Railings
Smith Shop produces railings of distinction that are full of character. Everything starts with design. The most important aspect of a timeless railing is a clean and well balanced composition. The railing should not only provide safety and support, but its design should compliment and elevate the space. Easier said than done. We often see contemporary railings that try to disappear or are excessively fancy. At Smith Shop, we meet the moment. We design to supplement the architecture.
Railings are touched by human hands constantly. The interface between the hand and the railing cap is important. All of our railings are completely hand forged. That means that the entire surface of the railing cap have been forged in a die to create a special shape and texture for each railing. We use traditional joinery and highlight forgewelding where ever possible. Joints should visually describe their connection.
At Smith Shop we produce works of enduring beauty and function by focusing relentlessly on good design and excellent craftsmanship. We are delighted to share our efforts.
GRAND BALUSTRADE
rhythm & detail
Our client lived for many years in an historic home with important period ironwork throughout. When they downsized and built a new home they asked Smith Shop to design, forge, and fabricate a sympathetic railing to their new transitional interior, that met code regulations, and that had the same level of character and handmade detail they’d grown accustomed to. This 70ft railing featured forgewelded assemblies that created a clean and uniform rhythm across the project with just a third of the connections a typical railing might have. Wrapped and hand decorated collars, forged railing cap, custom newel posts, decorative rivets, and a volute and terminal newel finial gave the project all the character and elegance the client hoped for.
ARTS & CRAFTS GRAB RAIL
simplicity & character
These simple grab rails helped provide extra support for an aging client in their historic Tudor revival home. Simple and full of character, the chased and carved leaves took inspiration from leaded glass windows in the clients stairwell. The railings looked as though they had always been present in the well kept and well appointed Arts & Crafts interior.
