stair lift story: 2009

Engineered Vs Glue-Laminated Stair Treads

One of the most common tread related questions is this: "Are your stair treads solid or veneered?"

Stair treads are generally sold as a solid glue-laminated product or "engineered".

The most common stair tread is the glue-laminated product. These are three, four piece laminations, typically 1" thick. Glue-lamination is defined as "the bonding of two members with an adhesive forming a tight joint with no visible delamination at the lines of application." Bar or pressure clamps are used in the process which result in joints that are usually stronger than the surrounding material. Good color match is necessary. One doesn't want the look "Neapolitan ice cream" in their stair. However, in today's market that doesn't hold true as people have begun asking for color, variations, even knots in their delivered product. The reason for the glue-lamination process is to create a product that will not twist or warp over time.

Treads are 5/4 F.A.S. or select grade materials, glue-laminated, then surfaced down to 1" thickness. Most manufacturers mill or stock 36", 42", 48", 54", 60, and 72" stair treads.

Now we come to the facts concerning engineered treads. These are an import product, most commonly entering the USA from China. Engineered treads are also known as veneered stair treads. Outside of the fact that these are imports, the upside is the fact that engineered treads are superior to the traditional USA-made glue-laminated treads. They are created as an oak butcher block then layered top and bottom with 1/8" of solid oak with an attached nose. With the laminations involved, the engineered satisfy the AWI standards for glue-lamination and then some, presenting the builder and home owner with a product that would probably out last the standard.

Me, I personally prefer the standard glue-laminated, USA-made treads. If you purchase a stair tread and the box is marked Made in the USA, odds are it was Amish-made. The Amish in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa are well known for their woodworking which includes stair treads.

http://www.westfiremfg.com/html/tread__and_staircase_accessori.html

Joseph Swallow has been with Westfire Manufacturing since 1994 and now serves as the company's CEO. Prior to Westfire, Swallow worked in Southern California and Las Vegas as the primary sales representative for Hardwood Creations, a company which he had founded in his garage in 1981. Westfire Stair Parts are available anywhere in North America and can be purchased by calling Westfire toll free 1.800.692.6996 or by visiting their website http://www.westfiremfg.com

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Keep the Glow of Your Brass Railings

Anything that shines like gold almost always attracts people. Admit it or not, that golden glow is just so irresistible.

The same reaction is shown by people to the brass railings. Having that same gold like color makes brass an attraction. Whether it's installed on stairs at home or in commercial buildings such as hotels together with the stair railings or in the bathrooms as hand grab rails, brass evokes an elegant and high end feel to any interior space.

But you have to know that brass railings need regular maintenance to keep their glow. As they're prone to corrosion and staining, regular polishing is very important. There are techniques to follow, though, to ensure that your brass retains its shine for a long time.

Brass railings installed at bars as foot rails are exposed to the shoes of people and therefore prone to scratches especially if they don't have that protective coating. Those used as hand rails whether at home or at commercial buildings are not exempted from scratches either especially from the rings of people that come in contact with the brass material.

For your home bar or stairs that use brass railings, it's best that you learn the ways to properly clean and polish the material. The secret actually is buffering.

Cleaning

The first step to a shiny brass railing is to clean it. Use a soft clean cloth and wipe it on your tubing to remove dust and dirt.

The solution

Next is to apply a solution to your tubing. Depending on your choice, you can purchase the readily available metal polish or brass cleaner. You can buy these from hardware stores and drugstores. Or you can create your own solution using ingredients available at home.

Prepare one-half cup of all purpose flour, one-half cup table salt and one-half cup powdered laundry detergent. Mix these three and then add three-fourth cup white vinegar, one-third cup lemon juice and one-half cup very warm water. Continue stirring until all ingredients are mixed well.

Applying the solution

Now take a small amount of your mixture using a soft and clean cloth and then apply on the brass railing. Be gentle when rubbing and make sure you do a circular motion. Don't use too much pressure.

Afterward, rinse with cool water and let it dry. Once dry, buff the brass railing using a soft cotton cloth until you achieve your desired shine.

Coating

For coating purposes, the olive oil is ideal if you have been using the home remedies when polishing your brass rails. But if you're using the commercially available polishes, you may not need to apply additional coating as the solution itself already contains protective oils that coat your brass as you clean it.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. If it is not lacquered, it becomes more prone to oxidizing and tarnishing.

But did you know that it contains anti bacterial properties that help kill germs in places where the brass material is installed? In fact, brass has been used in making surgical instruments and other medical equipment.

For more information on Brass railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

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Be Wary of Building Codes For Your Stair Railings

People who want to install railings in their homes should keep in mind a very important aspect. The building codes, that is.

States vary in the building codes for this house fixture that they implement. Standard measurements differ depending on where you're installing the railing. Educate yourself first before you start on this project so that everything will go on smoothly.

You need to know then the local residential building codes in your area to avoid problems later on. Some states are strict in enforcing their rules especially when it concerns deck railings. The best thing to do then is visit your local building department and browse through their regulations on railings or get a copy if they have print outs.

For decks, building codes normally cover the railings, stairs, treads, stair rails, hand rails, foundations, covenants and easements. Below are general guidelines but for standard measurements in your specific area, again it's better to check your local building department.

Height specifications

For the height, stair railings should follow standard measurements. Normally, they should be between 32 inches and 48 inches. This specification means that it should not be climbable. This is important because after all, this fixture is put in place for security purposes.

In Canada and the U.S., for instance, railings for decks need to have a minimum height of 36 inches for a deck surface of about 30 inches or 24 inches in Canada to 5'10 above the ground. For decks above this height, the minimum requirement for a railing is 42 inches tall.

Spacing requirement

Spaces between the balusters or spindles regardless of design should be a maximum of 3.5 inches. Some are okay with a gap of four to nine inches. For this part, it has to be designed such that no person especially a child could fit in to go through the space in between. Again, it's for safety purposes.

Stability

Railings, in order to serve it major purpose, should be sturdy and stable. For this reason, a strong foundation is very important. Keep in mind that this fixture holds people's weight such as when they stand behind it. It is just a waste of money if you install one and then find out after a few months that it's gotten weak. In this case, your railing can be dangerous so take action right away and have it fixed to prevent accidents in your home.

Design

Building codes for deck railings do not specify designs. This aspect is up to the homeowner. He or she can choose whatever style suits their personal preference and complements their home. As long as the measurements are properly followed, any homeowner can pick any design available to his liking.

Materials

When it comes to material, the decision still lies with the homeowners. Their options are wood, metal and glass or a combination of these materials. Budget is a major consideration when making a choice although quality should also be given priority. After all, it's the durability of the stair railings that you want so it won't matter if you sometimes go for the more expensive material as long as you can afford it.

For more information on Stair railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

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Stair Lift Chairs Are an Absolute Godsend For Elderly Relatives

If you had a stair lift in your home then nobody would have a problem with the stairs. They maybe couldn't manage to climb them under their own steam and that makes for a difficult life.

If you are considering stair lift chairs it may not be for your own home, you may be looking at ways whereby your parent or parents can stay in their own home even though they live on two levels. I think it is generally accepted that it is better to be able to stay in your own home when you are growing older for as long as possible. Not only regarding cost efficiency but for sentimental reasons.

Some elderly people do not do well when they are uprooted from the homes they have occupied perhaps for years. What could be a simpler way to ensure they can stay where they are? A stair lift chair could be the answer.

This might sound to be expensive but if you consider the cost of this item and balance it against the comfort and security it would give the user in their own home and then look at the costs of either moving to a one level home or even a care home. I think stair lift chairs would win hands down when considering cost.

