Hello!
I'm planning to build a new stair railing on the upper floor. It's really just 2 sections that are about 1.30 m long. I will use top and bottom rails with aluminum pipes in between.
I'm considering using glulam for both the posts and the top/bottom rails. The bottom rail will be about 10cm above the floor. I have a feeling that it's more stable and less likely to warp. Am I wasting money or is it sensible?
I'm planning to build a new stair railing on the upper floor. It's really just 2 sections that are about 1.30 m long. I will use top and bottom rails with aluminum pipes in between.
I'm considering using glulam for both the posts and the top/bottom rails. The bottom rail will be about 10cm above the floor. I have a feeling that it's more stable and less likely to warp. Am I wasting money or is it sensible?
I believe that poles are mostly made of glulam, as such dimensions tend to crack otherwise. Even upper and lower beams should be better if they are glued. There should be less risk of them twisting or warping in other ways.
What dimensions are you planning to use for the top and bottom chord?
The posts will be 80*80 laminated pine that is spray-painted white. Top/bottom pieces will be type 58*38 or 58*58. They will be set up vertically with drilled holes for aluminum tubes. Then, a top piece will also be placed on top.
Not entirely clear on the construction yet. In the planning stage
Not entirely clear on the construction yet. In the planning stage
An excellent idea to use glulam. Besides the material staying straighter, it also becomes stiffer. However, I think you have chosen dimensions that are too large. The handrail should not be wider than 50 mm, and posts that are 80x80 become clumsy. Make the posts in a different type of wood, for example, birch, so you can make them significantly slimmer, preferably 50x50, perhaps even thinner.