Outdated stairs: need help, what are these parts called?

[Anonymous]

I'll try to be as specific as I can. I don't know what these things are so searching for replacing parts is getting tricky! I'd rather not hire a contractor.

The staircase has nice wood floors. The part you step on is wood, the vertical part you don't step on is white. Coming down the stairs, there is a wall all the way down your right side and a hand rail along the wall. On the left side, there is a wall that runs halfway down the stairs, then it opens up into the foyer. At that point, there are painted white wooden pegs (ballasters?) affixed NOT to the actual stairs, but to a board that runs along side of the stairs. That board is another kind of wood and stained another color. I'm assuming it was the original hardwood and finish, but it is ugly. What is this board called? Now at the bottom of the banister (which is what I call the whole shebang, am I correct in doing so?) there is a post. A butt ugly post, very country looking. Like the leg off a country looking chair. A spindle on top. Is this the "handrail fitting?" I want a new post, and a new top of post. I guess I need the names of those things. The ballasters don't bother me, but the piece of wood they are attached to does. I could either paint it or replace it.

Where do I start??

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Where the F?? Thanks!