On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 18:10:18 GMT, (Ken Muldrew)
wrote:

Joe Bemier wrote:

On 25 Jul 2006 06:02:27 -0700, "Jay Pique"
wrote:

Anyone here build stairs for a living?

JP


I build custom stairs and every-so-often so straight finish as
well....for a living

Hi Joe,
A couple of weeks ago I asked for some advice on a stair railing (and
gave an unfortunately poor picture as a means of describing my
predicament). You replied that I had avoided the usual sequence with
this sort of work. That wasn't surprising because, a) I don't know the
usual sequence and, b) Just about everything in this house is done in
an odd sequence (my brother and I are building everything in our spare
time but we get a lot of pressure from family who want to use the
cabin for recreational purposes and so demand certain comforts). I
wonder if you could elaborate on the sequence that the pros use. Below
is a link to a better picture to hopefully refresh your memory.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~kmuldrew/woo...ng/railing.jpg

Thanks,
Ken Muldrew

(remove all letters after y in the alphabet)


Hello Ken,

Yes, I recall that staieway although I believe the shot was from a
different perspective - facing the stairs IIRC.
Anyway, all stairways are unique and there can never be any absolute
right or wrong. However, having said that, there is a standard process
that falls into play for many jobs. The sequence I will detail below
is for stairs of your style and configuration - other types might
vary.

1) Set Newel Posts
2) Lay on Stringers/Skirts (join these into the Newels) Your stairs
have a first section of "Open Riser" on the right side and closed
riser on the left side. Typically, the right side would use 45' angle
cuts between riser and Skirt, while the left side would use a closed
"Insert Riser/Skirt. The second section after the landing has a
cantilevered wall on the right that would require some thinking I
guess. If you take a pic I would be happy to help.
3) Set the Risers
4) Lay the Treads
5) Add molding under Tread overhang
6) Attach railings
7) Add Balusters/Spindles.


Each step above has many small rules and guidelines that are too
lengthy and involved to detail here. As I recall, your stairs have the
Framing Stringer laid in w/o cutouts and this will be a probelm to
trim. However, not impossible. The fact that you have put up the
railings before trimming some critical parts does not mean you cannot
go forward it just means you will be handicapped in doing the work. As
I mentioend earlier, if you want more advice, please post more pics -
different angels.

In any event good luck!

J