Introduction.
Here we are adding a collection of pre-drawn Monkeys’ tails, this will allow you to download the drawings straight into a drawing package, ensuring the staircase feature tread is built the correct size for the handrail and spindles.
The wreathing volute is a 3D 2 part termination to the handrail, this is not to be confused with a 2D Monkey’s tail or volute that is used when the handrail comes to horizontal before the start of the Monkey’s tail components.
The Monkey’s tail size is controlled by the spindle size and position in relation to the stringer face, we will set out the drawings by spindle size.
These drawings are in plan view therefore the rise and going or pitch is not relevant.
We give an indication of handrail width but again this is not relevant for the setting out only for the final proportion of the bun part of the Monkey’s tail.
In most instances, the bun part of the monkeys tail is 2D in section and the joint between the Monkey’s tail and wreathing turn leading into the Monkey’s tail is set away from the bun section of the tail, this may differ when:
1. The handrail drops in at a steep pitch; in this case, the Monkey’s tail may have the lead in pitching as it enters the bun section of the Monkey’s tail.
2. There is limited space for the Mokey’s tail or curtail tread; such as narrow corridors.
There are a number of different ways to create the geometry for the Monkey’s tail, here I use the method of dividing the tread; as explained Here. I have tried to recreate these turns in CAD but due to the original geometry using the Fibonacci style of diminishing curve, using a simple flat spiral command does not give a good result.
Examples given will work for: curtail, commode curtail bullnose and “D” tread ends.
Quick tip.
As a rule of thumb, you will normally require 3 times the handrail width as the overall offset from stringer face to the edge of the curtail or “D” tread.
For timber spindles on tread surfaces.
Spindle set in traditional spindle position for timber spindles set onto the tread surfaces. with faces set over stringer and riser faces.
When used for a cut string staircase, the spindles will move onto the tread into the standard closed string position over the feature tread.
1. Spindle size. 22mm – 7/8″
Handrail Centre line offset from stringer face 11mm – 7/16″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
2. Spindle size. 35mm – 1 3/8″
Handrail Centre line offset from stringer face 17.5mm – 11/16″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
3. Spindle size. 44mm – 1 3/4″
Handrail Centre line offset from stringer face 22 mm – 7/8″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
For metal balusters, set onto tread surfaces.
The balusters may be set at different distances in from the stringer face, dependant on the material they are to be mounted into.
When used for a cut string staircase, the spindles will move onto the tread into the standard closed string position over the feature tread.
4. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 40mm 1 3/16″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
5. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 60mm – 2 1/2″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B- 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
6. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 80mm – 3 1/8″
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
For side mounted spindles/balusters.
Timber spindles will normally be mounted with the back face of the spindle set away from the stringer by the thickness of the scotia molding. A packer may be used behind the bottom of the spindle in order to keep it upright.
See more about scotia size here.
Metal balusters may be fitted into a shoe that is fixed to the stringer face or by having a 90º bend cast to the bottom of the baluster and by being set into a hole drilled into the stringer face.
Side mounted spindles and balusters will move back onto the feature tread surface.
7. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 23.5mm 15/16″
35mm – 1 3/8″ spindles with 12mm – 1/2″ scotia projection.
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
8. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 30mm – 1 3/16″
44mm spindles with 16mm scotia projection.
Profile width.
A – 62.5mm – 2 1/2″
B – 70mm – 2 3/4″
C – 80mm – 1 3/4″
9. Baluster/handrail centre line offset from stringer face. 51mm – 2″
Spacing for metal balusters outside of stringer and clear of nosing, mainly used on stone staircases.