It may even be possible to be able to claim the expense from your medicare provider. It would certainly be worth asking. There is another point in the favor of stair lift chairs - they can add to the value of your home, as much as 10%, not many people know that, but it is something to consider.

The installation doesn't need to be permanent. It is possible to have one on rental if you only need it as a temporary measure. Perhaps someone has had an accident, broken their leg for instance, you could solve the problem of the stairs for them by renting a stair lift.

They are not a difficult thing to install, even for the homeowner themselves. They are not fixed to the wall as many people believe, the track is fixed in a few places directly to the stairs. This is quite safe but it means that it is just as easy to remove when no longer needed.

Your supplier would only need a few measurements and other details from you in order to work out a quote. There are many suppliers online and no doubt many that you could find in your area.

If stairs are a problem but you want to continue to live in your home for as long as possible.
Click Here For More Free Information and Reviews on other stair lift chairs.

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Stair Lift Reviews - 7 Points to Consider

Here are seven quick tips that will help you when you are shopping for the best home stair lift for your family. Use this information to help you better understand the industry and how the lifts are made.

AC units are the most dependable available. Most offer both AC and DC (battery) but you'll be changing batteries every 18-24 months and they only carry a 6 month warranty. Don't consider a battery operated chair unless you live in an area with frequent brown-outs.
Mark your calendar every 18 months to remind you to automatically replace the batteries if you choose to buy a battery operated lift. Batteries don't last forever.
Look for lifts that have a swiveling seat at 45 and 90 degrees both at the top and bottom. And make sure you install a vertically mounted bar at the top and bottom of the run in case the rider becomes unstable when getting up.
Be mindful to buy a lift that uses only a rocker switch to operate and not a toggle or joy switch which could get snagged in clothing. Remotes tend to get lost.
Stair lifts shouldn't contain circuit boards. They don't hold up when the lift is being used and moved up and down. Repair can be a very expensive service call.
Make sure your home lift has at least a 5 year warranty on everything. If a company can't stand behind their product why would you want to buy it? Think about it. Stair lifts don't see that much action. All a warranty is really doing is covering the motor and moving parts. But make sure everything is covered, even the rail on your residential stair lift.
Finally, your stair lift needs to have what is called a call-send unit. This is something that can send the chair up or down stairs when you need it there, without you on it. This will help you get the chair out of sight when you have visitors and will free up space when not in use. It's a good feature that shouldn't be extra.

In addition to the above, I would do what I could to get a lifetime warranty. Most quality vendors offer free shipping on a product of this cost. There are plenty of online vendors, but make sure that you work with someone who can walk you through what it takes to install this unit in your home, and a local representative that will be able to service and support your stair lift should the need arise.

I know that shopping for a home stair lift shouldn't be impossible when you know what you want. Get more details on each brand of lift at my website Residential Stair Lift.

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Interior Design Tips - Decorating Your Staircase

The staircase in your home may not be equal to that featured in Gone with the Wind, but may nonetheless be of sufficient architectural interest to form the focal point of your entrance. Graciously curving hand rails, handsome newel posts, elegantly proportioned steps and elaborately cast or turned balustrades - these are all details that merit attention.

If more modest in size and lacking decorative detail, your stairway will, at the very least, offer space to create your very own picture gallery or perhaps a print room, and will become a pleasurable transitional space between floors.

The major decision you have to make is whether or not to 'star' the stairway and, if so, which elements merit special treatment. Whichever parts are colored in contrast to the rest of the scheme, these are the details that will stand out. Remember also that wood has a color and it is a good idea to try to match other timber furnishings in the surrounding areas to this color.

It is impossible to think of a stairway without considering the rooms with which it connects - in particular the hall from which it probably emanates. Because the two areas will inevitably be viewed together, it is important that the color schemes of both are closely linked, if not entirely the same.

The space beneath a stairway offers a wonderful opportunity for storage, either closed in and housing unsightly items (such as cleaning implements and bicycles) or open and perhaps forming a mini library or bar. In a space-pressed home, a miniature office might even be accommodated.

For practicality surfaces need to be tough. If carpet is your chosen, floor covering, ensure that it is well attached to the stairs either by a gripper rod beneath or stair rods above. Stair rods are an old-fashioned but decorative idea and many styles, particularly those in brass, are still being manufactured. A stair nosing will protect stair edges in situations where there is particularly heavy wear. Delicate wall surfaces can be protected by the introduction of a painted dado at the lower level.

Michelle hes been running her interior design business since early 2000, and has been publishing design ideas and tips since 2005. Michelle recently posted about the effects that the classic style hunter ceiling fans can have on a room, and the impact they can have on your energy and heating bills, even if your room only warrants one of the many different small ceiling fans.

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Acorn Stairlifts - About 100000 Satisfied Customers

If you face difficulty in moving up and down through stairs or face other accessibility problems then Acorn provides you an affordable solution to such problems. Acorn is one of the most reputed companies engaged in the supplying and installation of stairlifts worldwide since 1992. Now, you can live in the house you love and leave all your mobility and accessibility problems on Acorn stairlifts.

An Acorn Stair lift can make your complete house accessible for you again and can help you move up and down with safety and comfort whenever you want. These easy to use stairlifts offer a number of safety features and immediate stop options in case something comes in front of the lift door suddenly. Due to all these factors Acorn stairlifts have acquired more than 100,000 satisfied customers.

These reliable and easy to use stair lifts gives you a sense of freedom and makes your life easier. Acorn stairlifts have been installed in thousands of houses worldwide and this itself describes its success story. Acorn provides complete warranty of these stairlifts and facilitates you with professional installation of these at your homes. Moreover, the company's customized approach satisfies its customers the most. These stairlifts are made purely keeping in mind the customer's need and as per his directions.

The growing demand of stairlifts encouraged Acorn to produce a variety of stairlifts having different usage and functionality. Acorn super glide 120 is a kind of straight stairlift offered by Acorn and is one of the most popular stairlift used for domestic purposes. On the other hand, Acorn offers you with a range of curved stairlifts that are used on curved staircase. You get ample choices to select a stairlift according to your need and budget.

These technologically advanced stairlifts are battery powered and has a complex structure. So, to install and maintain these complex devices Acorn has employed a team of professionals who are at your service 24x7. Moreover, Acorn has established various sales and service centres across the world for your convenience. So, now you can give your life a boost and freedom that you always wanted with the help of an Acorn stairlift.

Buying stairlifts needs lot of money that means a wrong selection can lead you to a big loss. Acorn provides you a huge variety of qualitative stairlifts at cheap prices. You can search through internet & read reviews of people and can compare the prices and quality of acorn stairlifts with any other good brand. Moreover, Acorn is a name in itself, and its stairlifts are well known for the quality functioning and durability. So, give your life a lift with Acorn stairlift.

For any help on Acorn stairlifts, check out the info available online, these will help you learn to find the Acorn stair lift an instant go!

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Prevent Nasty Falls With Stair Treads

Many people slip and fall every year, often hurting themselves severely and even dying. Many of these slips and falls occur on stairs, and the safety of your stairs can often be improved by adding simple stair treads.

Stair treads come in many different varieties, and not only help make your stairs safer, but also protect your stairs, normally a high traffic area, from wear and tear, as well as add decor. Stair treads can be used both indoors and outdoors, and we'll discuss ones made from rubber and carpet ones. There are many other options too!

I like ones made of rubber. They tend to be inexpensive, durable, and often come with a convenient adhesive backing. Otherwise they may be glued down with separate adhesive, or have a non slip rubber backing. Outdoor ones sometimes are not glued down which allows them to be easily lifted and shaken out, much like a welcome door mat. Rubber ones do not tend to be very pretty however, at least not for indoor use.

