The following renderings are different versions of a pedestal newel I am developing. They go from about 5 1/2 inch base with 3 1/2 inch turning to about a 8 inch square base with 5 1/2 inch diameter turning. All models depict over the post style newel but certainly a post to post newel could be made. These would have to be shipped in pieces so that the final length of the base could be cut. The column and moldings could be attached after the base is cut and installed.
The spiral top of the newel below is another variation on a theme. Of course, there are endless possibilities. The bases on these have recessed flat panels which could be made with raised panels or left plain. The ionic columns could be fluted as well as plain.
This is another model and rendering I did recently exploring mantel design with split rope twisted columns. Presumably this would be made in cast stone but it certainly could be fashioned from wood. The eyebrow arch makes for an additional good show I think – I love eye brow arches. The mantel shelf is visually supported wit ha large crown molding.
This is a round table similar in concept to the rectangular table in the previous post. This is one however I have just completed for my own home. I guess I should post pictures. I painted the base (blue) and glazed it before spaying a clear sealer. The top, however, is red oak – stained and glazed.
This is a table that I intend to build one day. I like the base with the four columns instead of your typical table legs and aprons. Asa bonus you have more leg room (room above your knees and thighs) -good for large folks. I prefer a painted base with stained or natural wood top. The painted base accents the wood better than having all natural or stain in my view.
I made these rope twisted columns for a customer in Florida. As you can see they are hollow, turned from staved hollow octagons. By the way that is my youngest son in the picture. The Youtube video has at present over 40,000 views.
The poplar columns were actually designed to be a part of a rather large bed for the customer of my customer. I would have loved to see the final project and to post it but you don’t always get want you want.
rope twisted columns
rope twisted columns
I love it that I snapped the picture right when my son had received a call.
Pictured below are four of a set of poplar columns we made for a customer some time back. The fluted columns are tapered to simulate the Greco – Roman columns of old. The rope twist are simply cylindrical. These are solid (though laminated) poplar. They came off quite nicely I think and would make a fine addition to any home.
I occasionally like to look at newel and baluster designs online to “rev” up my creative juices since I often am called upon to design both for my customers. I found this beauty on Jerry West’s Flickr account and thought I would post it here. Hat’s off to him for a fine design and execution. You will enjoy seeing some of the other pieces he has posted in his account. Click on the link below the image.
These alder kitchen island legs are 5 1/2″ wide X 36″ long. The particular twist on these island legs is called a barley twist. I suppose it simulates barley grain or a stalk of barley??? I’ve never grown barley (seen it in pictures only) but this is what it is called. You will have to make your own judgment about whether the name is justified or not.
The alder, for some, has become a substitute for cherry. You’ll have to use your judgment on this as well as to whether alder resembles cherry. But alder it is. Alder is more plentiful in the West and not so common here in the Deep South but it is, in fact, shipped here. The alder I purchase is knot plentiful except for the select grades (which is what is pictured below). Even the select has occasional small tight knots. You can see a few on these legs.
In my last post I discussed column mantel surrounds and a few specific related ideas. In this post I would like to discuss the pilaster style mantel surround and some of the possibilities related to pilasters. Defined, a pilaster is: a slightly-projecting column built into or applied to the face of a wall most commonly flattened or rectangular in form. Pilasters are commonly designed to simulate the column on a building. As such many are designed with the same sort of fluting you would see on a Greek or Roman column. Some of the ornamental elements used in pilaster style mantel surrounds include corbels, scroll centers, drops, rosettes. Plinth blocks and capitals are useful for completing the pilaster columns. They help to simulate the Greco Roman classic look.
The mantle above displays the simple pilaster type mantle surround, The pilasters are capped with bandsawn brackets though carved corbels could be used here.
What is neat about the pilaster mantel surround above is that the bracket (or corbel) overlays the pilaster quite a bit unlike the first image where the bracket overlays just the top of the pilaster. The corbel below would make quite an impression mounted on this style mantel surround.
36 inch high X 9 inch deep X 10 3/4 inches wide
And lastly the pilasters on the mantel surround below are offset by 45 degrees. Note also that the top of the opening around the firebox is an “eyebrow” arch – a nice touch I think.
OK this is really my last design: I thought I would add this wrap around style pilaster mantel surround. It is similar to the column type wrap around in the first article except the pilasters make up the corners instead of the columns. Lots of possibilities here as well for ornamentation including fluting, carved appliques (or wood onlays), recessed panels, etc
wrap around pilaster mantel surround
Hopefully if you are indeed in the beginning stages of designing and building a mantel surround then these brief articles have been a help. If so let me know your thoughts.
These stair newels were made for a customer in North Carolina. They were designed to emulate a pair of cherry kitchen island legs that someone else had turned for him some time back. The newels were going into three stairways that he was in the process of redoing in his 8-10 year old home. They are crafted from mahogany and are 6″ wide X various lengths to accommodate his unique situation. As you can see they are over-the-post designs with newel caps that will match 6310 style handrails. For an explanation of how these caps attach to the handrails you might like to visit here: Installing newel caps
