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Off-the-Shelf Stair Balustrade Needs Only Seven Saw Cuts
After it makes its American debut at PCBC® The Premier Building Show in San Francisco on May 29 to June 1, a popular off-the-shelf European balustrade system will be available through Home Depot.
Introduced by Leeper’s Stair Products, the Fusion™ system comes ready to install with a few simple tools and, for a typical straight stair flight, only seven saw cuts.
The balustrade system includes newel posts, handrail, balusters and base rail. It can be installed in just a few hours, helping contractors speed the process and gain increased profits.
The Fusion balustrade system is ideal for developers, especially those creating contemporary multi-units such as lofts, condos, town homes and row houses.
The systems are composed of natural wood with chrome-plated or brushed nickel connectors that fit together in a variety of configurations.
Stairways can include cut or open strings, winders, bullnose steps, 180-degree turns and other features; Fusion balustrades can conform to almost any arrangement. The parts require almost no modification except for cutting the wood to the proper length, and the ends of all balusters adapt to fit either a stairway or landing.
For remodels, the system can be installed using either new or existing newel bases.
“Balustrade installation typically is a complex process of measuring, angling, spacing and making a large number of saw cuts just for a single straight flight,” said David Lowe, vice president of business development for Leeper’s. “By contrast, Fusion requires only seven cuts for the same flight, and they don’t have to be exact because each wood piece fits into a metal connector. Angling is easy because the connectors adjust to fit design requirements. Even an apprentice can install this system with professional results.”
Installation can be completed in a few easy steps: preparing the newel base; securing the base connector; fitting the base rail; fitting and securing the newel post; fitting and attaching the handrail; and fitting and attaching the balusters. Only simple tools — such as a saw, drill, screwdriver, level — are required. Sanding is not necessary except for the occasional minor fitting.
Rails and newels come unfinished in oak, cherry or maple for custom staining.
The Fusion system has been approved by the International Code Council Evaluation Service for compliance with the 2006 International Residential Code and International Building Code.
For those attending PCBC, Fusion representatives will be at the BUILDERnews booth #5222 in the North Hall, where they will have tabletop models and sample parts for demonstration.
Home Depot is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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