Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Timber Staircases
Timber Staircases
ssues. They are fixed to a newel Balustrade of metal with wodden bannister
Contacts and Further Reading
Timber
baluster this can be repaired by applying wood post at the top and bottom of the staircase to
glue to the split and binding the two halves provide extra strength.
together with tape while drying takes place. Jackson A, Hay D, Period House ISBN: 0007192754
Any excess glue should then be sanded off and
the wood refinished. A horizontal break will
As balustrades are made of several elements,
all of which can become loose through Glasgow West Conservation Trust, Historic Woodwork
Staircases
need to be repaired by the insertion of a dowel repeated use. Particularly vulnerable parts are
to ensure structural strength is maintained. the finials on top of newel posts which are Historic Scotland Technical Conservation Group
Where drying has led to a small split in often constructed separately from the main 0131 668 8668
a tread or riser this should not need any body of the post and become loose through hs.technicalconservationgroup@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
attention but should the split become larger people swinging on them as they reach the
and spread this will require the split element bottom of the stair. The balusters can also Historic Scotland Investments and Projects Team:
to be repaired as above or replaced. work loose over time, particularly if they are 0131 668 8801
only secured using a nailed butt joint. Loose hs.grants@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Treads inevitably become worn over time and parts should be refixed using the original
badly worn treads will need to be replaced as method as soon as any looseness is detected. Historic Scotland Inspectorate:
these can become a safety hazard. Where this This will ensure the important safety function hs.inspectorate@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
is necessary it is best to consult an experienced which balustrades provide is maintained and 0131 668 8716
tradesperson as replacing treads is a difficult prevent further damage to adjacent parts.
operation to perform. Where a tread has to Where severe damage has occurred it may
be replaced it is important to specify the style be necessary to replace some elements. These
and the wood being used so it will match the can be manufactured by a skilled joiner to be
originals as closely as possible. replicas of the existing balustrade. By having
a replacement piece made which matches the
If impact damage has only brought about a original this will ensure the visual integrity of
small scratch or gouge to the wood filler or the staircase is maintained.
a small wood indent can be used to affect a
repair. If more serious damage occurs that
affects the structural stability of the staircase
then the damaged elements will need to be
replaced and an experienced tradesperson
consulted. Again, wood which will match the
original as closely as possible should be used
when carrying out any repair or replacement
elements are being made.
Balustrades