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Joseph G. Swallow

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Expertise

I can answer all staircase balustrade questions where handrails, newels posts, balusters (wood and metal), and stair treads are concerned. I cannot help with cabinetry and floor (outside of stair-related treads and risers), as well as stain and finish issues unless staircase related.

Experience in the area

30 years in the stair industry. Founder of Hardwood Creations in Southern California and CEO of Westfire Manufacturing, Inc. I was a stair builder for 10 years, both in custom and production housing. Have estimated over 750,000 single family homes and provided materials to lumber yards and builders for 12 years. Was an expert witness in several staircase related law suits in Southern California. Stair codes, installation help, stair handrail and balustrade installation are what I know best.

Organizations

NAHB of Portland, OR. Was a member of ICBO for 9 years.

Education/Credentials

Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College

Average Ratings

  • Knowledgeability 10.0
  • Clarity of Response 9.96
  • Timeliness 9.81
  • Politeness 10.0
  • Number of Questions (in Past 24 Hours) 0
  • Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour Period) 5
  • Total Questions (since joining AllExperts) 132
  • Volunteer Since 2006-07-25
  • Prestige Points 880

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Rob11/17/0910101010Thanks for the leads and I will .....
Livia10/16/09109 9 10 
Luke09/11/0910101010Excellent! Thanks again Joseph and thanks for .....
Luke09/11/0910101010Was stunned to receive a response so .....
Patricia09/03/0910101010Many thanks.

Recent Answers from Joseph G. Swallow

2009-11-12 wrouht iron balustrade:

Sorry, unless I saw the image myself I could not direct you. The company with the most available has been House of Forgings which you can find at http://www.westfiremfg.com or try someone different like

2009-10-15 Removing a staircase:

Livia, I don't see why it cannot be done. There won't be any heavy machinery, just your basic tools: chop saw, access to radial arm saw or sabre saw, drills, hammer, etc. Most of the work is removing

2009-10-12 Refinishing oak balusters and hand rails:

Odds are your stair was finished with a laquer based product. I would recommend using a pigmented white laquer to paint the balusters. Laquer, when applied, melts the layer below and creates a good

2009-09-11 Refinish or Replace Oak Railing:

I would keep the L-Brackets and use with the oak treads only because of the strength. There are two options: 1) You can take strips of oak and cover over the brackets, drilling or dadoing the centers

2009-09-10 Refinish or Replace Oak Railing:

If I were in your shoes, I would try and keep my existing newel posts and handrails. It sounds like you have a good product and painter can work wonders. If your painter is confident he could match the

 

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