Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the steps as finished, with return nosings and cove moulding complete.
A front elevation of the finished step is shown in Fig. 7, the nosing and riser returning against the base of the newel post.
Often the newel post projects past the riser, in front; and when such is the case, the riser and nosing are cut square against the base of the newel.
Fig. S shows a portion of a cut and mitered string, which will give an excellent idea of the method of construction. The letter 0 shows the nosing, F the return nosing with a bracket termi nating against it. These brackets are about [3- inch thick, and are planted (nailed) on the string; the brackets miter with the ends of the risers; the ends of the brackets which miter with the risers, are to be the same height as the riser. The lower ends of two balus ters are shown at G G; and the dovetails or mortises to receive these are shown at E E. Generally two balusters are placed on each tread, as shown; but there are times instances in which three are used, while in others only one baluster is made use of.
An end portion of a cut and mitered string is shown in Fig. 9, with part of the string taken away, show ing the carriage— a rough piece of lumber to which the finished string is nailed or otherwise fastened. At C is shown the return nosing, and the man ner in which the work is finished. A rough bracket is sometimes nailed on the carriage, as shown at D, to support the tread. The balusters are shown dovetailed into the ends of the treads, and are either glued or nailed in place, or both. On the lower edge of string, at B, is a return bead or moulding. It will be noticed that the rough carriage is cut in snugly against the floor joist.
Fig. 10 is a plan of the portion of a stairway shown in Fig. 9.
Here the position of the string, bracket, riser, and tread can be seen. At the lower step is shown how to miter the riser to the string; and at the second step is shown how to miter it to the bracket.
Fig. 11 shows a quick method of marking the ends of the treads for the dovetails for balusters.
The templet A is made of some thin material, preferably zinc or hardwood. `Fhe dovetails are outlined as shown, and the intervening portions of the material are cut away, leaving the dovetail portions solid. The templet is then nailed or screwed to a gauge-block E, when the whole is ready for use. The method of using is clearly indicated in the illustration.
Strings. There arc two main kinds of stair strings—wall strings and cut strings. These are divid ed, again, under other names, as housed strings, notched strings, staved strings, and rough strings.
Wail strings are the supporters of the ends of the treads and risers that are against the wall; these strings may be at both ends of the treads and risers, or they may be at one end only. They may be housed (grooved) or left solid. When housed, the treads and risers are keyed into them, and glued and blocked. When left solid, they have a rough string or carriage spiked or screwed to them, to lend additional support to the ends of risers and treads. Stairs made after this fashion are generally of a rough, strong kind, and arc especially adapted for use in factories, shops, and warehouses, where strength and rigidity are of more importance than mere external appearance.
Open strings are outside strings or supports, and are cut to the proper angles for receiving the ends of the treads and risers. It is over a string of this sort that the rail and balusters range; it is also on such a string that al nosings return; hence, in some localities, an open string is known as a return string.
Housed strings are those that have grooves cut in them to receive the ends of treads and risers. As a general thing, wall strings are housed. The housings are made from to I inch deep, and the lines at top of tread and face of riser are made to correspond with the lines of riser and tread when in position. The back lines of the housings are so located that a taper wedge may be driven in so as to force the tread and riser close to the face shoulders, thus making a tight joint.