Questions to ask a Stair Builder | Stair Contractor

There’s nothing wrong with asking your stair contractor questions. In fact, we think you should hammer away with questions!

Serious questions deserve answers, so homeowners shouldn’t hesitate when asking questions. The most reliable stair builders can provide you with answers. So ask your stair contractor questions and then take advantage of their experience.

As a former contractor, I have experience working all types of jobs. I’ve answered countless questions and solved numerous problems before the job even started.

The homeowners, who had hired stair builders before me with less experience were so thankful when I finished the job. It’s a big problem when you hire a contractor who doesn’t have a solution to your problem. So I would suggest taking your time and making sure whoever you decide to hire can get the job done.

For example, if you’re planning on remodeling your staircase, you must have a nice well thought plan. Provide your contractor with a dream design and ask for his or her opinion about the design. Find out whether or not he or she detects any problems.

Your stair contractor and his stair builders are going to be a very valuable source of expertise for you while they are accomplishing your project. A good stair contractor will help you solve your problems and sometimes by solving your problems, they will be solving their problems and this will surely benefit both sides.

If you happen to come across a stair contractor who isn’t willing to help or can’t answer your questions, it really wouldn’t be a bad idea to contact another contractor. See what he or she has to say about your current situation. This is important because having a good relationship with your contractor is going to make the job run smoothly. There’s absolutely nothing worse than being scared to ask questions.

Encinitas Stair Builder | Stair Contractor in Encinitas

Remodeling a new staircase can be difficult task. Before you meet with your stair contractor for staircase remodeling ideas you should familiarize yourself with the different parts in a custom staircase remodel. These parts will help you come up with a finalized staircase design.

Baluster: A vertical member used between railing and tread or floor. Balusters provide support, safety and stability to the balustrade.

Balustrade: The name for a complete assembled rail system.

Bow newel: A large square newel that is hollow inside, used at starting steps or in post to post balustrades.

Box stair: A stair where the stringers house the treads and risers, forming a box like unit.

Bracket: Generally referred to as a tread or stringer bracket; this is a scroll shaped ornament fastened to an open stringer.

Cap: The round portion of a fitting which flares, permitting the fitting to set onto the top of a newel post. Cap fittings are used in an over the post balustrade system.

Cove molding: A trim molding used to finish the joint where the face of the riser and the underside of the tread join.

Easing: That portion of a fitting which curves upward or downward, permitting the handrail to deviate from the rake of the staircase. Easing create a smooth transition, so that the hand can glide across the rail as it changes direction.

Fillet: A thin molding that is fitted into plowed handrail and shoe rail between balusters.

Gooseneck: A fitting used where the rake rail must rise vertically to meet a balcony or landing. Goosenecks can also facilitate directional changes.

Hand rail: The rail used as a hand hold or support in balustrade systems.

Landing newel: The longer newel post used at landing and balconies where the rake rail changes direction or pitch and then continues on. The length of the newel is governed by the number of risers at the point of vertical transition.

Landing tread: A nosed and rabbeted tread like molding used to form a finished surface at landing and balconies.

Level quarter turn: A fitting that permits level handrail to turn 90 or 135 degrees, available with or without cap.

Level rail: Handrail used on the level portion of a balustrade.

Newel: A vertical post used to start a post to post balustrade, also used at points of vertical and directional change. Newel posts provide the majority of the structural rigidity of a balustrade system.

Open stair: A staircase where the stringer has been cut out so that the stair treads are exposed on one or both sides of the staircase.

Over the post: A balustrade system which uses fittings on top of newel posts, creating an uninterrupted handrail.

Contact one of our experienced stair builders today for any questions you may have!

Orange County Stair Builders | Custom Stairs | Stair Contractor OC

Don’t view your staircase as just any other construction project. Staircases are another form of art and it can be remodeled efficiently. They provide a necessary function within any household or building. They allow you to go up, and they help you go down. The landmark statements are secondary; however, they are best left for other elements within the structure. For those who know otherwise, architects, designers and art connoisseurs are aware of the truth. Any type of staircase can be found appealing. It has the power to move, both figuratively and emotionally.

If conceived and built properly, stairs will be an art in its purest and simplest form. It could have sweeping curves with a helical staircase. It can also display stunning modernity with his unique treads. A grand staircase displays simple movement and a great design can create feelings every bit as intense as a painting or a sculpture.

A staircase can be enhanced in terms of materials. Things such as colors and space constraints can help you create different forms and patterns. For example, hardwood has been used to create a sturdy finish, and steel finishes have been used to create dynamic looks.

Unlike pure art, which is sometimes a display of self-indulgence, a staircase is much more usable. Orange county stair builders do an immaculate job and each staircase is professionally built. With cutting edge stair designers in Orange County, we are sure we can create you a new sensation in hardwood, glass and steel. All of our finishes will surely enhance the beauty of whatever wood has been selected.