Wes Bischel
09-16-2004, 11:39 AM
With Kevin's previous post, it reminded me that I had a similar questions. I need to build a railing on our side porch and had a material question and design question.
For materials, most of the house trim is painted fir - the railings will be painted as well. Is this a good wood to stay with? If not, what would be recommended?
On the design, what is the best way to attach/interface the spindles with the bottom rail? I have seen some designs that leave the bottom rail open - i.e. two boards on either side with the middle open. The other is a beveled top to the bottom rail with the spindle coped to fit. I can see pros and cons to either, but I'm wondering if there is a "standard" detail.
The house is a '50's cape cod so the design and detailing is fairly simple.
Any advise would be appreciated,
Wes
For materials, most of the house trim is painted fir - the railings will be painted as well. Is this a good wood to stay with? If not, what would be recommended?
On the design, what is the best way to attach/interface the spindles with the bottom rail? I have seen some designs that leave the bottom rail open - i.e. two boards on either side with the middle open. The other is a beveled top to the bottom rail with the spindle coped to fit. I can see pros and cons to either, but I'm wondering if there is a "standard" detail.
The house is a '50's cape cod so the design and detailing is fairly simple.
Any advise would be appreciated,
Wes