How to Install Wood Stair Railings

Installing wood stair railings can be easier than you might think.

Is your wood stair railing coming apart or shaking loose? Are you thinking about replacing a wrought iron railing with a wood one? Is your existing wood railing outdated? Installing wood stair railings is easier than you might think, especially if you already have one or more in place. Stair railings keep everyone safe when they walk up or down stairs, so it's crucial that each part of the stair railing is installed properly. Just understanding the terminology related to installing stair railings is probably the hardest part of the job. Here's how to install wood stair railings in your home:

Things You'll Need

• railing system kit or individual pieces of a stair banister (railing, spindles, newel post, etc.)
• screws (various sizes)
• carpenters glue
• gorilla glue
• drill
• dowels
• rail bolts
• hammer

Instructions

1. 

   Understand the terminology:

   • 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.
   • Spindle - The tall rods in-between the stairs and the handrail.
   • Dowel - Round pin that fits tightly into a hole to fasten two pieces of wood together.
   • Handrail - This is self explanatory, it's the rail you hold on to when walking up or down stairs.
   • Stair stringer - A horizontal timber used as a framework to support the stairs.

   Now that the terminology is defined, let's move on to removing and installing a wood stair railing.

2. 

   Use a chisel to remove each piece of the existing stair banister, starting with the handrail.

3. 

   Remove each spindle and the bottom railing. If you plan to reuse spindles underneath a new handrail, be sure to carefully remove each one without damaging them. You can save money by reusing the spindles if they are not outdated or broken. Just make sure they fit the new handrail.

4. 

   Remove the existing newel post and any screws or dowels holding it in place. Be sure to clean out splintered wood if you find dowels that are broken.

5. 

   Position the new newel post to make sure it will fit, then use a combination of screws, dowels, rail bolts and gorilla glue to safely secure it in place. Drill a hole for the bolts as necessary. For the strongest hold, put the bottom of the newel post through the floor (you'll need to remove subfloor), anchor it to floor joists below, and fasten it to the stair stringer. It's important to make sure the newel post is installed properly or the whole stair railing structure will come apart!

6. 

   Drill holes into the side of the newel post where it will meet the handrail. Insert a long screw.

7. 

   Use carpenters glue to secure the new bottom rail, spindles and handrail (install each piece in the reverse order that you took the old structure apart).

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 Fix a Stair Banister
• AXXys Railing System Kit
• BW Creative Wood Products
• Gorilla Glue
• Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue
• Wood Chisel