My Railing Commisssion In Progress

SteelyJan - Monday, February 4, 2008 - 7:58pm

Architectural Gallery

Here's the start of my big railing commission. It's off to a good start. Janet

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Paula - Monday, February 4, 2008 - 10:44pm

ya, i agree that it is! nice
Paula
Guthrie, MN

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Nice work! It's got to feel

eligius1427 - Monday, February 4, 2008 - 11:24pm

Nice work! It's got to feel great to finally get going on your commission. It looks great. Look forward to more updates.

Jake

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Well Begone

Frank Castiglione - Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 7:01am

Hi Janet,
Well begone is half done, so you're on your way.
Frank

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Hey, Janet-

Rob Sigafoos - Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 7:14am

Hey, Janet- Congratulations!! That is a nice start to what we all know will be a wonderful, completed work soon. I really like the way you mix media in your work- I would love to see more details of your process. Good luck, we’re all thinking of you!
Rob

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Thanks everyone!

SteelyJan - Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 7:32am

I really appreciate this site and everyones comments, critiques, and enthusiam. I hope someday we can meet in some way or another. I look forward to seeing everyones work , progress. Hearing your joys and pains of the creative process. It's good to share. Janet R.

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Your client should be verry

grizz - Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 6:10pm

Your client should be verry happy, that looks awsome, like the butterflies.
"GRIZZ"

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help

Curtis Warnes - Sunday, February 10, 2008 - 6:42pm

Hi Janet,

I was wondering how you learned to do railings, mainly the installation. Attaching to the surface and knowing what type of mounting to use. I know that sometimes you can use a cap or the screws are exposed, sometimes the spindles are right into the base material. I am not looking for any secrets of the trade or anything, just wondering if you were taught or if you worked with someone before going into you own venture. I have a customer that is relentless, he has been on me for over a year to do a railing job, I have tried to refer friends to him for the job but he wants me to do his work. I have no problem jumping into the unknown but this is a big unknown, and I am getting paid to not make a mistake. So are there any good references out there that might help or do I just dive in hope I can pull it off. Also what are the typical finshing that you do, if you powder coat or patina how do you touch up the piece if you have to assemble and weld on-site. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Hi Curtis, The critical

eligius1427 - Monday, February 11, 2008 - 11:08am

Hi Curtis, The critical factor in railings(especially stair rails) is correct measurements of the space for the rails. After that, most of the variables can be controlled in your shop. First, measure the spaces for the rails, if it's new construction don't forget to take into account flooring, moulding, stair treads and bull nosing, etc. When your finished remeasure it again to make sure. Next, work up a good set of plans based on your measurements. Make sure you know your local codes, especially the 4"(varies slightly with different locations) rule for railings. From those plans, figure out your jigs and just how your going to build the rail, finish the rail, and install the rail.

As for finishes, if your going to weld on site I would try to stay away from powder coating. It is the cheapest, fastest, and possibly most durable finish, but colors are limited and it is very hard to match powder coats with paint. Little nicks and such are OK, but larger areas are going to stand out. If you can build the rail in one piece or sections that fasten together mechanically then powder coating is definitely an option. If the rail is going to be outside, you might consider having it galvanized first. Make that decision early though, b/c it will determine how the panels are built. If the rail is indoors, then you have a multitude of options for finishes.

Fastening the rail depends on the materials you're anchoring into and how rigid and strong your railing is. I usually use expansion anchors in cement, and lag screws into wood. If it's new construction, you can ask for blocking to be placed at all of your fastening points, if it's a remodel job, invest in a stud finder or have an experienced carpenter take a look at the space to find your anchoring points. The stronger and more rigid the railing, the more it will help support itself(usually at the expense of looks however).

These are just general tips that I use when constructing a rail. Once you measure the space and come up with a design, it will be much easier to answer your questions more specifically. I realize you were looking for answers to decide whether to take the job or not and am sorry I couldn't be more specific. If you feel uneasy about the installation side, you might consider working with an experienced contractor for the first one.

Jake

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