How to Repair a Stairway Banister?

Checking your stairway banister periodically keeps your home safe.

Loose banisters are a common culprit of injuries on stairwells, especially if you have children at home. Awareness of possible injury is imperative when dealing with banisters in your home. Repairing banisters may seem difficult for people who lack construction skills. However, most stairway banister repairs are easily accomplished at home without repairmen. If you are unsure about conducting your own repairs, contact the banister's manufacturer or a home repair store.

Things You'll Need

• Polyurethane glue
• Clamps
• Screws or bolts
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Check banister for loose ends or visible cracks.

2. Tighten the newel (the stairway's anchor located at the stairwell's bottom) with new bolts, screws, or other hardware on your staircase that is currently supporting the newel. Use a wrench, screwdriver or pliers to tighten the hardware.

3. Glue any cracks or gaps you see in the banister using polyurethane glue.

4. Tighten ends of banister with clamps, if the ends are loose.

5. Visit your local hardware or home store for additional tools you need to repair your banister.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find large cracks in the banister, use other hardware such as a dowel and bolts instead of the polyurethane glue for better strength.

References

• Repairing a Banister; Steve Watson; 2011

Resources

• Reliable Remodeler Ideas: How to Repair a Staircase; 2001-2011