Terminology Definitions

Terminology Definitions

FIELD:  The wrought iron design area between the cap of the handrail and the bottom steel runner.

HANDRAIL:  The wood or metal portion of the railing which is held onto while walking, climbing, or descending.  Industry standards run from 1 /14" up to 2 1/4".

PICKETS:  The vertical design elements that are positioned within the field to give the railing part of its design.

4" BALL RULE:  None of the spaces within the field are large enough so that a 4" ball can pass through them.  This is a safety feature to prevent children and small animals from becoming stuck.

A LATERAL:  The curved portion of the cap rail and handrail that turns to meet the newel post.

NEWEL POST:  The post at the bottom of the stairway at which the handrail and top rail end.

UPPER AND LOWER RAIL:  The horizontal "bars" or lengths of steel into which the field is built.  These are cap rail and bottom rail.

BALUSTER:   The type of picket that extends from the cap rail down into the floor or step.

CAP RAIL:   The part of the railing where you place your hand.