How to Remove Stair Balusters

Stair balusters offer support for the stair hand railing and added safety for young children to avoid falling through the hand railing and stairs. Balusters sometimes become damaged due to wear and tear and need replacement. Another reason for removal of balusters is to install updated balusters and add a new look to your staircase. Regardless of your reason behind removing balusters from your staircase, the process takes a few steps and can be accomplished rather quickly.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Reciprocating saw or handsaw
• Wrench

1. Cut the baluster in half using a reciprocating saw or a simple hand saw. Be sure to cut the baluster in a plain section, so if you need to find a replacement you have the entire design intact.

2. Pull the top half of the cut baluster from the railing. The baluster should easily slide out but may require some force.

3. Using a wrench, twist the bottom half of the baluster. The baluster is glued into a hold on the stair tread, so the twisting motion will ease the glue and loosen the baluster for removal.

4. Continue this process for each baluster you need to remove.

References

• Baluster Replacement
• Replacing Balusters