Curved sections
Curved sections can be added to stringboards and handrails using the Add a join feature.
This feature is used to add curved sections to a stair of straight flights. Fully curved/circular flights are added using the Multi-flight feature.
More information:
Essentials: multi-flight stairs
The Add a join command is accessible via an icon in the toolbar and the right click menu as shown below. It is also available via the Modify menu.
We will add a curve at the turn.
Note that there is no newel post present. If we had one, it would be removed when the curve is added. This is not the case for end newel posts, the curve is added and the newel remains.
In the Add a join window that pops up, simply select the location for the curve followed by OK, or select multiple locations using Apply first. We’ve selected the location highlighted below:
A smooth join has been selected by checking the box shown below, this gives us the curve we want.
Adjust the radius to increase and decrease the size of the curve.
We can also click on Dissociate the upper and lower recesses, this allows us to adjust the curve at both ends separately (use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in):
Unchecking the Smooth join option results in a straight stringboard element which also includes a Dissociate option for fine control:
The images below show a simple Smooth join with 200mm radius, this is automatically applied to the stringboard and handrail, each are split into three parts:
This feature can be used to flare out the stair at the upper or lower end. Here’s the Add a join window showing this option:
And the result in 2D and 3D:
Note that it is not possible to use this feature to create a curved section if a landing is present. Instead edit the stairwell line manually then drag the landing anchor points manually too.
More information: