The details of the manufacture of flat wooden balusters

Balusters are important elements of the staircase fence, performing decorative and practical functions. They can be both simple and concise, as well as original, including complex carved elements. This article will tell you about the peculiarities of making flat wooden balusters.

Purpose and Main Benefits

Balusters are an indispensable component of almost any wooden staircase. It is thanks to them that the safety of movement of a person by design is achieved. They serve as a support for the railing, due to their use the fence becomes more rigid and durable. In addition, it is on balusters primarily pay attention, because they represent the most interesting part of the decor, give the stairs an attractive and original appearance.

Balusters made of wood, have a huge number of advantages and are in great demand among consumers. First of all, this is due to their environmental friendliness. Wood is a natural material, it is completely non-toxic and safe to use. In addition, the beneficial effects on humans of natural resins and essential oils in its composition have been scientifically confirmed.

Wood products look solid and elegant. They can be made of different wood species. Valuable varieties that have been processed and decorated, bring a touch of luxury into the room, give the interior a unique charm. Also, it should be noted that the products made of wood, perfectly combined with a variety of finishing materials and fit perfectly into most styles of interior.

The products are durable, and if they are of high quality manufacturing and correct installation, they have a long service life. If the elements are made of solid wood, they can last more than 50 years. In addition, in case of damage to the part, it can be easily replaced without harming the main structure.

Kinds

Balusters can have the most various forms and sections. With their help, you can transform any staircase.

Products can be divided into:

  • round;
  • square;
  • flat.

Round racks of cylindrical shape can have a cross section of 2.5 to 4 centimeters. Due to their high strength and stylish appearance, they are often used by consumers. Made of solid wood products. Allowed to combine wood with metal elements.

Square balusters are great for simple and strict staircase designs. Their side surfaces are sometimes decorated with decorative carvings.

Flat racks the easiest way to make your own hands. To perform the carved parts used a regular jigsaw. The material of manufacture are boards or plywood. They can be made as a single piece, as well as individual elements.

Also wooden balusters are divided into types depending on the technology.

They can be:

  • turned;
  • milled;
  • carved.

The most popular are chiseled racks. Processed products lathe. Due to this, they can give the original and sophisticated form.The cutters have a different shape, which allows you to independently make unique items.

Milled balusters are made using a milling machine. As the blanks are turned products, which are applied to a threaded pattern.

Materials

In order for the design to look like a harmonious product, made in the same style, all its elements (playground, balusters, stalker, handrails and others) are recommended to be made of the same grade of wood. It can also prevent warping during operation.

The best solution in this case will be the choice of hard wood. The best material on the characteristics is considered oak. It is very strong and strong, and also has excellent operational qualities. Oak products are not afraid of temperature fluctuations, they are not afraid of moisture and are not subject to the process of decay. This tree is valued for its noble dark shade. Oak elements are not subject to cracking and deformation. Despite the fact that the material is very dense, it is well amenable to various types of processing.

Ash is also resistant to moisture and putrefactive processes.It has a beautiful texture, strong enough, while flexible and bends well. Wood can withstand severe mechanical stress, while not deformed.

Beech is also considered a popular material often used for construction and finishing works. According to the characteristics of strength and durability, it is often compared with oak. The material is perfectly workable, it is easy to grind and polish. It is very important that the tree is properly dried. Decorative decoration of this tree does not create problems. The only drawback is poor resistance to moisture, the products can be deformed and rot.

A distinctive feature of products made of larch, is that they become more durable over time. The material is fireproof, as it burns very badly. It is resistant to the process of decay, perfectly tolerates high humidity and temperature drops.

Balusters made of pine are made quite often. First of all, this is due to the relatively low cost of this material.In addition, pine is resistant to mold and mildew, temperature fluctuations and moisture.

The least common material for the manufacture of balusters becomes birch. Despite the fact that the tree is strong enough and does not create difficulties in processing, it shows a tendency to rotting and cracking, and is also highly susceptible to shrinkage.

To make your own flat balusters from wood, you need to choose a quality material for your work. It should not have cracks and other defects. It is also important to pay attention to its proper drying before work.

Manufacturing process

Wooden balusters can be made independently. This will seriously save, as the services of professionals are expensive. However, it is worth bearing in mind that making balusters with your own hands is a rather complicated process. It can not be started without certain knowledge and skills, as well as special tools.

The whole process can be divided into two main stages:

  • design;
  • milling and cutting.

During the work with the machine it is necessary to consider that, depending on an idea, cutters of different types can be required.With the help of reyer on the product, the vaults are turned out, convex and spherical elements are made by the Meisel, the cutter-jamb and the shtichel are used if necessary to give a cone-shaped shape.

The first step is to prepare a drawing.in which all dimensions will be accurately indicated, or study the finished sketch on which it is planned to carry out the work. You need to pay attention to all the subtleties and nuances, analyze the document, as well as visually imagine the whole future design.

After that, the necessary tools are prepared. You will need a tape measure, jigsaw, boards, antiseptic, sandpaper, varnish and brush. Next, you need to transfer the drawing to the material of manufacture. This is done using templates. Each label is recommended to assign a sequence number. This will help you figure out what tools are required for a particular type of work.

After all the manipulations, you can start cutting out the product. The process takes quite a long time. The pattern is applied with a jigsaw. If it is conceived as a pass-through, first you need to use a drill to prepare the holes.

The elements are treated with sandpaper. The edges must be given absolute smoothness. Balusters must be symmetrical so that the design looks stylish and neat. Before assembling all the elements, degrease the connected fields. After this product must be dried, and only then you can proceed to the final stage.

Mounting features

    Installation of flat balusters has its own characteristics. They are not recommended to be fixed to the steps, as in this case the stability and reliability of the staircase itself will be broken. Elements must be inserted into the frame formed by the bottom bar and the rail. In order to make it easier to fix the rack, you can use rails.

    On the intricacies of making flat wooden balusters, see the following video.

    Comments
     Author
    Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

    Entrance hall

    Living room

    Bedroom