Restoring old banisters

Made of solid teak, finished with an oil based stain.

The bottom part of these existing banisters of a monumental staircase was broken and lost during renovation of the building. I was given the assignment to recreate a new curl modelled upon the still existing one on the top part of the banisters.

The distinguished banisters profile was attached over its full lenght to the wall. This profile I made by router and several small handplanes. The curl itself was entirely hand cut, using chisels and gouges.

The restored curl is attached to the existing banisters by means of two dowels. This creates a very solid joint which is not visible from the outside.

The original banisters had a stained finish. In order to recreate the same colour (taking discoloration after time into account), I hade a special oil based stain made after the example of the original banisters.