How to Fix a Stair Banister

If your stair banister is very wobbly or just a little loose, fixing it yourself can save you a lot of money. The task can seem overwhelming if you're not sure how to take it apart, especially if there are no visible signs of screws to loosen. Just understanding the terminology related to fixing a stair banister is probably the hardest part about trying to fix it. Here's how to fix a stair banister:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• screws (various sizes)
• carpenters glue
• gorilla glue
• drill
• dowels
• rail bolts
• hammer

1. UNDERSTAND BANISTER TERMINOLOGY
   
   1. Newel post - This is the post at the end of the stair rail that you hang your coat on when you come in the door. It's also a main post of the stairs.
   2. Spindle - The tall rods in-between the stairs and the banister railing.
   3. Tread - The flat part you step on when you use the stairs.
   4. Stair stringer - A horizontal timber used as a framework to support the stairs.
   5. Stair bracket - A bracket the risers and treads fit in on the stair stringer.
   6. Dowel - Round pin that fits tightly into a hole to fasten two pieces of wood together.
   
   Now that the terminology is defined, let's move on to fixing the stair banister. Since all stair banisters are not built alike and they don't break the same way, below I've outlined four ways to fix a stair banister.

2. SIMPLE FIX OPTION A
   If the rail is wobbly, determine if the stair brackets are screwed into studs. If they are not screwed into studs, screw them in. Doing this alone will fix a wobbly banister.

3. SIMPLE FIX OPTION B
   If the newel post is wobbly, determine if the newel post is fastened to the stair stringer. If it is, remove the bottom tread and secure the joint by drilling holes, installing screws and using gorilla glue to secure the newel post in place. Reinstall the bottom tread.

4. SIMPLE FIX OPTION C
   If the newel post is wobbly and there is a crawl space under the stairs, determine if you can access the base of the newel post from the crawl space. If so, use screws, dowels and carpenters glue to secure the newel post in place. If you can't see the bottom of the newel post in the crawl space, insert two 6" long screws into each side of the base of the newel post at an angle down towards the floor.

5. COMPLETE FIX
   Carefully remove each piece of the banister starting with the hand rail. Then remove each spindle and the bottom rail. Remove the newel post along with any screws or dowels holding it in place. Be sure to clean out any splintered wood if the dowels are broken. Dry-fit the newel post to see how you can securely refasten it. You may need to use a combination of screws, dowels, a bolt and gorilla glue to safely secure it. Drill a hole for the bolt as necessary. Use carpenters glue to secure the bottom rail, spindles and top rail back in place. Drill holes into the side of the newel post where it meets the hand rail. Insert a long screw and glue them together.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to fill any holes and refinish the banister as necessary.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the banister to make sure you don't get splinters in your hands or eyes.

Resources

• How to Install Wood Stair Railings
• AXXys Railing System Kit
• BW Creative Wood Products
• Gorilla Glue
• Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue
• Wood Chisel

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/19/2009 How did you know my stair banister needed fixing? Thanks for the easy to follow steps. 5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 5/8/2009 I think you covered all the bases, you make it sound easy to do it yourself.

[kristara]

on 5/6/2009 I have a stair banister that needs to be fixed and I will use your tips! thanks 5*

[jenniferclaerr]

on 5/6/2009 Very interesting and informative article. Thanks for the tips!

[makaksa]

on 5/6/2009 Helpful article that I would imagine could be used at some point by anyone with stairs.