I’ve been installing custom stairways for a few contractors in the past 5 years and have good success. However most of the time i’ve precut all of the newel posts, rails and skirt boards prior to the stain and finish being applied. A few times I have had the treads and risers pre-finished and installed as there was a carpet runner down the middle.
Recently one of my contractors has insisted that i do all cutting in the garage, which about a 60 foot walk to the stairway area and that all parts will be pre-finished. I put my foot in the sand and said goodbye.
My question to the forum is: How many stairways are installed pre-finished and working from the garage or some other place not near the stairway?
Thanks for any comments and feedback
Steve
Replies
Of a few hundred stairrails?
One was prefinished.
And I got to charge double for it.
As for working away from the stair?
When it was in a finished house, as in a renovation or addition, I always tried to keep as much dust out of the house as possible.
Usually cut, join, sand in the garaghe or driveway as much as possible.
ANd in those cases there was a charge for such service.
My problem with walking 60 ft to cut is by the time I get there I've forgotten my measurement or what I went out there for. Some times to many interuptions along the way. The few stairs that I've done have been finnished after I installed them. The one I was working on that is half done and still waiting while I'm going through pt is about half primed. What isn't primed will be sealed after.
Wayne
Edited 2/19/2009 10:06 am ET by hammerelbow1
I pre-finish some of my stair kits, just because there are so many tradesmen in and out traming over the treads as I'm doing them. I had one job where the painter stained the treads 2 days after I had done (and protected the bare treads), and the stain was full of blotches, etc. It looked horrible. So, most of the kits I do now I have to finish beforehand, or not let anybody else in the house while I'm working.
Cutting far from where you're working is really difficult. I always forget measurements if it takes me too long to get to my saw. I like to be able to watch/see the staircase as I'm trimming it. Plus, the further you have to walk, the more dirt, etc. you get on your shoes and bring to the stairs area...
SS
This stairway that I'll finish after I get back to work will have Wenge treads and handrail so they will get a 1/4 ply and rosin paper cover to protect them till the job is done. I can't believe that the HO is letting it sit till I get back to work. Doc says sometime in June.
Wayne
The last set of stairs I built were shop built. Super accurate measurements, the right detailing, and a mock up of the wall conditions made virtually guaranteed a fit like a glove.
Although it was an unusual staircase I wouldn't think twice about being able to build even the most basic stairs in a shop setting. Having a tablesaw, jointer, planer etc. all within reach and being able to spew dust wherever and whenever I pleased makes thinking about ever doing a site-built stair again difficult thought.