DIY Network

Restoring the Porch Railing From "Restoration Realities" episode DRTR-102

Water damage destroyed the original handrail around Kip and Michele's porch, but is now restored with a new beveled bottom rail to keep the water from damaging the spindles.

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Dismantling Rotted Balustrade

• Remove any existing nails using a hammer and pry bar.

• Then, scrape off any loose paint using a carbide scraper or sander.

Figure A

• Cut a new bottom rail out of the new fir or cypress material by beveling it, on the table saw or using a hand plane, approximately seven degrees (figure A).

• Sand to a smooth finish with belt sander.

Figure B

• Cut the bottom of each spindle to correspond to the angle of the bottom railing using a compound miter saw or sliding compound miter saw (figure B).
  

• Lay out the spacing on the new bottom rail.

• Apply an oil based primer to the spindles and bottom rail. Allow at least 30 minutes to dry.

Figure C

• Nail or screw the spindles in from the bottom of the rail (figure C), then repeat on the top rail with the same spacing.

• Reuse the top hand rail and connect the balustrade to the columns using 2 1/2 inch galvanized finish nails, or stainless steel screws.

Figure D

• Use the two-part polyester wood filler as needed to patch any holes (figure D).
  

  Figure E

• Using an orbital sander (figure E), sand the wood filler after it has dried.

• Complete by priming the wood and caulking the nail holes.

• Finish with a final coat of paint.
  
  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  Speedheater IR Paint Remover
  Eco-Strip, LLC
  Catherine Brooks
  1905B Villaridge Dr.
  Reston, VA 20191
  Phone: (703) 476-6222
  E-mail: cbrooks@eco-strip.com
  Website: www.eco-strip.com
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Removing and Bracing the Column
  	Restoring the Column
  	Restoring the Porch Railing
  	Restoration Tips