A stair riser is the vertical element in a set of stairs, forming the space between one step and the next. Also referred to as “kickplate”, it is the part your toe would hit going up stairs.
Stair risers are constructed with different veneer face options. The riser is designed for use on starting step applications where a bullnosed end is desired to provide a platform to mount the tread and banister railing.
The riser is not always physically present, but is also considered the space between the steps (i.e. “open riser”).