Miscellaneous
1. What are the L.J. Smith standard species?
Available hardwoods are red oak, poplar, beech, cherry and maple. Softwood is hemlock. Primed balusters are also available.
2. Can L.J. Smith provide other wood species?
Yes. Many other wood species are available for quoting upon request. Please provide a list of the items and approximate quantities for a quote.
3. What is the difference between laminated, edge-glued, veneered, and engineered?
Laminated is glued for thickness or height; edge-glued is for width as in treads and risers; veneered is thinly wrapped and backed with paper; and engineered refers to a glued-up core over which a 1/8" layer is laminated.
4. What is a kneewall stair?
The treads are closed in by a semi-wall that ascends with the rake of the stair. Requires the use of shoerail and fillet.
5. What is an open stair?
The treads are open and the balusters are placed directly on the treads.
6. Can you mix over-the-post and post-to-post in the same stair system?
Yes. Generally you see a system started with over-the-post and then transition into post-to-post at landings and balconies.
7. What is the rake?
Pitch of the stairway or angle of the stairway. Also referred to as the degree of ascent.
8. What is the run?
The horizontal measurement from the face of one riser to the face of the next riser. This is the depth of the tread without the nosing.
9. What is a floor-to-floor finish height?
This is the distance from the top of the finished flooring material at the bottom of the stairway to the finished flooring material at the top of the stairway. This is the total rise of the stairway.
10. What is referred to as the headroom?
It is the distance measured vertically from the top of any tread to anything you might hit your head on. Codes generally say a stair should have a minimum of 6'8" of headroom.
11. What are the two main requirements for a stairway?
To look good
To be strong.
12. What is the difference between an Over-the-post and a Post-to-post stair system?
In a post-to-post stair system, the handrail runs between the newel posts. In an over-the-post system, the handrails run over the newel posts.
13. Why is it important that the baluster choice corresponds to the handrail choice?
Wood balusters are manufactured on a square size of either 1 1/4" or 1 3/4", therefore, the handrail width must correspond to the baluster size. (Hemlock baluster squares are 1 1/4" or 1 5/8"). Iron balusters can be used with any non-plowed handrail.
14. Does L.J. Smith recommend the use of nails for stair installation?
To avoid squeaks, L.J. Smith recommends avoiding the use of nails wherever possible. Use woodscrews, lag bolts, rail bolts and assembly glue on all joints.
15. How is the rake rail height measured?
The rake rail height is the measurement from the tip of the nosing on the front edge of the tread to the top of the handrail. This measurement must be code compliant if, in fact, a code is enforced.
16. What are the two types of stair systems?
Post-to-Post (PTP) and Over-the-Post (OTP). The PTP system has the handrail going between the newels and the OTP system has the handrail over the newels.
17. Can the L.J. Smith products be used for the exterior?
All L.J. Smith products are manufactured for interior use only, except our Linear Collection cable and cable fittings which are 316 Marine Grade stainless steel and our Linear cable system metal newels that are powder-coated aluminum. These products can also be used in exterior applications.
18. Are custom species available such as Mahogany or White Oak?
Yes. L.J. Smith products can be manufactured in many other species but must be quoted for price and availability.
19. What ways can you start an Over-the-Post system?
It can be started with a Starting Easing with Cap, a Standard Volute, a Climbing Volute, a Vertical Volute, or a Turnout.
20. How can you ensure a solid and durable installation?
By using wood screws, lag bolts, rail bolts, and wood glue on all joints.
21. How do you make a pitchblock?
A pitchblock can be made in two ways. Option #1, use the triangular piece of off-fall from the stringer. Option # 2, use a piece of plywood. Clamp a piece of handrail to the nosing of the treads. Set the plywood on one tread and against the nose of the next tread. Mark and trim along the underside of the handrail. (See the L.J. Smith Balustrade Installation Guide)