Chippendale Railing is an old Georgia term associated with a type of pattern worked into the crafting of handrails for all sorts of applications. When time allows I like to continue my education by working with skilled trades people. Last week week I had such an opportunity.
When I arrived, Paul had a majority of the old rotting railing removed from a small sized dock in the middle of Winter Park's chain of lakes. Paul Wilson is a long time friend and Master Carpenter. In his field for over 25 years, he has done it all when comes to residential buildings. I stepped up to the dock and was instructed to observe the previous work on the main house that we were going to match on this project. Paul Wilson Carpentry, Inc. did the reconstruction of the entire rear facade off the building five years prior.
The neat thing about this pattern is that it adjusts to the spans it has to cover. That means that each panel is hand cut to maintain the over all "look". LOTS of cuts and coordinated measuring and the careful use of a finish nailer, combined with skills that are hard to find create a unique pattern that enhances any property.
Once the initial pattern takes form, it gets a little "easier". Five and half panels and a small gate later, the new railing was complete. The painter will finish up in the next day or so.
I really enjoyed working with Paul on this project. Its nice to help create something from nothing.
Steve Edmonds
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