Tread

nounStandard termBuilding

The horizontal surface of a stair step where a person places their foot.

The tread is the flat, horizontal component of a staircase that bears the weight of a person walking up or down. It spans between the stringers and sits above the vertical riser. Building codes strictly regulate tread depth to ensure safe footing and prevent tripping hazards during ascent and descent.

Heard on the job

Cut the treads to exactly eleven inches so we pass the framing inspection.