Wooden Boat Design Challenge Results
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The New Challenge Of Building Stairs
Author: Patterns
I learned stairbuilding the way most of us do----from books and trial and error. However, the books of 30 years ago usually coverecl such subjects either with rudimentary abruptness or arcane terminologv. Neither approach satisfied me and I have come to understand that there is more to consider than the abvious function of delivering people from one elevation to another.
Visit Woodworking Plans Website for more woodworking skill info......
A graceful staircase is one of the most prominent architectural features in a home and a showcase of a woodworker's talents. The care and patience that go into building stairs may be on display for 100 years and not easily remodeled or repaired. A staircase must be made rock solid, as it will serve as a playground, slide, and raceway for children.
A stairbuilder must be aware that users become physically attuned to the stairs. Our legs quickly pick up a rhythm for a set of stairs, which after one or two steps allows us to negotiate the rest without all-absorbing attention.
When faced with these concerns, it is not surprising that norvice carpenters shy away from building a stairway. A minor miscalculation can result in one step being out of sync with the rest and even if not discernable visually, it may result in a stumble for the unwary.
But not to worry. Although stairbuilding requires thorough planning and attention to detail, in most cases the math is straightforward and the carpentry, although challenging, need not be intimidating.
To help ensure success I always draw a precisely dimensioned, side-view sketch of the stairs and include all details such as tread thickness, floor coverings, landings, and rough framing while paying close attention to the first and last step since this is where most mistakes are likely to occur. And initially, I plan vertical distances with reference to finished floor and tread surfaces and make adjustments from there.
I also keep in mind building codes that dictate limits for the rise and run, width of stairs, sizes of handrails, and headroom clearances to name a few. Codes do not necessarily prescribe great stairs but they will keep you from building disastrous ones.
As a stairbuilder in Alaska, I am asked to use a wide variety of materials combined into many eclectic styles, ranging from rustic treads and carriages using split spruce logs to grand staircases with mitered nosings, volutes, and goosenecks. While no two ever look the same, their construction follows the same processes. It's always a lot of fun and the end result turns out to be useful for so much more than merely enabling people to go upstairs or down.Visit Woodworking Plans TV for more woodworking skill info......
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/the-new-challenge-of-building-stairs-2062928.html
About the Author
Have you ever run out of ideas for woodworking plans ?
Just check out the internet, there are free woodworking plans and patterns to satisfy all skill levels. Or you can select from 14000 woodworking plans, make woodworking easier and more fun !
