Replies

1. 
   Turtleneck | Apr 07, 2003 12:03am | #1

   Wow! Very slick installation and a beautiful  finished product Stan. One question: How did you get the Painter to help you carry the thing through the door?

    Turtleneck

   Its not a smile- its a cramp

1. 
   StanFoster | Apr 07, 2003 02:06am | #3

   Turtleneck:  Thanks....I make arrangements with the contractor.... when I make the deal on the stairway....to supply many guys for just 15 or so minutes to set the stairs.  I will also order out a pizza and everyone is happy.

1. 
   bd342 | Apr 07, 2003 04:01am | #4

   I would think that all the men you get to help screw the stairway  into place get as big a charge out of it as you must surely do.

   Very,very sweet.

   Edited 4/6/2003 9:02:09 PM ET by benny

1. 
   StanFoster | Apr 07, 2003 03:24pm | #7

   Benny:   I love the rush that comes after twisting a curved stairway through the front door...and it fitting into place. Some  drop in like a piston...some put up a little fight. But..if a person follows a few rules...they will always end up fitting in place.

1. 
   JamieFichter | Apr 07, 2003 05:11pm | #8

   Stan:

   That looks great, like everyone else, I like seeing pics of your work- keep them coming...

   One question - I'm not sure that you finish your stairs, but that Hickory came out looking VERY nice.  Do you know what stain/finish was used?

   Great work!

   Jamie

2. 
   StanFoster | Apr 07, 2003 10:53pm | #9

   Jamie:  Thanks,...I never have anything to do with the stair finishing except recomend some good people.  I have no idea what is on that stairs except it is a real nice finish to the eye and the touch.

3. 
   rustythevibeguy | Jun 16, 2003 08:50am | #10

   I got a question..... who took those pictures?? I can't imagine that you allowed those guys to screw your stairs through that door without your personal, hands-on direction. :)

   Oh, and I will be starting my own stairs in a few weeks.  Nothing fancy, just a straight 4 ft, 17 step unit with oak treads and box newels.  A few years ago I'd have done them like everyone else around here -- about half right!  But looking at pics of your work over the last several years has challenged me to do it "like Stan does".

4. 
   StanFoster | Jun 16, 2003 01:50pm | #11

   Rusty:     I had the owner take my camera and take the shots. I was one of the grunts in the picture secrewing that behemuth through the door. 

2. 
   StanFoster | Apr 07, 2003 02:05am | #2

   bobcat:  Thanks.   The vertical cuts in the stair stringer and top riser are meticuously cut so they are square to the top tread both ways. Then,..when the stairs is set..I absolutely make sure the top tread is level both ways. I of course check the newel and have the option of shimming it a little to get it just right.

   The newel is lagged, glued and pocket screwed from the inside of the stairway from many points. It is very rigid this way. I of course have to get the stairs inside the house first, then I attach my newels.  The curved handrail has already been fit in my shop and it will just be a drop on item with only the balusters to drill on site. I could drill them in my shop..but I play it a little conservative and it doesnt take long to lay the holes out and drill on the jobsite.  Thats where I use my laser guided drill that really makes this job easy.

3. 
   DougU | Apr 07, 2003 07:49am | #5

   Stan

   You never cease to amaze me, I never seam to tire of seeing your work, If I were a young guy I would come and hound you until you gave me a job so as to learn from such a craftsman.

   Great work

   Doug

1. 
   StanFoster | Apr 07, 2003 03:17pm | #6

   Doug:    Thanks...