How to Make a Curved Railing (No Steam Required)

A simple method for creating a curved railing using laminated strips. No steam is required.

The Excel file containing the equation for the curvature is found at:

[randys]

Don't listen to one negative word. I've built many homes. I have every tool known to man. I know construction. You did a great job both in building the rail and in the construction of your video. Be proud my brother! RS

[davejudd]

I agree with the previous reviewer. Not only are you a craftsman, but you're an excellent videographer. No fluff, no amateur distracting music, and no wasted time on my part. Well thought out and produced!

[ben_vf]

Curves, so labor intensive . Had a architect that I used to a lot of work for that loved them, 6 or 7 different radius's per job . It was both challenging and rewarding but mostly time consuming . Instead of string I used to use a thin strip of wood with a nail punched through both ends, only for the fact you get zero deflection in your arc . Great video .

[Shotsmoky]

I used the same basic method to make an S curved privacy fence in my side yard. The only real difference is I cut thinner pieces 1/4 in. and used clamps because I had them. Very nice job Steve. Thanks for posting.

[deaconblooze]

The easiest way I've found for finding the radius of an arc. Draw a line that intersects the arc at 2 points, then mark the center point of that line (between the two intersections). Then square a line from that center point, this line points to your radius point. Now you run a tape measure along that line. Then you take another tape measure from any other point on the arc crossing the first tape. Where the measurements match up is your radius. Hope that makes sense and helps somebody, great vid.

[RogerDiotte]

It's sad how little respect there is everyday while out and about and seeing architecture. We just pass it by as if it just appeared there! I'm impressed by what you created...

[dreambfoundation]

376 people that didn't have enough clamps or didn't like your elevator music, but we loved everything about this video, thanks!

[IamNemoN]

This is pretty much what I did to make a large diameter curtain rail for my mother's bedroom. I didn't feel like making a steam box for one project, so I bent several thin strips and glued them together. . . Came out really nice! She was happy.

You don't need to screw the pieces together. As long as it's clamped tight, it will hold its shape once its dry.

[MRrwmac]

Very nice curved railing! There is nothing you did that was wrong because you tried it and made it work! That's what DIY is all about and your video proves it can be done! Thanks for sharing.

[whatsupwithsteve]

That's just what I need!!! What a great idea and I feel like a dummy for not thinking of it. Then again I do cabinetry so this type of thing never comes up. Thanks for the video! Now I can do the curved path railing I've been wanting..:)

[NatureWalksandTalks]

I have been watching video after video, on working with rounded projects, and this is by far one of the best for multiple reasons. First the technique is impressive. Second your improvisation and explanations are a tremendous help to "do it yourself" people. Thank you for the quality of your video.

[mariasmith]

Stephen, Thank you!...Now that I'm forced to be home for the long hall- from the looks of it! I finally have the time to make my indoor wood stand for my chair hammock 😁!!!..
THANKS TO YOU!..Your talented, handsome "incase your wife didn't say that" LOL...and have some amaz skills! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT "Wow, not only is he a talented carpenter, but dude, he can also create some great video! Dam! I'm impressed!!...


All seriousness, I truly appreciate you sharing your talents & techniques!

[obsoleteprofessor]

The 2x4's I get from Home Depot curve on their own.

[stashu]

Elevator music is much better than space alien music any day. Thinner strips is the way to go. Cutting the ends is the real challenge. Nice work.

[hollyr]

TY for this great video, I am building sometching now that needs curved beams for the ceiling and wasn’t sure how I should make these. This was by far the best lesson I found on YT. Great work!

[terryharris]

All PVA glues ‘creep’. That is the glue will stretch with continuous strain. When you don’t steam bend prior to gluing you will experience much greater spring back because each laminated layer will not have been softened to take the new curve. Even with this added step there will be a tendency for each lamination to return some of its old ‘shape’. PVA glues also harden as they cure so leaving a bent lamination in the fixture for several days to a week will also reduce spring back considerably. A change to a resorcinol glue will eliminate all creep and is waterproof. No PVA glue is actually waterproof under continuous submersion, not even Titebond III! Resorcinol glue is a better choice (structurally) for outdoor bent laminations and doesn’t require the extra time in the fixture.

[byronc]

Altho I've done this before, its been many years. This video gave me some pointers that'll help with my up coming project. Thx for the tutorial. Excellent job.

[richardbedard]

Your video is one of the best ones I've seen, especially the background sound effects. Spreading the glue out might help. What I really like is there is hope for a fancy railing for my new cabin without having to use the steam bent process. Thank you for sharing.

[brodystowers]

Great video. I found it very informative but not excessively talkative. You create a good product and I am sure your customers appreciate your work.

[allen.lpersingerjr]

I saw this video a few years ago, and liked it so I had to revisit your work video which i liked very much ., i love to see how people make things happen, and you made it happen, thanks for letting a person like myself pick up a few pointers . I like what and how you did what you did. Thanks"