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Looking for staircase
Folks:
Looking for a staircase like the attached photographs. Missing portion was due to a modification by dad in the late 1940's- made house into a duplex. Would love to find a salvage set to match- any ideas on where I would find something like this? any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jeff Starkey
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Phil on -
Is the missing staircase just like the intact one that you show, but going down into a different room? I have seen lots of stair salvage over the years, but the chance of finding a perfect or close match is slim, and one with the right quantity, angles, etc. is close to a zero chance. While that sounds pretty negative, if it is really just 4 steps, a few spindles and basic looking newel post, etc., I would think that you could do pretty well by hiring a skilled carpenter to replicate the other side. That is what I would do. The wood is primarily (though not entirely, for instance the risers are straight sawn) quarter sawn oak. Spindles for the railing can be exactly copied by removing one of the existing ones and using that as a jig for new ones. I had 8 turned for my exterior porch last summer for maybe $125, though those were in pine. I would think that you could have half that turned in oak for the same money. With new construction, you could then work on matching the finish without having to strip the old that would be on salvage. Sniff around for a carpenter who has an eye for detail and who knows how to use routers, moulders, etc. to match the detail. Others here may have a completely different take on this.
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Permalink Reply by Lair Tienter on -
Phil is right on! If you were to find something like what you are looking for, the tread and risers would be wrong, the wood wrong, and the finish would never be right on. You would be best spend your time and money replicating the other side and get just what you want. Finding an old one you would just have to make due. I don't think Oak is that much more expensive than clear pine for turnings and the labor would be the same for both. Good Luck
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Starkey on -
This message is to thank you for your valuable insight. It diffintely allows me the opportunity to think about my approiach to this issue in a different light.
Once again, thank you so very much for providing me with this insight!
Sincerely,
Jeff Starkey
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Permalink Reply by Donald Shore on -
We have a lumber yard near by that sells a lot of exotic woods. They have a service where the piece can be dropped off and they turn it on a copy lathe. Price is reasonable. I hope they have a call list of local wood workers that they send the projects off to.
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Permalink Reply by stephen beattie on
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even way over here in australia i can see the wood is oak, probably american or english oak, how olds your house? any way traditional genus.In oz it is not native however readily available and im sure its the same in the states. Phil is spot on any decent carpenter can whip up your treads and ballustrading supports then like Phil said get a copy made up on a wood lathe.cabolts satin finish should go close in matching whats there.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Starkey on
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Stephen:
House is insured for a frame construction of the period 1895-1905. Just got done with another room that had alot of plaster damage. This is the third room that I have repaired the plaster. I fortunely had the opportunity to have the guidance of Roy Brennan of Big Wally's Plaster Magic as my consultant. When I mentioned to Roy that I was going to cover an entire ceiling with drywall because of a missing 5 by 7 foot section of plaster, he stopped me in my tracks. Roy sent me the materials, gypson plaster, mason's lime and sand, and the instructions of the proper mixture to address this issue. I am truly honored to have had such an asset as "Big Wally" for now I have saved the 100 year old plaster. Coupling this with sanding and revarnishing the marvelous oak tongue and groove flooring, pocket doors, mantels, oak trim everywhere, the three completed rooms are just as they were when the house was built, except for that missing staircase in the reception hall. Now, only 8 more tooms to go!
Once again, thank you so very much for the valuable information. I am honored to be amongst individuals who truly understand the "true" craftmanship of these older homes!
Sincerely,
Jeff Starkey
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