What is a stair string margin?
The margin (Dutch: voorhout) is the part of a stair string that rises above the treads: the distance between the top of the tread (at the nosing) and the top edge of the string. On a traditional timber staircase this is often about 2 centimetres.
The opposite is the achterhout: the timber of the string below or behind the housing for the treads and risers.
Standing margin
The standing margin (Dutch: staand voorhout) is the part of the string that remains in front of the first tread at the bottom. This piece is usually cut off square (perpendicular) and is often larger than the ordinary margin.
Why a margin?
- Strength: the treads are housed into the string. Enough timber must remain above that housing, otherwise the string can split.
- Finish: the margin covers the housings of the treads and risers, so you cannot see the joint.
- Handrail and wall: on a wall string, the margin forms the junction with the wall and the plasterwork.
In practice: tips for making and renovating
- When setting out a staircase, first draw the line along the nosings and keep an even margin above it along the entire length. An uneven margin is immediately noticeable.
- When you cover an old staircase with renovation treads, the treads get thicker. Check whether there is still a margin left, otherwise the new treads will stick out above the string.
- A cracked margin at a housing can often be repaired with glue and a glued-in piece of timber, but if cracks run through the whole string, have a carpenter assess its load-bearing capacity.
Related terms
- Stair string
- Tread
- Achterhout
- Staircase
- Straight-flight staircase
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