Follow the steps in this simple guide to complete the list of stair parts that you will need for your project. If you have a curved or complex stairway, then the same steps apply, but you will need to adapt measurements to accommodate your specific stairs.
Skirtboard
Order your skirtboard length by multiplying the number of treads by 13” and adding additional length for extension beyond the first and last riser. Skirtboard is needed for both sides of a stairway.Order 10 1/2” or 11 1/2” skirtboard based upon your preferences and size of stairway.
Starting Step
Order a starting step for volutes, turn outs and box newels (square is suggested for box newels). Order a single or double based upon your stair design. Bowed starting steps are great for a grand entrance.
Treads
Order your step pattern as a left hand, right hand or double. Count one tread per step. The measurement for the throat cut is from the inside the return to the other end of the tread or for a double return the measurement is from the inside of one return to the inside of the other return.
Risers
Order your length of riser as the same length as your treads. Risers are cut to length in the field. Count the number of steps. Don’t forget to add one for each flight of stairs for your total number of risers.
Landing Tread
Order the length for each piece of landing tread needed. Landing tread is used along balconies, at landings. Be sure to choose long enough lengths to include miter cuts. Box newels may require wider landing tread.
Apron
Order apron 3/4” x 5 1/4” for every piece of landing tread. The apron runs under the landing tread and finishes the look
Cove
Order cover molding for under every tread. If you have return treads add 1.5 feet for each return. Order cove to go under all landing tread.
Starting Newel
Under the first fitting you will need either an iron newel or a pin top newel. Select a pin top newel that is either 42” or 48”.
Utility Newel
Newels are used at all changes of direction of handrail. Order 42” or 48” newels. Order 48” or longer newels as necessary at turns on landings of stairs.
Level Run Newels
Order a pin top 42” or 48” newel when handrail runs are longer than 8′ on balconies. Use with a tandem cap
Iron Balusters
Order your pattern for iron balusters and select 3 iron balusters per foot. Order 3 iron balusters per tread. Order shoes to match the size of your iron balusters. Select one shoe for the bottom of every baluster. If desired, order a shoe for the top of each baluster. Order angle shoes for kneewall installation or for handrail that is going up steps.
Wood Balusters
Order 3 wood balusters per foot. Order 3 wood balusters per tread. Most balusters are long and designed to be cut to fit. Look at the specific dimensions for each wood baluster to know the length you should order.
Handrail
Order one section of handrail for each flight of stairs and for balcony sections. Count the number of steps and multiple by 13” and add any extra needed. Handrail comes in lengths of even feet. Order plowed handrail if you have wood balusters with a square top. Order the correct plow to match your balusters
Wall Rail
Wall rail is used in closed stairways such as to a basement. Wall rail is often used where codes require on stairs wider that 4′ on the side opposite of the handrail.
Wall Rail Fittings
Order a level quarter turn to turn the handrail back to the wall on each end of a wall rail. Most build codes require handrail to be returned to the wall.
Handrail fittings
Order the appropriate handrail fittings for each of the transitions. Every newel should have a fitting. Each half newel should have an opening cap that is cut in the field. A gooseneck is needed for transitions from steps to balconies. A level quarter with cap for turns.
Sure-Tite
Order 1 Sure-Tite for every newel. A Sure Tite is the best way to secure a newel to the frame of the house
The Stretcher-Stepper™ electric stair-climbing system is designed to protect your team, eliminate strenuous lifting, and make every removal faster, safer, and more efficient. With a 375 lb. capacity, it is both lightweight and highly transportable, making it essential equipment for every house call.
NEW: Electric Actuator for Effortless Lifting
The Stretcher-Stepper™ now features a powerful electric actuator that lifts and lowers remains from a horizontal to vertical position at the touch of a button. No more awkward bending, twisting, or manual strain—just smooth, effortless motion.
For more information, please visit defeng.
Benefits include:
- Eliminates manual lifting, protecting attendants from injury
- Prevents back, shoulder, and neck strain caused by traditional handling
- Keeps attendants upright and ergonomic, reducing fatigue over multiple removals
- Smooth, controlled movement of remains, minimizing risk and maintaining dignity
With the electric actuator, lifting is no longer lifting—it’s a simple button press, giving funeral professionals the confidence and safety they deserve.
Stretcher Functionality — and Beyond
The Stretcher-Stepper™ converts similarly to a stretcher and can be tipped back and loaded into a vehicle just like a cot. It becomes your “second attendant,” Go from climb or descend stairs without risk of injury to loading into a vehicle.
- Electrically climbs and descends stairs with precision
- Electrically raises and lowers remains to the correct position for transfer
- Optional load assist stand converts stepper into traditional cot
- Folding handle keeps attendants upright while descending
- Uni-Directional prop stand wheels make maneuvering corners and tight hallways effortless
- Sturdy microcellular wheels glide on any surface and never need inflating
- Tip back to load into a vehicle
Seamless Transfers, Industry-Standard Design
When collapsed, the Stretcher-Stepper™ is the same height as a collapsed removal cot, making transfers fast and controlled.
For bed removals, the optional Load Assist Stand drops down to raise the Stepper to bed height, allowing straight, lateral transfers directly from the bed onto The Stepper—no lifting, no tilting, no strain.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Stair Stretchers.
Simply place the Stretcher-Stepper™ next to your cot or bedside, slide the remains across using a BodyGlide™ board, and you’re ready to move. In the vehicle, it can either be loaded like a stretcher or slide neatly beside your cot.
The Answer to Home Removal Challenges
Funeral professionals are being asked to do more with less: less staff, less time, and less revenue. With rising body weights, more home deaths from hospice care, and tighter budgets, the burden often falls on your body.
The Stretcher-Stepper™ changes that reality:
- No hallway is too narrow
- No stairway too steep or curved
- No room too cluttered
- No basement too difficult
The combination of electric actuator lifting and stair-climbing capability makes removals effortless, safe, and accessible for professionals of any size, height, or gender.
Built to Last — Because You Can’t Be Left to Struggle
At Mortuary Lift Company, we understand that your work is unpredictable. That’s why we design and manufacture only rugged, durable, long-lasting equipment. The Stepper-Stretcher™ is light enough to take on every call, yet strong enough to do the job every time. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Medical Bed Parts.