Stair treads made of carpet exist for both indoor and outdoor use, although they seem more popular indoors. They may be individual carpet pieces, sometimes pretty braided carpet pieces, for each stair, or made from a continuous roll that is fastened to the stairs. They can add significantly to the decor of your home, and in fact my wife spent weeks searching for the perfect carpet tread for our master staircase.

Stair treads not only look good but they may save you or a loved one from a nasty fall. They can also help prevent lawsuits and protect your stairs.

For more on how to simply and easily make your stairs safer, prettier, and protect them from wear and tear, visit Rubber Stair Treads and Carpet Stair Treads.

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How to Properly Measure Your Stair Railings

A stairway adds a nice touch to any home. Whether your stairs only have three steps or you have a long flight of stairs in your home, one thing is evident. The structure helps family members ascend and descend comfortably and safely.

Stairs, regardless of their shape and size, need to be properly constructed to make it safe to use by people. The right measurements have to be taken before installing the vital parts. Carpenters are skilled in this task and if you're not knowledgeable on this aspect of home construction, it would be best to get the help of qualified carpenters to assist you. If you'll be ordering your stair railing, you will have to provide the company with the precise measurements.

To get the measurements, you will need to get the average rise and run of steps or the height and width, the number of stairs or treads, measurement from tip to tip as well as from the house to the tip of front steps and the angle of the staircase.

The shapes of stairs have evolved since the olden times. Some people know this structure to be just the straight one. Today, however, there are different shapes of staircase such as the round and spiral apart from the straight type.

A flight of stairs is composed of different parts. The tread is what people usually step on and this requires a certain thickness. The riser is the vertical part between each tread while the nosing is the edge portion of the treat that protrudes over the riser. A major component is the balustrade system which includes the balusters, handrail and the railing. The stair railing is the one that prevents people from falling over the edge of the structure. The part where the railing is attached is called the newel or a large baluster.

Railings need to be sturdy and firm to ensure the safety of those who use the staircase. Depending on the choice of material, they have to be built in a way that will not allow any adult or child to get through it. A very common type of stair railing makes use of vertical posts or balusters made of wood. Two of these posts, also referred to as spindles or guards, are normally required for each tread.

But with the entry of various materials, different designs can be used for the railing posts notably for the open styles. Homeowners with small children who want to provide a safe environment for their kids can choose a close type of railing for their stairway.

If you're living in a home that's been existing for quite some time, ensure that your stair railing is intact with its posts, balusters and handrails not loose. Should you observe some loose parts, act right away to have it fastened by an experienced carpenter. Doing it yourself especially without proper background may be difficult as the balustrade system normally involves long bolts and pins.

If the stair railing, however, is quite old for you, you can always have it changed. There are companies that build and assemble precut railings and get rid of your old one.

For more information on Stair railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalyan_Kumar

Why Seniors Should Consider Buying a Stair Lift

Stair lifts are chairs that run on tracks attached to stair treads that lift a person up or down the stairs safely. They are an enormous help to someone living alone who has trouble navigating stairs, and for those who live with a spouse, relative or other loved one who is not capable of the hard physical work of carrying the person up and down the stairs. A stair lift usually benefits more people than just the person who uses it.

There are a number of reasons why people have trouble going up and down staircases: arthritis, diabetic foot complications, neurological conditions, or a decline in strength due to aging. Giving up the independence of going up and down stairs can be a terrible blow to a person's morale and self esteem. Suddenly half the house is out of reach, and that person's world shrinks considerably.

At the same time, it isn't practical for someone else in the household to carry the disabled person up and down stairs. Ask the mother of a baby or toddler about carrying a 30 lb. child up a staircase several times a day. Now imagine carrying the equivalent of at least four toddlers up and down the stairs. It would be a daunting challenge even for a fit, strong adult to carry a lightweight adult up the stairs.

There are a number of household devices and products that help senior citizens maintain their independence for as long as possible, from simple things like glucose meters to chairs that help them rise to a standing position, to personal alarm systems worn on a belt. Stair lifts are a big expense, but they can add immeasurably to the quality of life of the person who has trouble with stairs, and to the quality of life to a caregiver or other member of the household who had been tasked with helping the disabled person navigate the stairs.

In fact, the best time to add a stair lift system may be before it is actually a requirement. There are plenty of seniors who may not be disabled, but who experience intermittent conditions, such as an arthritic knee or hip, that make climbing stairs a challenge some of the time.

Stair lifts can be installed in straight or curved staircases. Most models today run on rechargeable DC battery packs that hold a charge for around 8 to 10 trips up and down, depending on the length of the track and the weight of the person it is transporting. Some of these battery packs have chargers mounted next to the top or bottom of the lift track, while others are able to recharge from anywhere along the track. DC powered stair lifts are the preferred style today because they still work (for a while anyway) if the AC power to the household is cut.

Many seniors, through no fault of their own, lose the ability to go up and down staircases with agility. And many of them have strong emotional ties to the house in which they live. A stair lift can make the difference between allowing a senior to have significant independence of daily living and having to making the difficult choice of selling a beloved home.

Sean Rutger is a writer of of product guides for mobility aids such as chair lifts. For more information, please visit 4 Stair Lifts.

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Exploring the Different Kinds of Staircase Lifts

Improving stair safety is very important for those of any age, but amongst those with limited mobility it is essential. Every year, falls on the stairs are a leading cause of hospital visits and accidental death, especially among the elderly. As a result of the danger that is presented by the stairs, it is very important to find a means of preventing falls, while still offering full access to the stairs. This is why stair lifts are so popular in the United States.

Stair lifts come in many different styles, but the most common design is the stair chair. A stair chair consists of a simple chair that is attached to a metal track that runs the entire length of the staircase. The chair slowly moves along the track powered by an electrical motor, carrying a single rider. For a straight staircase, a stair chair can be installed

The perch lift is another type of staircase lift, which is very similar to a stair chair, except the rider of a perch lift remains standing as they are carried up the staircase. A perch lift is also called a standing stair lift and is not as safe as a stair chair, so it should not be used unless it is required for medical reasons. Most include multiple hand holds to improve safety, but since the user is upright as the lift is moved, a much higher degree of balance is required to use a perch lift.

Another type of staircase lift is the curved stair lift. Curved stair lifts are used on staircases that are curved or shaped like an 'L.' For staircases that are shaped like an 'L,' which is basically two straight staircases put together at a 90 degree angle, a curved stair lift is not too much more than a standard straight stair lift. However, for other curved staircases, a curved stair lift is extremely expensive. This is as a result of the fact that the track will need to be custom made to fit the dimensions of the staircase. Since the track is custom made, it does not have much in regards of resale value, so for those with a curved staircase, it is usually a good idea to consider a residential elevator as an alternative to a curved staircase lift.

All of the different stairway lifts described so far are very powerful tools, but can not be easily used by individuals that use mobility vehicles, like wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, incline platform lifts are available for those that use mobility vehicles and are very similar to stair chairs, except instead of a chair, a sturdy metal platform is provided. An incline platform lift allows the user to drive their wheelchair onto the platform, which then moves up the stairs on a metal track. While a very important tool for those who are mobility challenged, an incline platform life does take up a considerable amount of space, so might not be a good choice in all situations.

Since the staircase presents a number of dangers, it is important to ensure that the stairs can be used safely by those who are mobility challenged. Stairway lifts are one way that this is achieved and in most cases cost much less than an elevator would.

