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Stair Supplies

Creative Stair Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

Stair design is a great way to showcase your creative wood workmanship. In terms of putting together the nuts and bolts of the steps--including fastening the treads to the stringers and measuring up the risers so that every thing is flush and even--you have many creative options. The real fun is in designing the overall architecture of your staircase and in handling the details of the balustrade.

What are some creative ways to dress up your staircase? One simple and classic solution is to design boxed newel posts for the base of the stairs. You can recess the post into your stairs by building in a bullnose step at the bottom of the landing. This tactic gives the effect of making the stairs look longer and therefore grander.

Getting Creative with Your Staircase Design

In terms of the balusters, you also have a lot of room for creativity. You can hand carve them according to a style and design that matches the unique decor of your home or office. You can also "turn" them or bevel them for a more classic aesthetic. Turned balusters are sometimes called spindles, since they resemble cylindrical pins that have been "spun" around a beveller.

Finally, you can really get creative with your handrails. You can add a second handrail underneath the first one. This rail, known as the "sub rail," serves a functional purpose by locking the spindles in place, thereby allowing you more liberal engineering constraints to develop your handrails. You can carve, stain, or paint your handrails; you can even leave them naked to the elements.

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