I posted this on Breaktime, but didn’t get much response. Maybe since I’m a woodworker that occasionally does homebuilding, I’ll get better response here.
I have a short section of stair in my foyer that I want to have a fancy handrail and turnout. The turnout that came out of there was a run of the mill cheesy looking thing. I want to replace it with something that has some heft and “presence”. I toyed with the idea of making it myself, but I really think I lack the tools and skills to produce it in any reasonable timeframe. I had high hopes for Custom Wood Turnings LLC, but they haven’t returned my phone calls or emails. Does anyone know a source for good looking stair parts? The kind of stuff you’d see in older houses or in restoration?
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PS, this picture shows the look I'm going for.
I build a lot of stairs and I've never seen a modern version of those type of newel posts. You find them in architectural salvage but they usually aren't tall enough for todays building codes.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hammer,
It doesn't have to be exactly like that. I'm just looking for something with a little scale. What I really need is a nice turnout that's a little heftier than the usual stuff.
Quickstep, these folks have the best 'out of the ordinary' stair parts I've found, priced accordingly. Check out the gallery for ideas.http://www.arcways.com/
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I haven't a source for you, only a suggestion. Since you'd like to make it yourself but lack the tools and knowledge, try breaking the job down into components. You can design the parts yourself: make full size drawings of the newal post, balusters, and rail. Then decide what you can make. For the others, go to a local custom millwork shop (look in the yellow pages under millwork or architectural millwork) and have them fabricate what you cannot. You do the finishing and installation.
There have been a lot of discussions on Breaktime about various means and methods of installing railings. A search will unearth a wealth of information.
Also, don't be dismayed about not getting any response on Breaktime. That site gets posted to so frequently that some posts get rapidly bumped to the bottom. So simply keep reposting/bumping yourself until someone responds.
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