Robert, an established author, is very experienced with stair lifts and other accessibility tools. Preventing senior falls is very important and this usually starts with evaluating the safety of the staircase. It is also important to consider the abilities of the person who will be using the staircase.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Dinland

Advantages of Metal Deck Railings

When choosing the railing to integrate in your home, the very first factor that every homeowner look for is if these railings are really dependable. Even wouldn't matter if they shell out a little fortune as long as these railings would protect them especially the kids from accidental falls and would provide an additional style to the overall look of their homes. These things can only be achieved if you opt for metal railings. They all come in beautiful designs in order to provide the best protection and design that would seamlessly blend in your deck.

Since the backyard is the perfect place to relax during weekends or even at night, it is only proper that you get the best one in order to fully enjoy outdoor space and at the same time get the chance to view the picturesque nature outside your home. However, if your deck's floor is higher than thirty inches from the ground, then this will obstruct your view from admiring God's wondrous creations. To resolve this, you may opt to install your deck with metal railings because they are relatively thin and can offer the least obstruction of view. So, worry no more as you can now fully enjoy the view of the surroundings as you relax and have a quiet and calm time.

If you opt to have metal railings for your deck, then you won't experience any problems when it comes to finding the best design that would complement your deck and your home as well. The market no offers attractive and elaborately crafted designs that would astound your guests but also provide protection and security to homeowners especially the children against accidental falls. This kind of railing is really popular in the industry because of its attractive design features, durability and of course, strength. Because of its high tag price, only the rich and the famous can have the luxury to enjoy these metal railings. But that was before. Today, metal railings can now be enjoyed by ordinary people because they are now available at costs that are just within your reach. With the changing time, metal railings also experience transformation and these days the metal deck railings that have wooden handrails are the bandwagon among most homeowners.

With all these given characteristics, it is only proper that you now start planning of integrating metal deck railings in your deck. But make sure that they would complement the architectural style of your home. This is actually an important consideration because they are located outside your home and are the first ones to be seen by your neighbors and guests. Also take note that when looking for an ideal railing, the handrails must also be given appropriate attention. Metal railings are endowed with a strong and sturdy nature hence they have the tendency to last for a long time.

The material to be used for metal deck railings also vary. So it is recommended that you choose the one that would fit your home. Aluminum is the most common material for metal deck railing. The good thing about aluminum is that it can be matte finished, brightly finished or even apply a powder coat finish. There are still other material options and these include wrought iron, bronze, cast iron, copper, brass, and stainless steel.

Adam Peters is the author of online related topics. Find at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/stair-railings.html more articles about stair railings.

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Can I Afford Stair Lifts?

Stairlifts can be a quite expensive addition to a household because most of the costs would be paid by you. Insurance and programs like Medicare will not cover the installation of stair lifts. Medicare does not pay for home modifications but does pay for some medical equipment. Due to these costs, you must be fully informed about a stairlift purchase and all the possible alternatives and options.

Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but programs like Medicaid do if you find a participating dealer. Outside of these programs, you can find grants, loans, or financing from dealers.

The doctor has to be able to justify your purchase or you will not be able to get insurance to pay for any of the stair lifts. It is important to keep this documentation just in case of any claim denials.

Straight stairlifts will always be more affordable than curved stairlifts. The reason is mainly due to specific manufacturing and customizations. Standard models will be readily available for installation while custom ones can take a few weeks to acquire after all the measurements are taken. Stair lifts can be adjusted to fit most stairways even if you think they are too narrow or too lengthy.

Stair lift dealers will usually always give you a payment plan or offer financing. Since a stair lift is considered a home improvement modification, you can take out a home loan to purchase and then deduct the interest costs on your taxes. If purchasing a new stairlift is outside of your range, you can instead opt for a rental.

Stair lift rentals are also great for anyone with a temporary disability. Stair lifts can be removed fairly quickly and easily but a professional technician should be consulted.

Used stairlifts are also considerably cheaper than new stair lifts. Only purchase a used stairlift from a reputable dealer because older stair lifts that have a lot of wear on them can lose their function and may make loud noises.

This may be a last option but moving out of a multi-story building into a single floor home can be a reasonable alternative, if you are unable to afford a stair lift or not allowed to install a stairlift. It also reduces the chances of injuries from walking up and down the stairs. Climbing the stairs is a substantial health risk for the elderly and disabled.

Find out more about the costs and get more details about purchasing stair lifts before making this home modification. You may be surprised by the actual price of owning your own stairlift. Discover other handicapped equipment that can help improve your lifestyle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Stanton

Getting a Spiral Staircase

Are you looking to build a spiral staircase in your own house? If you want to build a good looking staircase, and you don't want to have a serious developer install it for a vastly overpriced amount, you can try to build and put the stairs in yourself. To do this, you will need to buy a spiral staircase kit--a kit that makes it easy to build and install the stairs. This is a modular kit, good for many sorts of houses and shapes.

If you want fast and easy assembly, and a staircase that doesn't take up too much space, go for the spiral variety. Because it is a spiral, and not a flat staircase, it will wind around a common center, taking up much less space than a normal staircase. This looks great in any house or building.

Unfortunately, it will be a little bit more annoying to climb than a regular set of steps, because of its spiral nature. However, the tradeoff is well worth it, because in the end you can buy an easy to install by yourself set of stairs that you can install yourself.

You can find these kits online or at several hardware stores. Go check your local Lowes and Walmart, and look online for the types of stairs you are most interested in. I guarantee you'll find what you're looking for. You should definitely look for one that fits the color and design of your house, and also the shape and size.

Jack Goldhammer is an expert staircase builder. He has written about modular home plans and spiral staircase kits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Goldhammer

Laminate Flooring How To - Covering Wooden Stairs With Laminate

You've just installed a laminate floor and you think you'd like to finish your wooden stairs in laminate for a unified, cohesive look. What tools will you need and how should you proceed?

What You'll Need on Hand

To accomplish this task, you'll need:

* a skill saw for cutting the laminate planks to fit the stair treads and risers

* PL200 or a similar, strong construction glue

* a brad-nailer

* a chop saw to cut metal stair nosings, (if you're using metal)

* screwdriver (electric)

* a broom

How to Proceed

Begin by sweeping the stairs to rid them of any shavings or dust. You'll need a clean surface for the glue to adhere properly.

Start with the risers first. Measure, mark and then cut each plank to fit the riser with the groove side facing down. Glue the back of each plank and fit it into the riser, making sure the groove is facing downwards. Use a brad-nailer to secure each plank in place while drying.

Once the risers are covered in laminate, it's time to start on the stair treads. This time, measure and mark each plank so that the groove is facing inwards to meet the laminate riser. (Having the groove of the laminate riser meet the groove of the laminate treads provides a corner with a nice, clean edge and it looks professional.) Glue the back of each plank and fit it to the stair tread, making sure that groove is facing the right way. Use a brad-nailer to secure each plank while drying.

You're almost there--all that's left are the stair nosings. The nosings fit over the lip (or nose) of the tread. Nosings come with pre-drilled holes to secure the screws in place. All you need to do is measure each one, cut it to fit and screw-nail it into place. There you go! Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Note: the method described above for installing stair nosings assumes that you're using metal nosings, which are stronger and more durable. You can use laminate nosings--these are not a standard size and rely on a track-type installation which is a little trickier as the track needs to be laid in exactly the right space for a flush fit.

Marion Taylor is an experienced writer who has combined skills and resources with her husband--a flooring retail owner and operator--to create a series of how-to flooring videos. Their latest effort is a laminate flooring how to video.

Copyright of this article: 2008, Marion Taylor. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

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Stair Lift Prices - How Much Do Stair Lifts Cost?

