Design of Stair Parts in the Tudor and Jacobean Period 1485-1625 The History of Staircases

Staircase (Stair Parts)

Staircase during this period was normally straight flight. In small houses it was squeezed into a narrow space and was often behind a partition. The dog leg stair is a variation, comprising two flights with star parts I balustrades and spindles. In better houses the staircase was an object of status; it was often placed in the of the central hall, with elaborate,  decoration. Many houses, including grand ones, had external staircases and galleries. Spiral staircases can be found in better houses early in the period. These were fitted with  large square central newel posts, which by the mid­16th century had evolved into the framed newel stair. Here, the stair parts consist of solid central newel is replaced by a timber-framed tower surrounded by a stone or brick stairwell.

Most Elizabethan balusters/spindles are turned and carved to resemble classic columns. Some carved stair parts had flat balusters/Spindles  from the middle of the 16th century, but they are more typical of Jacobean staircases. They are curving or tapering shapes, mostly based on strap­work. All stairs are closed-string: that is ,mouldings are used for the handrail. The piece de resistance was the huge newel post, which could be elaborately turned and carved in even quite humble houses.

Staircase Stair Parts 1625-1714

The staircase in this period is often a massive in proportion. The stairs are normally of wood, commonly oak, and in this period are of the "closed string" form, with a diagonal beam enclosing the ends of the treads and risers and supporting the balustrade spindles. These staircases were reserved for the wealthy house, but less expensive wooden stairs could be made: either they were cantilevered or they appeared to be so by setting the beam back out of sight.

The most expensive wooden (stair parts) balustrades were carved panels,  of strapwork and later of acanthus scrollwork, sometimes with additional carved figures. Individual turned balusters are more common. they became vase-shaped; the more expensive ones have carved acanthus. After 1660 twisted balusters became fashionable. Newels are usually square-sectioned with a finial on top. From c.1660 they were sometimes also braced from the floor by a carved console. Square-sectioned newels were eventually replaced by a form of classical column

Georgian 1714-1765 Staircase (Stair Parts)

 Houses have a main staircase and a secondary "stairs" for servants. Ordinary houses have one wooden staircase of straight flights joined by landings, or a winding flight for each story. The most elaborate decoration of stair parts is reserved for the main flight from the entrance hall to the floor above.

During this period the "closed string" staircase, with balusters/spindles spaced along a  diagonal board masking the steps, was changed  by the "open string" for main flights. In this type the (stair parts) balusters are fixed into the treads, which are exposed: this allows for carved or fretted decoration on the tread-ends. The turned balusters of the first half of the century are usually placed two or three to a step.

Colonial 1607-1780 Staircase Stair Parts

Most early staircases (stair parts) were rudimentary, consisting of a open tread up to the loft in single-story houses. Some 17th-century New England houses have a joined and moulded staircase leading from the lobby-like entryway, while in stair parts turned balustrades are more common in Virginia. A common Colonial stairway was the box winder, usually contained in the space next to the chimney flue and hidden behind a door in the fireplace wall. This was often balanced by a cupboard or pantry door on the other side of the hearth. Such an arrangement is typical of small but often fine houses of the 18th century  and well into the 19th century. Box winders were also frequently used as a back stair in the service wing of substantial Georgian houses. The handrail was often attached to the outside wall.

In classically designed houses the stairway was conceived as a showpiece. Central hall staircases tend to be open-string (with the stair-ends visible) and have moulded, turned and carved decorations. Stair parts in the Newel posts and handrails are the finest of the turner's art. Some balustrades have a repeated pattern of three different turnings, typical of early Georgian designs. The sides of staircases are decorated with carved stair-ends and panelling. Cantilevered and double staircases are rare; open circular staircases were not found until the post­Revolutionary period.