What are the three main components of a stairway?

The three main components of a stairway are stringers, treads, and risers. Stringers are the structural supports that run along the sides (or in some cases, the center) of the stairway and bear the weight of the stair as well as provide stability. Treads are the flat horizontal parts where individuals step when using the stairs, offering space for foot placement. Risers are the vertical sections between each tread that provide the height necessary for the stairway. Together, these components combine to create a functional and safe stairway that allows for efficient movement between different levels.

The other options, while mentioning components relevant to stair construction, do not accurately represent the primary three components in the way that stringers, treads, and risers do. For instance, components like "nosing" and "head room" are important for safety and functionality but are not classified as the main building blocks of a stairway itself. Similarly, total rise and total run refer to measurements used in stair design but do not define structural components. Understanding the specific role each of these primary components plays is key to understanding stairway construction and safety.