I have been asking a lot of questions lately about the old house I am trying to repair, and today I have an even more than usually random question. The house has a massive banister/railing assembly that is original from when it was built. It has some little carvings and some millwork (if that's the word) that is somewhat fancy, but it is too big for the stairs and also not long enough, so I intend to remove it and put in something more practical. Also it has about 1/8" of built up paint on it.
At the top there is only about 19" between the 6" square post and the wall opposite the stairhead, so it's a tight squeeze. By moving the upright out of the landing I can gain another 4" or more, which would be most welcome. At the bottom the newel post (again I am not sure of my terms) is by the 3rd step, and the first two have no banister. I'd like to make a banister that runs all the way to the bottom step, and use a skinnier newel post. There is 28" from the fat one to the wall, so I am not able to move the 30" deep shower/tub wall piece up the stairs.
I'd like to remove the old woodwork and put in something temporary with 2x4s screwed together that will be safe but easier to get things around while I'm working, and then to build a proper hardwood setup later, once other things are done. My question is whether there is any likelihood that someone would want this kind of banister and railing, or if I should just rip them out and take them to the dump. The pictures are from last fall but it still looks the same. I'll be grateful for any guidance.