Stair Tread Differences

Left, Right, Closed, Starter...
What's the Difference?

Stair treads have five main styles:

Closed (or Box)
Left Hand Open (or Left Return)
Right Hand Open (or Right Return)
Double Side Open (or Double Return)
Starter Step.

Left and right is always relative to a person ascending the staircase.
Take a look at the below photos to determine which style tread you need.

Closed Stair Tread

Closed stair treads have either a wall or a knee wall on both ends of the tread and thus require no mitered returns.

Left hand open or left return stair tread

Left Hand Open Stair Tread

Left hand open or left return treads intersect a wall or knee wall on the right side of the tread and are exposed on the left side. Notice how the spindles directly intersect the tread in the photo above. Towards the top of the photo, you can see how the edge of the tread is exposed from the side view.

Right Hand Open or Right Return Stair Tread

Right Hand Open Stair Tread

Right hand open stair treads are the exact opposite of left hand open treads. In right hand open treads, the left side of the stair tread intersects a wall or knee wall and the right side of the tread is exposed. Notice how the spindles intersect the tread on the right side in the photo above. Again, look at the top of the photo and you will notice how the tread is exposed when viewed from the side.

Left Turnout Starter Step

Starter steps, as their name implies, are only used as a first step in a staircase. They are rounded or "turned out" on one or both sides. The same rules as above apply when determining left turnout or right turnout. A curved riser is required with starter steps.