DebbieM

I been blessed with not one, but TWO spiral staircases in our cabin. I am redoing the stairs, adding 1/2" diameter metal spindles, and a new handrail. After much research I am using a strong, but bendable 1 1/2" diameter plumbing pipe, and wrapping it with full grain leather. I have considered the ways of wrapping the handrail. A - I could cut a strip that is MANY feet long and wrap it around and around (16' long handrail), possibly trying to do a spiral cut out of the cowhide to avoid the ends, or just cut strips and tuck the ends in. B -Or I could make one 16' long by 5-6" wide piece, joining several strips, and stretch it around the curve and glue it to the handrail. Note - The handrail will have holes drilled through the bottom of it where the 1/2" diameter metal spindles will be inserted, about every 5". Option A allows the spindles to be installed and the leather wrapped around them. The handrail is tight to the wall for about 4' so wrapping it there will be a challenge. I would glue it as it is wrapped. Nice thing is it would adjust around each spindle so the leather would not be weakened, but my spacing would sure have to be perfect on that wrap! Would it get quite dirty looking over time with all the ridges on the wrap? Concern with option B is possibly weakening of the leather with the Spindle holes. I think I would have to predrill the holes in the pipe before the leather wrap goes on or the leather would stretch too much and leave a gap around every spindle. I really like the concept of the clean look this would create and the 2-3 seams on each handrail would be hand stitched for a nice finished look. I will not hand stitch the bottom seam as this seems to be just too much for me, working on narrow stairs, over my head. Ugh. Glue only ? I have considered the decorate brass nail heads as well, but would they stay in place for 20+ years? Only one company makes leather wrapped handrails and my remote location and budget don't allow that. Leather working experts? I welcome your advice! Thank you !!!