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- Joseph G. Swallow
Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Expert Profile
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
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathi | 03/29/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Barry | 11/26/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thabks Joseph |
| Carol-Ann Connell | 09/10/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dear Joseph, Thank you so so much ..... |
| Richard | 08/14/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Sylvi | 08/10/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much, I have asked ..... |
Recent Answers from Joseph G. Swallow
2012-02-22 stairway:
I am not an expert on this. I've tried both methods and, by far, the best result was when I sanded the wood down and them applied the desired stain. Using the Polystain or pigmented polyurethane never
2011-11-24 Railing:
Barry, Sounds like you are in a tough spot. Basically, if the handrail was sealed there should never have been any bowing. What kind of wood was it? Oak? Once bowed, from my experience, I don't
2011-11-13 Space between spindles:
Please send a picture. I do know that a surface needs to be equally sanded so it takes the stain the same. If an area was sanded with 120 grit paper and the surrounding area with 80 grit, there would
2011-10-04 Removing a banister between living room and dining room:
Rose, I've seen in similar circumstances where they split the 15" into two risers with a tread the full length of the step down. They would run a hardwood tread cap along the top length, stained or
2011-09-13 Staircase Handrails:
Depending on the shape of the handrail, a belt sander running up and down the length of the rail can take the finish off rather quickly, though it creates a lot of dust. Near a newel and a wall one would
Answers by Expert:
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