Attaching railings to fluted columns
BryanSayer
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
On with the front porch show (if you search the forum, you can find some pictures).
We are looking at using tapered, fluted columns of a synthetic nature, with (probably) wood railings.
These are the columns we are looking at,
http://www.worthingtonmillwork.com/fiberglasscolumnsround.html
Probably 8″ diameter, tapered, fluted.
So the question is, what is a good way to attach the railings to the columns? The railings will be a simple square baluster, with top and bottom rails. I do have the question in to the manufacturer, but I have not heard anything back from them yet.
Replies
A few thoughts -
- 8" diameter is pretty *dinky* - you should consider a larger diameter - at least 9"-10"
- consider 'filling in' the flutes where the railing joins - traditionally this was done in a square/rectangular area - maybe fill with epoxy (see http://www.advancedrepair.com/architectural_epoxy/architectural_epoxy.htm - FlexTec HV)
- You can use a hanger bolt with cast columns - ie you don't need wood blocking inside unless you want it.
Jeff
Edited 9/11/2007 11:09 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
Thanks. I'll have to check again, but I think they are 8" there now. It is 8' height, so at 1" per foot, 8" is just about right I think. There are double columns in most places though.
Their standard installation instructions should cover what you can and cannot do to the columns such as shaving, drilling, nailing, glueing or drilling.
What I do is make a template pattern with metal cut to fit the shape of the column and ear flanges that are bent to fit over the top and bottom railings.
Then I index that pattern to measure and mark the railings individually, then assemble them in place since you have to lift one end up and slide it down over the flutes and column shape to get it there.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!