DIY Network

Stairway Remodel: Installing the Handrail and Spindles (Balusters) From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-207

	In this episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz converts this stairway from average ...
	to eye catching!

In this segment, host Fuad Reveiz finishes the project by installing the handrail and spindles (balusters).

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, this project rates a 4.

Materials:

Utility knife
Flat pry bar
Circular saw
Jig saw
Miter saw
Air nailer
Sander
Drill and bits
Tape measure
Level
Framing square
Miter saw
Chalk line
Air nailer
Handrail
Treads
Risers
Skirt boards
Balusters
Newel posts
Hardwood flooring
Landing tread
Felt paper
Screws
Stain
Paint
Polyurethane
Finishing nails

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Reveiz showed you how to convert your plain stairway into a masterpiece in just one weekend!

1. Begin by installing the half-newel post on the landing. After pre-drilling holes in the post, slip the screws through the holes and attach some toggle bolts.

2. Insert the toggle bolts into the wall, and notch the nosing out to accept the new post (figure A).

3. With the second newel post notched to fit the step, place and secure it with lag bolts.

4. The last newel post goes in the same way.

5. Take the measurements between the top posts and cut the railing to length. To mark the stair railing, hold it in place, resting along the stairs (figure B), and mark it for the angled cut.

6. Pre-drill the landing and treads for the balusters, using a special stair bit (figure C) that drills the hole and then creates a thread to accept the baluster bolts.

7. To prepare the balusters, drill out the center and insert the baluster bolts in the bottom. Screw the balusters into the floor.

8. Attach the rail fasteners into the newel posts.

9. Loosen the newel post and set the railing in place first by guiding it onto the rail fastener, and then by inserting the balusters into the holes in the railing.

10. Secrue the lag bolts on the newel post, and then tighten the bolt on the rail fastener.

    Note: The stair railing is a little more difficult to line up, but it goes on the same way.

11. With the newel post removed, slide it over the rail fastener and then set all of the balusters in the holes along the bottom (figure D). This is definitely a two-man job.

12. Re-attach the newel post and tighten up the rail fastener.

13. To complete the project, install the new base moldings all around the stairs and landing.

RESOURCES :

Armstrong Brichall Flooring Information

Armstrong Floors
Website: www.armstrong.com

Custom Stair Parts (Coffman Stairs)

Color: Unfinished maple
Where available: Coffman Stairs (see contact information, below)

Coffman Stairs
Phone: 276-783-7251
Website: www.CoffmanStairs.com

GUESTS :

Maureen Cone
Representative
Armstrong Floors
Website: www.armstrong.com

Scott Hampton
Installation expert
Coffman Stairs
Phone: 276-783-7251
Website: www.CoffmanStairs.com