Stair Parts Fig. 75
Before giving any designs of stair parts for balusters, it may be well to say something about their arrangement with regard to their relation of length, rail and tread. Sometimes the architect who designs the stair may have very decided ideas as to the manner of arranging the balusters, and i give a few examples arranged differently in a stair having stair parts rail, string and baluster about the same. Stair Parts Fig. 76 shows one of the ordinary methods where the turnings are all of one length, and thus all the squares run parallel with the handrail. In Stair Parts Fig. 77 the turnings are of two different lengths, the upper squares being all of one length and running parallel with the handrail, the bottom squares being all the same length and thus each pair being parallel with their respective treads, the middle member of the turning usually being arranged as shown. A method that is perhaps not much in general use is shown in Stair Parts Fig. 78, where the turnings are all of the same length and the bottom squares equal, but the bottom ledges of the upper squares of each baluster run parallel with their respective treads, producing long and short upper squares alternately, as shown. It will be seen that after all the difference in these examples is altogether in the lengths of the turned part of the baluster.
Stair Parts Fig. 76, 77 & 78 ( from left to right)
The patterns for balusters shown at Stair Parts Fig. 79 may be suggestive. Balusters of this kind may be obtained at any well-equipped factory any length or size that may be required.
A few Colonial balusters and a spiral newel are shown at Stair Parts Fig. 80. This makes a handsome termination for a stairway.
Stair Parts Fig. 79 & 80 (from left to right)
Stair Parts Fig. 81
Samples of spiral stair parts balusters, with rail, newel, string and drop, are shown at Fig. 81. In this example the balusters are shown reinforced by bent iron scroll work; this has a charming effect in many cases, and I know of one instance, in New York City, where the scroll work was of brass, the balusters enamelled cream, the rail solid mahogany, and the result was actually beautiful. The woodwork in the hall was also cream-colored, and the light from the outside passed through amber-colored glass.
Stair Parts Fig. 82 & 83(from left to right)
Another style of stair parts baluster, newel and string is exhibited at Stair Parts Fig. 82. The newel is formed at the first platform, there being three risers up to the platform. The balusters are simple, and the whole illustration is given here more to show the method of raising the newel and balusters than for any other purpose.
Another style of stair parts baluster, string and rail is shown at Fig. 83. The baluster in this case is simply a square with two of its sides bevelled and cut in between the rail and the sub-rail. The little panels running raking with the rails are also cut in, or let into grooves in baluster and rail. Other portions of the illustration are self-explanatory.
These examples of stair parts newels and balusters, I think, are sufficient, as trade catalogues from factory and shop, contaning hundreds of set designs, may be obtained for the asking.
Stair Parts Fig. 84, 85, 86 & 87 (clockwise from left to right)