This millwork replication of a historic balustrade crafted by master carpenter Westbrook definitely completes the original look of this 1894 historic Seattle home. The owners wanted the balustrade to match the original. The railing was missing long ago from the flat roof covering the porch. Although this is a high moisture application, the owners still wanted the natural purity of wood. So, every effort was made on my part to use best practices to help the wood last as long as possible.
The project consisted of mostly work in my shop, laminating the radius portion, milling the railings, and assembly of everything. All components were custom made by Westbrook Carpentry & Millwork. The balustrades, and newels were sourced, but custom turned to match. The planer knives and shaper knife were custom made to match the original railing profiles of the home.
All homes need maintenance, but homes with wood components like these need a high level maintenance and repair commitment. The owners of this home are definitely committed to maintaining the architectural beauty of this gorgeous historic seattle victorian home.
The photos below show some of the custom wood millwork making and assembly in Westbrook’s work shop.
-
- Custom made beaded shaper cutter and the finished cut profile on the rail cap.
