Building handrails out of antique heart pine means that all my tools dull more quickly, but the end grain is beautiful.
All of these bevels had to be hand cut; this 'V' fits over the bevel of the bottom rail to repel water. These handrails will not be protected by a roof.
All of the balusters, or pickets, are mounted to the bottom rail through the base. We've found that the typical failure of handrails is through the fasteners on the bottom rail. Hiding them is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it eliminates holes in the bottom of the pickets in which water can enter.
The fasteners are also stainless steel, so in the event water does sneak its way in, the fasteners will hold their ground.
The channel is then filled with a filet, so it appears solid to people that are lying on the ground examining the underside of the bottom rail.
Finished and installed! Each rail, top and bottom, is mortised into the posts for added rigidity.
We've decided this second story promenade is the perfect place to get married.
Apart from a alternative of design, there may be additionally a choice of materials. Wooden is a popular choice for a stair system, but it doesn't need to be all constructed from wooden. You could have wooden stair treads with iron balusters, for instance, with elegant oil rubbed rail fittings to prime all of it off.
ReplyDeleteYes, wood is always a popular choice for balusters for many people. I like your Fancy baluster. Best of luck.
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