Here is a concept drawing for a potential project - dressing up an existing open construction stair.
I am asking very specifically for your opinions regarding the straight rail on the landing. Do you like that ?
The option is to add a short slope section to follow the stringer and the step down in that corner.
I drew it this way because I like the look. I think it will be stronger (and a bit cheaper to build). I don't think it creates an issue by not leading down the step because the other side of the stair is the principal rail system.
I am not a stair builder as much as a cabinet and furniture guy and so have not a stair builder's instinct. I'm not sure that the newel posts are properly located but the face of 2 landing newels do land on the same step. Seems logical. It is my idea to land the balusters on stringers rather than on the steps. All kinds of well thought out reasons for that which I can get in to if anyone cares.
The drawing is truly a concept and if you study you will note many tricks and illusions. Please don't study . This is pretty picture for presentation purposes and though mostly accurately proportioned it is not all to scale. I will not be building from it and will make my corrections in the real world - being a better builder than SketchUp draftsman.
So, what do you think about the straight rail? Is that a big faux pas? Thank you all for your consideration.
Screen shot 2012-12-06 at 7.35.32 PM.jpg Stair Profile up.jpg Head on view.jpg Stair looking to bedroom.jpg