North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is a riser in construction?

1. A vertical board in a staircase

2. A type of support beam

3. A horizontal support

4. A wall structure

The correct answer is: A vertical board in a staircase

A riser in construction specifically refers to the vertical component of a staircase that connects one stair tread to the next. It is the part that creates the height between each step, allowing for a proper ascent or descent on the staircase. The usual height for a riser is regulated by building codes to ensure safety and uniformity in stair design. Understanding this, the other choices do not define a riser correctly. A type of support beam would refer to structural elements that provide support, while a horizontal support generally pertains to beams or joists that run parallel to the ground. Lastly, a wall structure pertains to the vertical planes that enclose or separate spaces in a building. None of these directly relates to the function or definition of a riser within a staircase.