Description of Stairs - Stairs are variously named according to their shape and plan, or the method of constructing the strings, and they may be roughly divided into two clases, newel and non-newel. In the first of these the newel post is an essential part of the construction, and this includes dog legged, open newel, and spiral or circular newel stairs. In the second class the newel is usually dispensed with, or when used it is merely as an ornamental finish to the balustrade, and is in no sense a constructive part of the stairs. To this class belong the continuous string or geometrical stair, the elliptic, polygonal, and circular well stairs. All of these names refer to the disposition of the stairs in plan, and they are otherwise designated, in reference to the manner of treating the strings, as close or housed string, open or cut string, and bracketed strings.

A straight Flight is one composed entirely of flyers, and differs only from a ladder in that the spaces between its steps are filled with risers.

Dogleg Stairs are those without wells or spaces between the outer strings, the return strings and rails being in the same vertical plane, and both are framed into the same newel post and turns. The stairs occupy less space than any other variety with the exception of the spiral, and for this reason are the kind mainly used in cottages and smeller houses.

Open Newel termed often as open well stairs are those having rectangular planes with an open space or well between the strings successive flights. These are both from a constructive and an artistic point of view, the best form of stair there is. They are substantial, massive in appearance, and convenient in use. Most mediaeval and Renaissance stairs still in existence are of this type.

Geometrical or Continuous Stairs So called because the setting out of the strings and rails is based upon geometrical principles. In these stairs one or both strings and hand rails run continuously from top to bottom of the successive flights. The well holes are always curved at the ends, this being the main characteristic of this type, usually the curve is circular, and occasionally elliptic.

Circular Geometrical Stairs are similar to ordinary continuous strings stairs, with the difference that the space occupied by the stairs in plan is circular instead of rectangular, and there are no flyers - double width steps are used as the landings.When these stairs stand clear of the surrounding walls, they are termed 'independent' or 'self supporting'.

Elliptical Geometrical Stairs differ only in having their plans elliptical instead of circular or rectangular.

Circular, Newel or Spiral Stairs are composed entirely of winders radiating from a central newel post running through the entire height of the flight. They are usually built within a circular wall, but are sometimes treated as 'independent' the steps are framed into the newel, and carried on bearers, fixed to the same cantilevers.