Specific terminology for stairs can sometimes be confusing. The answer to “what does this term mean” can mean different things depending on who you ask. To put the matter to rest for good, we’ve decided to delve into the subject. Let’s start with the central question: what is the difference between stairs and staircase?
“Stairs” is a generic term referring to a full flight (or a single group) of stairs between two floors. Staircases, on the other hand, can refer to one or more flights between floors. Staircases typically include all the parts, while stairs refer to the risers.
Below, we are going to include different parts and uses for terminology when talking about stairs.
Stairs, Staircases, Stairways, and Stairwells, What Do They All Mean?
The terms are interchangeable by today’s standards. However, there’s still some crucial differences to make when referring to these terms.
Stairs
Stairs can refer to sets or risers or the different levels of your stairs between each step. Because you can refer to a single “stair,” you can assume that multiple stairs refer to the various steps.
When people use the term “stairs,” they might be referring to staircases or stairways. However, they aren’t likely referring to a stairwell.
Staircases
What makes staircases unique is that they can refer to all parts of your stairs. Meanwhile, when people talk about “stairs,” they typically refer to the things you walk on.
Staircases include all of the following:
- Posts
- Handrails
- Footrails
- Landings
- Additional parts
Staircases refer to these in the sense that you wouldn’t refer to them as a “flight of staircases.” Instead, a flight is a single set of stairs, while a staircase can contain multiple flights.
Stairways fall into the same category as staircases. Again, you wouldn’t talk about a flight of stairways. You talk about a flight of stairs. As a result, a stairway can also refer to all the parts.
Stairwells
Stairwells, by comparison, are the odd ones out of this explanation. Instead, stairwells refer to the container in which you place stairs. They refer to the square column that typically contains stairs in your commercial buildings.
In residential structures, stairwells might not exist if stairs are in the middle of the room. For example, floating stairs built into a wall don’t have a stairwell; they are just in a room.
By comparison, the lesser-used “stair hall” refers to an elongated section that includes landings, hallways, and stairs. You won’t find many people referring to a location as the stair hall.
How Knowing the Terminology Can Help You Find Stairs
Knowing the terminology behind staircases, stairs, stairways, and stairwells can clarify some matters. For example, you wouldn’t ask for stairs leading up to the second floor if you wanted stairs in your living room.
Regardless of picky terminology, the critical bit about stairs comes back to their beauty. To get the best quality wood staircases (or stairs) you want, our company can help you pick out the most beautiful stairs for your house.