Worried about a stair lift cost? You do not need to worry much because it does not cost much. A stair lift is used to take people who have difficulty in walking and moving up and down the stairs.

It is attached to the stairs and it uses a rail to move up and down. It was invented as early as the 1920's. A man called CC Crispen who was a businessman in Pennsylvania invented a thing which was almost like a stair lift. He named the model as Inclin-ator.

The modern models are based on the model of the Inclin-ator. You might be thinking the present day models cost a lot. But it is a truth that it costs less than the other alternatives you have of it.

You can visit any shop or a website for a survey of the cost. You will find that you can get one which costs less than $2000 and some of them cost as much as $15,000.

The stair lift price will vary depending on what you want. If you want one that is of a top range and a great model with lots of features then obviously you have to pay a good price for that.

If you have a straight staircase at your home then you need not worry much about the cost but if you have a curved stair lift then there is a steady increase in the cost.

Prevention is always better than cure. If you have problems in walking and still you go up and down the stairs, you have a great chance of falling prey to a mishap. One fine day you can fall down from the stairs which means rushing to the hospital.

The treatment in the hospitals will then cost you more than what your stair lift cost would have been. If you have a medical insurance its fine, but if you do not have one you will almost lose all your money paying the hospital bills.

So try and invest in one to save yourself from the pain of the hospitals. Accidents are much more painful than losing money.

The stair lift will restore your peace of mind because you would not have to worry about the safety of the disabled person while he or she is going up and down the stairs.

Discover the cheapest stair lift prices online. If you are on a budget, learn more about stair lift rental.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Lim

Following Building Codes - Vital in Installing Stair Railings

Stairs serve an important purpose to people whether it's installed in a home or building. But apart from providing access to people in going to and descending from upper levels, a vital component of the stair also ensures the safety of users.

The stair railings protect people from falls during their ascent or descent. These are made up different parts - baluster, newel post, guards, landing newel and handrail. The balusters are the ones that protect people from falling off while the handrails help users in keeping their balance while going up and down the stairs. These same parts give the stairs its unique style.

As stairs come in different types, shapes and designs, they also need to be constructed in a variety of ways. Depending on the available space in a home, stairs can be gradual or steep, wide or narrow, hidden or grand. The tread part or the one you step on can also either be an open or closed type. In addition, stairs can be built right in place or you can have one ordered according to your specific requirements.

Another thing to take into consideration when installing stair railings is to be aware of the building codes in your locality. Any stairs need to comply with codes to ensure their safety to all users. The codes pertain to the heights of risers, depth and width of treads as well as placement of handrails. While there are national standards, local codes vary and feature different restrictions. Your city or county building department is your best source for the local requirements.

The restrictions normally are on the types of stairs, their measurements, head-height clearance, placement and construction of railing. If you're installing a spiral stair, for instance, you need to follow codes concerning measurements. A tread depth of 9 to 10 inches at 12 to 14 inches from the narrow side is usually required by many codes.

For the balusters, the opening or spaces between the vertical posts should be from a minimum of four inches to a maximum of six inches. This is so because a wider space in between can allow small kids to get through which may result in accidents.

The handrails need to comply with certain codes as well. For stairs situated against the walls, the required handrail height in the U.S. should be from 30 to 38 inches only while for open stairs, it should be from 34 to 38 inches. In Canada, the allowed height is 32 to 36 inches. A handrail is a must if the stairs are above 24 inches high.

It is also critical that stair railings include handrails that can be easily grasped by users. There have been many cases of slips and falls from places that use wide handrails whether made from wood or metal. The flat and wide types used in stair railings are not advisable because they are not friendly to the hands.

Protection is the foremost goal of stair railings but this can only be achieved if the proper building codes are followed during installation.

For more information on Stair railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalyan_Kumar

Stair Treads For Safety - Stair Building Tips

If you've built as many stairways as I have, this is a very simple question to answer. Should I use 2 x 12 or 3 x 12 for my stair treads? Without a doubt I would use the 3 x 12 for a couple of reasons.

The thickness of the three by material gives it some additional strength and that strength could prevent someone from falling through the stairway and getting injured. Visually looking at the 3 x 12 it gives you the illusion that the stairway is safe. Once you start walking up the stairway and the stairs seem solid and well constructed, it takes the illusion and makes it a reality.

If you're walking up a poorly constructed stairway every day, not only is it a safety problem but it takes a little bit of effort as you walk up the stairway, holding on to the hand rail with a death grip, this can easily wear someone out physically and mentally, over time. Stairways should be constructed and maintained with safety as the main priority.

If you've ever walked up and older stairway that was built using 2 x 12 for the stair treads, you probably know what I'm talking about. Walking up and down the stairway, while the stair treads are moving, does not give you a strong sense that the stairway is safe. And of course sometimes the stairway isn't.

For example if you have a 3 inch knot in a 2 x 12 stair tread, over time as the wood expands and contracts, the knot can loosen up and fall out of the stair tread, often creating a weak spot in the step. With a thicker stair tread, it will take a little more expanding and contracting to create a weak spot in the stair step.

If you're building a stairway wider than 36 inches, with no center stair stringers to support the stairway, I would suggest using a 3 x 12 or 4 x 12 for your stair treads. 2 x 12 should not be used for stair treads on any staircase wider than 36 inches.

If you choose to use 2 x 12 for your stair treads, select premium grade lumber for safety. Try to avoid using center cut building materials and 2 x 12 with knots larger than an inch and a half. Large knots are one of the biggest problems in construction safety.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Learn more about the parts of the stairway, whether you're a experienced carpenter or homeowner. Stair building does not necessarily have to be as complicated as most people make it out to be. There's also a book on how to build straight stairs that can save you a lot of frustration, if you've never built a stairway before. Visit the website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

Stair Climbing As Part of Your Weight Loss Workout Program For Women Over 40

So you're looking for a way to shed a few of those troublesome pounds. You'd like to fit into your clothes better or even get rid of the clothes you have now and get a whole new wardrobe.

How about that extra giggle when you walk? Something you wouldn't mind getting rid of either? Here's an idea that could work for you. Give some thought to using stair climbing as part of your weight loss workout program for women over 40

As we age things tend to slow down. It does happen but there's no reason that you can't fight it every step of the way. Aging doesn't have to be accompanied by your body breaking down.

Getting older can and should be a wonderful time in your life if you help it along by taking care of your body.

Women's issues are different then men's as we age but there are some things that are good for both groups to implement. Regular exercise is an important element of staying young and healthy.

So what about stair climbing? What are the benefits and what should you do? Here are some ideas.

Before you get started on your stair climbing program it's a good idea to check with your doctor especially is you have not been working out. Make sure that he says that it's o.k. for you to do.

To get started on your stair climbing routine and use it in your weight loss workout program for women over 40 simply find your favorite set of stairs that you can climb with minimal amount of traffic from others.

Starting with a few minutes per day is a good start. See if you can begin by walking up and down the stairs at a normal pace for those few minutes as you begin.

You will notice an increase in your heart rate and that's what you're looking for. Let's get that heart rate up there to a level that makes you work but makes you work at a level that you can handle for now.

As you begin to feel that your initial workout routine is becoming too easy then start to increase the amount of time and the speed at which you go up and down the stairs.

As time goes on and you continue to build your strength and stamina start thinking about taking the steps two at a time on the way up. This will add difficulty to your climb and also burn your thighs even more not to mention speeding up your heart rate even more.

Stair climbing is a great cardiovascular workout and like all movement it also gets you feeling great about how strong and healthy your body is becoming. The benefits of working out are physical as well as mental and emotional.

Make it a point to move on a regular basis and make stair climbing a part of your weight loss workout program for women over 40.

