D.I.Y. Home Improvement Manual: Master Basic D.I.Y. Projects (Creative Homeowner) Step-by-Step guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home by Bennett Jackson

Author:Bennett, Jackson [Bennett, Jackson]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2021-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

Step 1: Remove the Current Balustrades

Your existing balusters should be sawed out. A handsaw can be used to cut the baluster just enough to allow you to pull it out with ease. Removing any nails that are remaining after removing the old balusters may require the use of pliers. Make sure the underside of the handrail is free of damage.

Step 2: Drill New Holes for the Balusters

The underside of the handrail holes should be large enough for the new balusters, so only the base rail holes need to be drilled. You can test your drilling success by inserting a baluster into the hole after it has been drilled. There is no need to worry if the hole is larger than the baluster. It will be covered up by the metal shoes.

Step 3: Sand the Base Rail

Sand at the intersection of the old balusters and the base rail. Any large paint globs can be peeled off with a flathead screwdriver before you sand. Sand the non-painted section until it has a smooth transition to the painted section.

Dust should be removed by wiping the surface or vacuuming.

Step 4: Make Measurements

Make sure the new balusters are the right height. Adding 1 inch to the distance between the handrail and the top of the base rail will do the trick. There is no harm in checking every few balusters to ensure they are all the same size.

Step 5: Paint the Base Rail

Your base rails should be painted where you sanded them down. If necessary, apply more coats. If you're using high-gloss paint, after you paint over all of the sanded spots, use an additional coat to minimize brush strokes. When the paint has dried completely, move on to the next step.

Step 6: Trim the Balustrades

Using a metal cutting blade on the saw, cut the new balusters to the correct size. Double-check the size of the first baluster after it has been cut. Blue tape can help you identify where to cut the balusters to avoid damage from the saw blade.

Step 7: Setup the New Balustrades

After drilling the holes in step 3, insert the new balusters. You will need to slide your shoe over the baluster, add some liquid nails into the handrail hole, and then insert the baluster into the handrail and base rail holes. The shoe can be slipped down to the base rail and tightened so it stays in place. You can prime and paint the balusters after they have dried completely.

Repairing Balusters

Wooden balusters that have split may be repaired by removing them and gluing them. Either the nails or a piece of wood from the underside of the rail will need to be removed, depending on the staircase construction.

A cracked baluster may be repaired by applying wood glue to the crack and using padded clamps to close the crack until the glue sets. If the gap is too large, it might be a good idea to check that you can close it before applying glue. The baluster should be straight and should not be twisted before the glue sets, so if it is, you should correct it.

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