Wooden Staircase Spindles
According to Wikipedia, a Staircase spindle is:
“A spindle, in furniture, is a cylindrically symmetric shaft, usually made of wood. A spindle is usually made of a single piece of wood and typically has decoration (also axially symmetric) fashioned by hand or with a lathe.
Whereas Spindles are the vertical posts that connect the base rail and handrail on a staircase. Their primary purpose is safety, by stopping things falling through the gap between the base rail and the handrail.
Spindles are available in a variety of different styles and materials, usually wood,
What type of spindle to choose
Traditional wooden stair spindles make up the most decorative part of a staircase.
If you are selecting new spindles, you’ll need to ask yourself several questions to ensure you choose the right pieces for the job.
- Is your staircase closed string or cut string?
- Are the spindles all the same size?
- Do you have a specific style (is the staircase new or an extension)
- How sturdy will the spindles need to be
Wooden Staircase Spindles
The most common material for staircase spindles in the home is typically wood. Wooden spindles have become a classic choice for staircases, other materials are available. Wood is usually, aesthetically pleasing, strong and durable and easy to maintain
For wooden spindles, there are a few options to choose from:
- Oak—a solid hardwood that will always make its mark
- Pine—can be easier to maintain and lower cost.
- Ash is a straight grained hardwood, predominantly light brown in colour
- Dark Hardwood, an ideal replacement for mahogany spindles
Wooden Staircase Spindle Styles
SQUARE TURNED SPINDLES
Originally square turned spindles and newels have been around since the late middle ages, however that technique became popular in the Edwardian era. Sadly due to the cost involved in producing these the style declined later in the 1930’s. We have developed a technique that means we can reproduce these styles at a reasonable cost.
CONTEMPORARY RANGE SPINDLES
Turned staircase components such as spindles, newel posts, newel caps and finials are a large part of our business. Our designs are architecturally accurate and cover a wide range of ages and styles. We also offer a matching service where we can reproduce an exact copy of an existing turning from the original or a drawing.
The examples shown below were recently designed by ourselves to accommodate and embelish modern interiors with a simple elegant touch.
FLUTED & TWISTED SPINDLES
The origin of barley twisting and fluted turnings can be traced back to late antiquity as a mean of embellishing a turning. Barley twisting in particular was very popular in the 15th & 16th century and had a revival in the 18th & 19th century. Today we mainly do barley twisting, reeding and fluting on restoration projects and high end stair cases.
We can provide a comprehensive range of turned, barley twist or fluted spindles.Our designs are architecturally accurate and cover a wide range of ages and styles. Many examples are shown here.
We also offer a matching service where we can reproduce an exact copy of an existing turning from the original or a drawing.
Spindle spacing and building regulations
Spindles need to be properly spaced to achieve an even and consistent look and for building regulation purposes. Building regulations state that gaps between the spindles should not exceed 100mm. A domestic property can have a handrail height of 900mm for both stairs and landings. Commercial properties should be a minimum of 900mm on stairs and 1100mm on landings.
Why Spindlewood
Here at Spindlewood Woodturning we produce a huge range of custom furniture spindles, Staircase parts and handles turned parts. We offer a range of styles, woods and finishes professionally finished by time served, accredited and quality focussed professionals.
Need to know more about managing your woodturning restoration project, why not speak with an expert at Spindlewood.
Contact Spindlewood Woodturning
Address: The Old Bakery 8 Edward Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 5ET
Website: www.spindlewoodturning.co.uk
Email: info@spindlewoodturning.co.uk
Tel: 01278 453665
Opening Times
Monday 8:30am – 530pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 3:00pm
Recent Comments