We refer to pie shaped treads that make a turn on a staircase, as “winders.” Numerous New England homes, and multi-family homes in particular, have winders as part of the staircase. As people age, these treads can become more difficult to negotiate. Installing a continuous rail along the wall makes using these stairs safer.

Cambridge, MA

Click on the first image for detailed explanation of the process.

  • Build & Install Wall Safety Rail
  • The inside corners have to be drawn and dimensioned.
  • Cutting a rail.
  • Using a biscuit jointer to cut slots for the biscuits that will join the pieces.
  • For strength, the ends of each rail section gets two slots for biscuits.
  • This is the stock for two railings, first to second, and second to third floor.
  • The returns (into the wall) for each end of the railings are glued up and clamped.
  • The pieces are glued up as subsections. Final assembly is at the site.
  • These subsections will make up the railings for two flights of steps.
  • Loaded in the truck, wrapped for safe transportation.
  • The sections are glued up with biscuits. This makes for strong joints, without the use of nails.
  • The next section is attached. Note the hairline joints.
  • A view of the railing at the start of the stairs.
  • The railing from another perspective.