Maple Victorian Newel Post and Rail Installed in Medford NJ

Here's a nice example of a Maple Victorian Box Newel Post and Handrail to match the Maple floor and Staircase. The Balusters are 1 1/2" sq. at base, the box newel is 6 1/4" sq. at base. Each Rail part has a style number assigned to it by its' respective manufacturer. This customer went with the 5715 Balusters and the 4091FL(uted) starting Post, and the 4075FL(uted) Posts for upstairs. The 4075 Newel Post is 3 1/2" sq. We used the 6900 series Raleigh Jr Handrail, which is 2 3/8" high and 2 5/8" wide. I like the combination, it gives a very classic look, which fit the house well. Customer has grandchildren visiting often, and wanted something very sturdy. Everything we do is very sturdy and solid, but nothing is more sturdy and solid than a big, 6" box newel.
Whatever your situation is, chances are I've seen it before, sometimes dozens of times, sometimes hundreds of times, in the course of 20 years. I love ripping out old junky Rails. Especially the ones that were obviously done by someone who had no idea what they were doing, and they're on the verge of falling down, and literally falling apart. I've seen people use multiple neckties tied from one Baluster to another to keep their children from crawling or falling through the gaps in the Railing. I wish I took 20 years of videos just for moments like that. Kind of funny and kind've not. I've seen some really unsafe situations. If you have an unsafe stair or Rail situation, don't hesitate to call me at 215-694-5046 and schedule your free consultation.

Wood Handrail and Iron Balusters in Voorhees NJ

This job in Voorhees NJ, is a classic double circular stairway up to a radius pulpit platform. Handrail is oak 6010 colonial with mahogany stain. 1600 series oak posts with 1 basket and 2 basket alternating iron balusters in flat black. 16.1.3 and 16.1.4 baluster numbers, respectively. All product numbers are from my favorite supplier at http://www.carolinastair.com/ I think circular staircases are what separates the men from the boys when it comes to professional rail installation. Circulars are much more challenging to install as a rule. A true rail professional can spot an amateur installation a mile away. Some things to look for when critiquing a rail that's already been installed. 1. The volute; (the curly part of the rail at the bottom of the stair) often times it's crooked; either left to right or front to back, and sometimes both ways. 2. The gooseneck or upeasing at the head of stair; same issue very often; crooked left to right, etc. Sure signs of an amateur. So please do your homework, and be sure to select a stair and rail professional with lots of experience. Ron Hartman has been providing contractors, builders, and homeowners, all over the Delaware Valley with high quality stairs and rails for 20 years.

Call him today for your free, no-risk, no hassle, no problem, no nonsense, no fluff, consultation.

215-694-5046

ronstairs@verizon.net

Custom Stair and Rail in Marlton New Jersey

This is a Custom Stair and Handrail I installed in Marlton, New Jersey, for a local builder. The Rail is 6010 Colonial, The Posts are 1600 series, and Balusters are the 5015 style. All numbers are from http://www.carolinastair.com/. What I like about the stair design, is that, the stair itself seems to be more a part of the house than in many houses where the stair is in the foyer, and the foyer is separated from the rest of the house. This stair system, is in the foyer, in the living room, and can be seen from the kitchen, and all the bedrooms. I like that, but, what can I say, I'm a rail guy. This particular stair layout has plenty of upeasings (the radius piece of rail that joins a rake rail to a vertical rail). Notice how the posts "drop down through" the stair and landings. This makes for a much stronger railing than placing the posts on top of tread or landing.

*Stairman tip: Go to center of any length of rail in your house, use side of your fist, and give the rail a little "whack". Do you hear lots of rattles? If you do, that means some if not all of your balusters are loose, either at top, because they weren't nailed correctly, or at bottom, where they weren't fastened correctly, or suffered a blow of some sort to make them loose. The more they loosen, increases the chances that other areas of your rail will loosen also, and maybe result in a break at weak points of the rail. So, be sure to call your local neighborhood Stair and Rail expert, and schedule an appointment.

Call Ron today at 215-694-5046

or ronstairs@verizon.net

to schedule your free consultation.