Fred Nicklaus is a National Champion martial artist who has also trained other National and World Champions in his martial arts schools. After total hip replacement surgery in 2005 he found the Combat Endurance Training program and it has helped him maintain his health and fitness. He teaches local Combat Endurance Training classes to adults and children in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Visit http://www.combatendurancetraining.com/j09 to find out more about Weight Loss Workout Program For Women Over 40 and Combat Endurance Training.

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How to Build Functional Stair Parts

The stairs are one of the most important parts of any household. It serves as the heart of any house since it connects all its parts and makes it distinguished from other houses. There are different kinds of stairs like spiral, straight or curved but all of these have the same things in common. They have the same purpose and the same stair parts.

Stairs parts are usually defined into two: the steps and the railing system. These two parts are highly connected to one another and should always complement each other to ensure its safety and design. If one part is not of good quality, the over-all look of the stairs and inevitable the house will be destroyed. If the railing is too low or too high, this can endanger the people who are living in that house especially children who likes to play in the stairway. On the other hand, if the steps are unequal and are not functional, this will also be a danger to all who uses the stairs.

The stair parts, then, is very important for all who uses it. We may hire professional stair makers or craftsmen to create the most perfect stairs that we wish from. An inexperienced stair maker can jeopardize the quality of the stairs and in turn, turn our dream homes into nightmare.

We can use different materials in making the stair parts. First of all is wood. Wooden stairs create a very beautiful ambiance for any home. It also poses safety and practicality to its users since it is not slippery and is comparably softer than concrete. But, the type of wood is also very important. There are a lot of wood types and not all of them are strong. We must pick a high quality wood to fit the stairs and will last almost a lifetime.

Another type of material that we can use is marble. This type of material is commonly used in huge mansions with wide grand stairways. It is not commonly used in ordinary houses since it's too expensive.

Other types of materials used in stair parts are stone, cement, and steel. Depending on what you want the over-all look of the house is.

The purpose of any stairs or its stair parts is too serve as a pathway for the house owners to go up and down the house. So it is imperative that it will be functional as well as aesthetic so that our houses will look good.

Normally when people visit us, the first thing that they will see once they go inside the house is the stairs. Thus, we need the stairs to create a perfect first impression on the house. We normally go the edge just to please our visitors. But what we normally overlook is the fact that when we have a perfect staircase in our houses, this actually helps in impressing our visitors.

So the next time that you build your home, try making the stair parts as perfect as your home.

For more inforamation about Stair Parts feel free to visit http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

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Planning the Stair Railings For Your House and Deck

Even though the main purpose of stair railings is to prevent accidental falls, it can also contribute to the ambiance of your home by being stylish and beautiful. From a legal perspective, stair railings are seen as indispensable features of stairs either in a home or those that lead up to the deck. You do not, however, have to restrict their functionality to the component of safety but can unwind your imagination and think of different ways to make the stair railings an artistic feature of your house.

There is no dearth of designs when it comes to railings for deck stairs and other staircases. Based on your aesthetic preferences, you could either opt for a simple and sober design or choose one that is innovative and brings in a breath of fresh air to your home. If you have a railing design that is elaborate, you can be sure of drawing a lot of praise from your friends and other guests who visit you. If the railing that you plan to install is for the backyard deck, then do make sure that you choose a material that does not catch rust easily and can last a long time despite being exposed to the weather.

As the primary reason for installing stairs is the consideration of safety, adequate thought needs to be given to features like the handrails and balustrades. In case of slipping accidentally on the stairs, the instinctive reaction of a person is to grab the handrails to break the fall. This being the case, the handrails and balustrade should have the strength to support the weight of an adult without any mishaps. The baluster spacing should also be restricted to four inches so that there is no possibility of small children getting stuck between them.

Finally, you have to devote some thought to the material that you will use for the construction of the stair railings. A wide variety of materials like metal, vinyl, wood and composites can be used here. If you opt for metal railings you again have a wide range to choose from. Cast iron, brass, bronze, wrought iron, aluminum etc. are some of the metals that are normally used for this purpose. Aluminum enjoys a high degree of popularity and you can either go for a powder coated finish or a brightly polished look based on what you think will go with the look of your house.

Another idea is to try out a combination of materials for the stair railing. In this case, if you use wood for the posts, you can have brass/aluminum balusters and tubular metal designs for the cap rail. This will give a unique and charming look to your stair railing. If you are installing the railing for your outdoor deck, wrought iron material would be a sensible choice to make as it is durable, highly rust-resistant and relatively immune to harsh weather conditions. Painting wrought iron railings with a new coat of paint also poses no difficulty.

Adam Peters use to write on stair railings and similar subjects for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com

More articles on iron railings and decking at his web.

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Choosing the Right Stair Carpet Runners

The installation of stair carpet runners are typically for the protection of the staircase and aesthetic reasons. If you already have a beautiful wooden staircase that is either straight up or circular, there is nothing more elegant than adding a carpet runner to finish out the elaborate look. The protection that a carpet runner renders the beautiful wood located at the center of the staircase where the highest amount of wear and tear happens is by far the best way to retain the value of the woodwork of your staircase. Using a carpet runner as a design element can be very easy because there are endless variety of sizes, materials, colors, and patterns to choose from.

Finding the perfect fitting runner is actually quite simple. Runners are sold in standard sizes and can also be custom ordered to fit the exact measurement of your staircase. Styles vary from traditional to modern and everything in between. Match the colors to other design elements in your home or choose a solid color like black or gray that can match just about any décor. Some indoor outdoor rugs and carpet materials are more durable than others so it is wise to keep quality at the top of your priority list when shopping. Many of us place priority on the way something looks rather than how long the product will last and if the price reflects the quality of the product. There are many types of carpet materials that look good but may not be as durable as you think.

Most stair carpet runners come with a quality backing that can withstand many years of wear and fair very well with frequent vacuuming or steam cleaning when necessary. Wool, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both are the best choices because the materials can easily be cleaned when needed and are durable enough to handle the high traffic. Finding the right runner and fit for your staircase takes some measuring and choosing on your part. Use the internet to determine what the market contains as far as carpet runners goes before making a final purchase. Look for companies that offer a guarantee if their product does meet the quality they are promising.

Please visit the following recommended sources to learn more about stair carpet tips and how to protect your indoor outdoor rugs.

Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

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Stair Railings Are Lovely Additions to Any Home

Can you imagine a flight of stairs without railings? It would be scary to go up without something to hold on to even if it's just three steps. Without railings, stairs would look incomplete and unattractive.

In a two-storey house, the stair railing is usually a major attraction as one enters the ground level. Whatever the material it is made of, this important component of the stairs adds beauty and value to any home.

But other than its decorative purpose, stair railings serve to hold up the balustrade of the staircase and as protection for people as well. For families with small children, these railings can indeed make your kids safe as they go up and down the stairs.

Homeowners and builders have a wide choice today when it comes to using stair railings. The materials available are of various kinds such as wood, iron and metal. Whatever the style you prefer, there should be one suited for you. Or, you can have one customized to fit your specifications.

Materials used

Wood stair railings are the classic choice for many homes. Since the olden days, wood has been a preferred material for railings because they're easy to work with. Oak is the most recommended type of wood for stair railings and it can be used as is or painted with a color to match the overall interior design theme of your home.

While wood provides a unique charm, other materials can be used to make more intricate designs and create a different appeal. Iron and metal railings are also common these days in residential and commercial structures giving the same protection and functionality to users. They can be made with special designs for an attractive look. Other options include glass, stainless steel, stone, aluminum and titanium.

