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Step 1
Realize that all railings have the same components. Newel, baluster, cap or shoe/fillet and rail.
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Step 2
Newel:
A newel is the major anchoring component to a rail. It is also the biggest component. Newels are typically 3 - 4" in size and are located at the intersection of each rail and at the beginning. The rail dies into this part. Most newels are over 36" high and include a finial of some kind on the top. Frequently you will find a turned portion above and below a square portion of the newel. Many different styles are available. Some are so specialized that they may cost near $750 a piece, but most are available for around $40. -
Step 3
Baluster:
A baluster is a the smallest component of a rail and is found as a vertical piece of wood running from the cap to the bottom of the rail. Usually these are about 1-1/4" in thickness and are near 34 - 36" tall. They are frequently oak or painted. Although most will be round with a square part on the bottom, some can be square or completely round in shape. Today's codes require these be no farther apart than 4" or you will be in violation of most local codes. -
Step 4
Cap or Shoe/fillet:
A cap or shoe/fillet is the bottom most component in a rail system. Cap is most popular and is usually about 5-1/2" wide. A shoe/fillet is simply a smaller more fancy version of a cap. Either way, this component is used to anchor the balusters and to anchor the entire railing to a kneewall. A kneewall is the 2 x 4 construction below and alongside the stairway. Caps usually follow along and down vertically the top edge of a stair. Some stairs may not have a kneewall and if so, these are called "open stairs" where the balusters actually set on top of each individual stair tread. -
Step 5
Rail:
Rails are the topmost component of a railing system. This is the actual piece of wood that you grab onto as you ascend the stair. Usually this component can not be larger than the length of a dollar bill. Yes, this was actually used as a code requirement a few years ago in Illinois. Typically rails are stained and not painted as the oils from your hands may spoil the look of a painted rail. Typically rails may not be longer than 8' without the addition of a newel (see above) in order to meet the proper side load code requirement. Codes dictate how high these rails must be and this varies if you are on a stair or already on the 2nd floor. Usually 34" to 36" high will suffice. Some level rail requirements may be as high as 42".
