Different Staircase Layouts

Most stairs fall into one or more of these categories and you may have a combination of these staircases, for example: four or five right returns at the bottom of your staircase and then 9 or 10 closed treads for the rest of your steps. We've illustrated the most common styles to help you find the correct parts to order for each style.

Closed (Box) Staircase

  • Box steps are by far the most common.
  • Simply measure the length from left to right and round up to the nearest tread size.
  • Treads come at 11-1/2" standard depth and can be ripped on site if needed
  • Search for Oak Box Retro Treads»

Left Return Staircase

Right Return Staircase

  • Exposed edges on the left side have an attached bullnosed trim piece. Right side is cut to fit the wall
  • Balusters (spindles) are attached to the tread (not a kneewall)
  • Measure length from left to right and round up to the nearest tread size. These typically need to be one size larger than the box treads if the staircase has mixed styles
  • Treads are made at 11-1/2" width standard, but can be custom ordered to 10-1/2" if needed
  • Search for Oak Left Return Retro Treads»
  • Exposed edges on the right side have an attached bullnosed trim piece. Left side is cut to fit the wall
  • Balusters (spindles) are attached to the tread (not a kneewall)
  • Measure length from left to right and round up to the nearest tread size. These typically need to be one size larger than the box treads if the staircase has mixed styles
  • Treads are made at 11-1/2" width standard, but can be custom ordered to 10-1/2" if needed
  • Search for Oak Right Return Return Retro Treads»

Double Return Staircase (with Starter Step pictured)

  • Both sides of the step are exposed
  • Balusters (spindles) attach to the tread on both sides
  • These are custom made to the nearest 1/2" in throat length
  • Throat Length is length BETWEEN the two returns (inside the returns). Or, measure from outside to outside of skirtboard .
  • Treads are made at 11-1/2" width standard, but can be custom ordered to 10-1/2" if needed
  • Double turnout starter step is also pictured - these are also made to throat length. Radius and turnout dimensions are assumed to be standard unless a custom starter step is made. Take a look at our standard dimensions for specifics on the turnouts
  • Search for Oak Double Return Retro Treads»
  • Search for Oak Starting Treads»

Left Return Staircase with Starter Step

Right Return Staircase with Starter Step

  • Starter steps are only available in 1" standard thickness
  • Replacing these requires removal of the old starter step and replacing it with a new one
  • Starter risers are sold separately and are available raw, primed, or in matching stain grade wood
  • Confirm our standard dimensions for specifics on the turnouts or we can customize the dimensions if needed
  • Starter steps are sold by the Throat Length with all other dimensions standard unless otherwise specified
  • Search for Oak Starting Treads»