Before deciding on a specific material for your stair railings, it's best that you consult an interior designer to give you an appropriate advice. Whether you're making a stairs indoors or outdoors, a professional can tell you which material would fit your home best. The metal railings are usually ideal for outdoors because of their strength and durability.

How it evolved

The use of stairs dates back to around 6000 B.C. The first known stairs was made of wood trunks and was used for survival. Its main purpose was to enable people to move to higher areas such as valleys and mountains where they would feel more secure.

It was years later that historians discovered the use of the stairs for religious purposes in China. The first stairs in China then was made of granite and led to the Tai Shan, a sacred mountain. Ancient stories say Chinese philosopher Confucius went up this same ladder in the year 55 B.C.

Peter Nicholson was credited for formulating a mathematical system for the construction of stairs and railings by the end of the 19th century. Eva Jiricna of London is recognized as the one who started using glass and stainless steel in designing stairs with a futuristic appeal.

For more information on Stair railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalyan_Kumar

Proper Stair Parts For a Good Stairway

If you grew up in a home that has stairs you will most probably have the memory of playing in the railings of the stairs and sliding down the handrail.

This memory might not be possible if your staircase is not sturdy enough to support your weight. With this, you know that you will have to be careful in finding the right stair parts that you will use to create the proper staircase in your home.

If you have a home and it has two or more floors, then you should start considering the stair parts that you will need for your stairs. The stairs are present in your home for practical reasons. You will have to use the stairs to go to one floor to the other. For other homeowners, they use the stairs to add décor in their home. This is also an important aspect especially if your staircase is big and visible in your home. If this is the case, then you will have to ensure that your staircase is not only safe but it should also be pleasing to the eyes of your visitors. In achieving this, you will have to ensure that you will get the right pieces that will help you get a sturdy staircase and also one that has interesting designs to match the look of your home.

The stair parts that you need are easy to find but this does not mean that you will already stop searching once you find one that you like. It is possible that you can easily find one type that you think fits your home but it will be better if you will continue searching and compare the pieces that you see in the market. If you are able to compare the stair parts, you will have a bigger chance of getting the one that you will really like. This will also be a good way to avoid future problems.

You can start thinking of the design that you like and get a professional help when it comes to constructing it. The carpenters will do their job this time but you can instruct them on the kind of outcome that you want from your own staircase.

Now, your home will only get the right staircase if you will invest on the stair parts that you will use. It would be best to start the search now and continue with it so that you can cover more types in the market and really get the kind that you can enjoy having. You should remember that the staircase is not only important because you want to play with its railings. The safety of your family will depend on it and it will also have a big impact in the look of your home.

For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com/
Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

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Can You Buy a Two Person Stair Lift?

The answer to the title is 'NO'. Since the stair lift operates on a track along which it runs, it is limited to the weight it can carry at any one time. Therefore, for safety reasons, only one person should use the stair lift at any one time.

The stair lift is meant to help the people with disability or an impairment that prevents them from walking up and down the stairs on their own. Through the use of a stair lift, they can be free to move around as they wish without having to rely on someone in their family to help them all the time.

The stair lift comes in different varieties. The most common one is where a chair is mounted on a track, and it moves up and down between the various levels of the house when you press a button. This is easy to use and most recommended for people that can walk around on their own, but cannot walk up or down the stairs due to some other problem.

The other variety is where a platform is mounted onto the track. This platform can carry a person or a wheelchair upstairs. This is best for people who are wheelchair bound and cannot walk at all. This is also useful for people who can't sit comfortably or those who have the energy to stand on the platform while it moves between the levels.

Stair lifts also come for staircases that are curved. While these cost more than normal stair lifts, these are best for homes that only have one staircase, and that staircase is curved. These need more work to be put in to mount everything into place, which is why it costs more.

Stair lifts operate both through a battery and through regular power supply. The battery is used to power the stair lift at times when there is no power, due to a power cut, which means no one will ever be left stranded on a level. The electricity supply is normally used during the day, letting the battery charge till it is needed.

Stair lifts are wonderful for elderly people and people who are disabled. They allow the person to have mobility without being restricted to any one level on the house. With a stair lift, the person can move through the house freely and you don't have to worry about changing floor plans, moving homes or building new rooms to give the person more mobility. While these are very common in homes for the elderly, they are growing in popularity and can be found in many homes across the country.

When you start planning on getting a stair lift, you need to first look at the available companies and get all of them to come and take a look at your house. The representative will then give you a quote and you can then decide which company to get the stair lift installed from. It takes two people few hours to install it, so it is not a long process.

You can find more info about a stair lift at Churchills Stairlifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brinkmann_Hamer

The Beauty of Cedar Deck Railing

The Importance of Good Railings For Your Home

Stair railings are a necessary component of stairs that lead either to the upper or lower level of your home. This is the legal description of stair railings. They are, however, more than just that in your home. They offer protection from family members and guests accidentally falling off the stairs as well as being very complimentary to the overall décor of your home. Cedar deck railing is very popular for outdoor decks while wood or vinyls are both used inside the home.

If you're building or remodeling your home, you'll be amazed when you see the many different designs, styles and materials there are available for railings for deck stairs and staircases inside the home. The style you choose will depend on your personal taste and preference. There are simple and plain designs for a casual or country design, while artistic and elegant designs can be used for a real touch of style and class. Long staircases have always been popular in homes and continue to be popular. With the ever-popular decks being built all the time, you'll want to take the time to decide which style of railing you want on your deck. Although a little more costly than most woods, cedar deck railing always looks great, especially with proper treatment. The most important thing when choosing deck railing is to use a material that can withstand the elements of weather, which can be very hard on certain materials.

Building Safe Railings

Besides as home décor, the main reason for stair railings is to prevent people from falling off the stairs and injuring themselves. Make sure the handrail and baluster are both sturdy enough to withstand the amount of weight that they'll encounter. Another safety factor is the space between the balusters, which should not be more than 4 inches. Certain laws are in effect regarding stairways and railings. Any size larger than 4 inches may cause a problem with a small child slipping through or being stuck and being injured.

Materials For Stair Railings

Many different materials can be used for building your stair railings including wood, vinyl, composites and metal. Aluminum railings can have different finishes such as powder coated, brushed silky look or brightly polished. They all look great and are a matter of personal preference. Wrought iron, brass, bronze or cast iron are all used to make metallic railings, which are also popular. Many people choose to mix and match materials. For instance, they'll use wood on the floor and vinyl cap rails on cedar deck railings. The most important thing to remember is to use the materials that will last the longest and withstand the most perils like weather, rotting or insects.

Adam Peters is the author of many resources on stair railings related topics published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com - Read additional info on wood railings or cedar deck railing

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Stair Railings Are Vinyl and PVC

Two materials which work great for front porch stair railings are vinyl and PVC. These materials are wonderful because they do not splinter, they are smooth to the touch, and they are slip-resistance for maximum safety. These materials are also extremely durable, hold up well to weather exposure, and they will not burn your hands during the summer because they do not hold heat like some materials. PVC is resistant to UV light, which will help prevent fading or other color changes due to sun exposure. Both vinyl and PVC come in many different colors and vinyl even comes in wood grain design if you want the look of wood, but the durability and ease of use of vinyl.

Wood front porch stair railings are another option that you may want to consider. Wood is a traditional material for homes that give character like nothing else. There are so many different varieties and species of wood that you can use to make your front porch stair railings. Cedar wood is a wonderful choice, because it offers you decay resistance, as well as being insect resistant. Cedar will also handle moisture much better than other wood species. You will find that there are other wood options that you may want to consider as well, including composite woods. Composite wood front porch stair railings will be durable, water resistant, and will need little maintenance. They are also decay, insect, and UV light resistance, which will help them to stay beautiful for many years. Composite wood does not splinter, either.

