One of the first big decisions when ordering stair components is the type of stringer: closed housed or open cut (also called sawtooth).
### Closed Housed Stringers
The treads and risers sit in grooves (housings) cut into the stringer.
**Advantages:**
- Very strong and stable
- Clean, traditional appearance
- Excellent for closed-rise staircases
- Treads and risers are well supported
**Considerations:**
- Slightly more complex to install
- Requires wedges for a tight fit
### Open Cut (Sawtooth) Stringers
The stringer is cut in a zigzag pattern and the treads sit on top of the “teeth”.
**Advantages:**
- Clean modern look, especially with open-rise designs
- Often easier and faster to install
- Good visibility of the timber grain
**Considerations:**
- Different structural behaviour to housed stringers
- May need additional support depending on the design
### Which Should You Choose?
- **Traditional or fully enclosed stairs** → Closed housed is usually the better choice.
- **Modern open-rise look** → Open cut stringers are popular.
- **DIY first-timer** → Open cut can be more forgiving.
- **Maximum rigidity** → Closed housed generally wins.
We stock both styles in solid timber so you can choose the look and performance that suits your project. Matching treads, risers and nosings are available for either system.