Select your range and add it to the quote. For a different layout, use the custom stair calculator. Its geometry remains indicative.
- Send the quote request with your postcode and project notes. Send plans or photographs separately to sales@diytimberstairs.com.au, using the quote reference when available.
- Review the written specification, price, availability, lead time and freight before agreeing to an order. No payment or order is placed by the website quote form.
Assembly and installation planning
Before assembly, reconcile the supplied parts and drawings with your approved specification. Have the installer confirm supports, connections, finished levels and site conditions. Follow the instructions supplied for your actual kit, including any timber treatment or finishing requirements. Our installation planning guide is a preparation checklist; it does not replace current product instructions or a site-specific design.
Check the applicable building requirements with your building surveyor or relevant practitioner. Stair geometry alone does not assess structural loads, landings, headroom, barriers, handrails or slip resistance. The Victorian regulator explains stair and barrier structural documentation. Requirements depend on the building, jurisdiction and applicable code edition.
Outdoor deck stairs in Melbourne
Planning deck stairs in Melbourne? Include the suburb and postcode, finished deck height, landing arrangement and site access with your enquiry. For projects elsewhere in Australia, provide the destination postcode so delivery feasibility and freight can be confirmed. We do not publish a universal delivery charge or lead-time promise.
Compare LOSP treated-pine kits, Merbau kits, premium kits, stringers and internal stairs. Our buyer FAQs cover common enquiry questions.
Check the shape before the quote.
Use the free stair calculator to explore risers, treads and projection.
Open stair calculator ↗Practical stair planning
Good stairs start with good information.
Printable Stair Measurement Checklist
Print a stair enquiry worksheet for finished height, available space, width, photographs and component notes before requesting your quote.
Read guide →Stair Kit Buying Checklist | Kits, Widths & Delivery
Compare complete kits and components, label stair widths, prepare photographs and confirm delivery, inclusions and written quote details.
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