Stair theory
Tips & Tactics
Working on the curve? It isn’t so difficult when you follow the steps of this simple theory. Build a railing that actually fits a curved stair — rather than one that was “tweaked” to work.
By Dick Sargent Peters Valley Craft Center There is much skill and experience lav-
ished on many objects built by ironworkers and blacksmiths. These may include estate gates, balconies, door hardware, etc., but none reaches the pinnacle of the ironworker’s art as closely as the curved stair rail. Often the focal point of the home, the curved stair demands adornment with railings made to the highest standards May/June 2008
Fabricator
we can muster. It’s perhaps these high standards and the uncertainty of working with a curve that give us a feeling of trepidation when working on these stairs. These concerns can be reduced by having a full understanding of stair theory and good information about the stair our railing needs to fit. Figuring it out Stair theory is not rocket science. All stairs are based on a right triangle.
For your information Those of you who participate in NOMMA’s ListServ know its value in providing answers to your questions about procedures, equipment, personnel, and more. But did you know you can search the ListServ archives by subject, author, and date? There are several discussions in the archives about curved and spiral stairs and railings. You can access the ListServ archives by logging into the Members Only area of NOMMA’s website, www.nomma.org. 17