Iron front porch stair railings are another material to consider. Iron is widely used as a railing material due to its durability and strength. Iron offers you a beautiful way to help enhance your home. Iron is a wonderful material because it can be made in almost any design that you can think of-from animals to shapes to even letters. It is very durable and will probably outlast your home. You will love the classic look that iron can add to your front porch.

By choosing the right materials for you and your home, you will find that your front porch stair railings can be functional and enhance your home.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like railing designs published online for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com . A website with tips on vinyl railings.

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Stair Parts - Your Stairway to the Best Stairways

You may not notice it, but you use the stairs almost every day. Even if you live in a bungalow (which often times also has stairs for a relatively elevated level of the house), you may encounter (and use) stairs in work, in the mall, in transport system stations, or wherever it is that you will need a travel vertically.

You might notice that even in this modern world, when a building with one hundred floors can have as many elevators and escalators it needs, stairs are still a necessary or integral part of the main building structure. First, of course is because stairs are really an integral part of the whole structure of a domestic or commercial (high-rise) building, not to mention that it will of course still work (or more appropriately, be used) even without electricity. Second, even the elevators and the escalators are working; you may always find the need to use the "waiting-free" traditional stairs, especially if you will just go up or down a level or two. Moreover, especially during these times when programmed exercise regimen is rare opportunity for the busy worker, ascending and descending stairs are a great exercise in itself! And of course, (these is especially true for houses) a grand-looking stair way is always a good point for your house, which is reminiscent of the elegant stairways that you can only see on mansions and palaces. With these functions, it is absolutely necessary that a stairway is beautiful and sturdy. And one sure way to have both beautiful and stable stairway is to make it using decorative and sturdy stair parts!

There are many different kinds of stair parts. First, is of course in terms of the materials, there are wooden stair parts, metallic stair parts, marble stair parts, concrete stair parts, stone stair parts, among others. They can also differ from their general shape, design, and color. These differences in stair parts of course account for the differences in stairways themselves. You can construct your stairway by using only one type of material, as in the elegant marble stair ways of large houses or you can use a combination of materials, which is common in modern houses. You can focus also have a combination of designs, although more common is the use of only one design. The important thing is that the final design of your stairway will not just be pleasing in your eyes (and of the others who will see it), but also of course is stable enough to withstand constant use (for obvious safety reasons).

Generally, when choosing the Stair Parts for the intended stairway, the design of the whole house is considered, for it is important that the design of the stair parts (and eventually, the stair way) will complement that of the rest of the house, after all, it is an integral part of it.

For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit: http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

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Stair Railings: the Gateway to Your Home

Are the stair railings or hand railings in your home portraying a beauty of craftsmanship and functionality as they are meant to?

Take a good look when you walk into your home. If you have a stair railing going to another level in your home more times then not it is the first thing people will see when they walk into your home. The craftsmanship of a wood stair railing often tells the story of quality for the finish carpentry work throughout the house. Like it or not sometimes this craftsmanship and quality is compared to the type of person you are by some people the same way as being judged for the tidiness of the house or yard or even the type of car you drive. I would venture to say pride means a lot to the vast majority of us and we like to be judged favorably no matter what it is.

Safety First

With all the ways people are being sued these days safety of a hand railing is critical. The railing first needs to meet some standards of strictly enforced codes. These codes are set and enforced by OSHA. OSHA stands for: Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.

I recently wrote an e-book on how to build your own handrail and these codes are outlined with formulas and techniques that are easily understood to meet these OSHA codes in the process of building a hand railing.

A few of these important OSHA codes that you could easily check with your stair railing to be sure it is in compliance are the height of the railing and the correct spindle spacing. Let's say for example a railing which is built next to a stair way. OSHA wants the very top of the hand railing to be no lower then 36" and no higher then 38". The way to measure this height is to put the start or end of a tape measure at the very outside point of a stair tread next to the railing and measure exactly straight up from that point. Be sure to be going up exactly straight or plumb and the use of a level is recommended to get an accurate reading of the tape measure for this distance between the stair tread and the top of the railing.

The next code that is critical and should not be over looked and also is strictly enforced is the spacing of the balusters or spindles. This is an important one especially if there would be little kids around. OSHA wants these balusters or spindles spaced at no more then 4" apart. For turned or round spindles that means 4" between the skinniest part of the spindles.

Another safety item would be to make sure the stair railing is sturdy and not wobbly. Unfortunately this is not as easy to fix as one would think. Depending on the situation with a little understanding of how a railing is built and a few strategically placed screws you can get it firm within reason regarding this aspect. The use of the right sized screws and how it is screwed is also important in this situation. Sturdiness is one reason why the use of glues and construction adhesive is used in the process of building a hand railing today.

Craftsmanship and Beauty

To enhance the beauty of your stair railing there are a few things you can do. A real easy way is to clean the wood with Murphy’s oil. Furniture polish will also work well just be sure the wood is sealed and the directions are followed with these products.

Another way is to give the wood another coat of varnish. There are many types and brands of varnish out there and different application methods. It would be highly recommended to do some research or just talk to people who sell or work with products in the painting industry. These people are usually pretty knowledgeable and can help out tremendously for the correct amount to buy and the application method for your particular situation.

Other things you may run into with your hand railings are small gaps at the joints of the railing. An example of this may be where the hand railing meets the newel post or other various joints throughout the railing. These small gaps are a result of a multitude of contributing factors and not necessarily bad craftsmanship. To get a better understanding of these factors I recently wrote an article about understanding wood shrinkage and this explains some of the variables which concern these problems. To fix these little imperfections I recommend a wood filler that matches the stain of the wood. The right color wood filler makes these little imperfections virtually invisible.

In conclusion, stair railings create the flow that leads into your home. Be creative while giving attention to the beauty and safety of your hand railings and your efforts will be appreciated and felt for years to come.

Improving Your Staircase Through Quality Stair Parts

If you want to improve the look of your home, you should remember to prioritize the things that you need. You should know which things are important and which are not. This is because you have to avoid forgetting the important things. You should remember that there are different parts in your home that should be cared for. There are small things that constitute your home and there is a tendency for you to forget about them. However, these things are still important.

You may think that your staircase is an important part of your home. If you want to get this part of your home improved, then you will most probably start with the design that you want from it. However, you should still consider that the stair parts are also important and it will generally affect the look of your staircase.

There are many kinds of stairs and you would have to know the possibilities so that you can carefully select the kind that you will use in your home. There are also many stair parts available in the market and you should also check them out so that you will know which combinations would work for you. These options that are open for you would be a great help especially because you will be able to improve the look of your home. However, you should not forget to consider the quality of the stair parts that you will choose to buy. You have to be careful because these parts would also affect the durability and stability of your staircase.

When it comes to the style of your staircase, it would mostly depend on your design needs. You should remember that you have to find a suitable design for your home. You may know that you have to select the design based from the theme of your house. This is important when you want to achieve a certain level of aesthetics. However, you should still be practical with your choices especially when the space for the staircase is limited. Thus, the design would still have to depend on your taste as well as the practical considerations such as space and budget.

The stair parts that you will need would depend on the design that you want. Thus, you have to set your decision so that you will still have enough time to search for the parts that you will need. You should think about the long term effects of your choices since it would not be practical to change your stairs every year. Thus, you have to ensure that you are able to consider most of your options and weigh them. This will lead you to a good decision and a sturdy staircase that is economical and stable

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top - SEO Company

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic

Eliza Maledevic - EzineArticles Expert Author

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