Repairing Guides

how to repair stair banister

by Prof. Monty Hessel PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Repairing Broken Stair Banisters

  1. Scrape any debris from the crack or split in the banister using the tip of a putty knife. ...
  2. Mix the powdered resin glue with water according to the manufacturer's directions. ...
  3. Dip another putty knife into the resin glue. Use it like a knife to scrape the glue off inside the crack.
  4. Paint the glue onto any sides of a broken-off piece that will make contact. Place the broken off piece back on.
  5. Place a hand clamp on the banister over the crack or split. If the crack is longer than 2 inches, use another clamp.
  6. Place spring clamps on the split if it is along one side or if you can't get a bar-style hand clamp on it.
  7. Wipe all excess glue off using a damp cloth. Wait 24 hours for the glue to dry. Remove the clamps and tape.
  8. Fill any other fine cracks, pits or small holes using a putty crayon to finish. Spring clamps look like a large pair of jaws with rubber ends.

Part of a video titled How to Replace a Stair Railing | This Old House - YouTube
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6:10
Looks. Like now before we start installing our new stair parts the first thing i want to do is patchMoreLooks. Like now before we start installing our new stair parts the first thing i want to do is patch the old holes for the old balusters.

How do I Fix my Stairs that are dangerously steep?

  • Measure your treads.
  • If you have 10-inch treads with no overhang, cut 1-by-12s the width of your staircase.
  • Use your hammer to remove old treads as you replace them.
  • Install treads with construction glue and three finishing nails.
  • Divide the height the stairs reach by 7 ½, the recommended height of risers in inches.

How to stain stair railings and banisters?

  • I put the quart of primer (and paint) in a 2 gallon bucket. ...
  • The primer is not intended to cover evenly, so don’ t be discouraged when some sections of the wood absorb the primer more or less than other sections.
  • Another reason i used primer was I wanted to lose the wood grain texture look, which a thick coat of primer help achieve,

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How to fasten hardwood risers on stairs?

How to Fasten Indoor Stair Treads

  1. Stack the cut treads near the bottom of the stairway for convenience. Position a tread atop the first set of stringers with the bullnose edge facing out.
  2. Make a reference mark at the back edge of the tread where it aligns with the center of either riser.
  3. Set up a power drill or cordless drill with a 1/16-inch-diameter drill bit. ...
  4. Set the tread aside. ...

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How to fix a squeaky stair?

Instructions

  • Locate the Source of the Squeak. Identify squeak hot spots by having an assistant slowly walk up and down the stairs as you try to locate the squeaks.
  • Remove the Runners and Obstructions. If you have a runner on the stairs, remove it. ...
  • Pull Loose Nails. Remove any visible loose nails. ...
  • Drill Next to the Hole. ...
  • Drill New Screw. ...

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How do you fix a broken stair banister?

5:109:32How to Repair Broken Stair Balusters | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress what we did here is we built a jig to allow this baluster to be held nice and square. And it'sMorePress what we did here is we built a jig to allow this baluster to be held nice and square. And it's vertical to the drill itself so we get a nice clean hole it's straight correct. So we'll screw it.

How much does it cost to rebuild a banister?

Cost to Replace Banisters and Balusters Replacing balusters (also called spindles) typically costs anywhere from $1,200 to $1,600. The average cost to replace a banister is $1,600. Putting in a handrail will likely cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500.

How do I fix my bannister rail?

2:2618:29Fixing another shoddy handrail / bannister in a NEW BUILD! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes just tightening this screw will fix. The problem you can see it is loose it might fallMoreSometimes just tightening this screw will fix. The problem you can see it is loose it might fall might hit lucky it might just be a loose screw.

How do you fix a broken stair spindle?

0:0012:51FIX CRACKED WOOD BALUSTER - spindle for staircase - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're gonna do is use wood glue. And we're gonna put it on with a brush. Okay on both piecesMoreSo what we're gonna do is use wood glue. And we're gonna put it on with a brush. Okay on both pieces that broke in here and the broken here. And then we're gonna put it back in the original. Position.

How do you replace an indoor stair railing?

1:246:10How to Replace a Stair Railing | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn all right we're ready to install your new hand rail.MoreIn all right we're ready to install your new hand rail.

Can you replace stair banister?

If you are looking to change your current staircase, replacing your banister and spindles is a good, cost-effective option.

How do you restore an old wooden banister?

0:2310:19How To Restain Your Wood Banister - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a sixty grit than 80 grit and then 100 grit on it and that is the first step in restating yourMoreUsing a sixty grit than 80 grit and then 100 grit on it and that is the first step in restating your banister.

How do you secure a wobbly railing?

Ways to Repair a Loose Wood Deck RailingTighten any loose bolts or screws. ... Mount extra blocking between rim joists. ... Remove and replace any loose post-to-rail hardware. ... Remove and replace any rails with signs of bowing, warping, or rot. ... Remove any rust from the loose railing. ... Tighten any loose post-mounting hardware.More items...•

How do you replace a banister spindle?

How to Replace Stair BalustersStep 1: remove existing balusters. Saw out your existing balusters. ... Step 2: drill holes for new balusters. ... Step 3: sand. ... step 4: measure. ... Step 5: paint. ... Step 6: cut the balusters. ... Step 7: install the new balusters.

How are spindles attached to stairs?

4:005:34Stair Baluster Installation with Wooden Spindles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey fit snugly in most spots in a few areas where the spindles.MoreThey fit snugly in most spots in a few areas where the spindles.

How do you fix broken balusters?

Apply enough wood glue into the holes on each side of the baluster so that when the dowel is inserted it causes glue to squeeze out. Insert the dowel into one side and then attach the other side of the baluster so that the two pieces are fit back together tightly.

How much does it cost to replace wood spindles with iron?

Cost to Replace Wood Balusters With Iron Replacing a bottom wrought iron railing will cost, on average, $500. The cost reflects $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials.

How much does it cost to redo your stairs?

A typical stair remodel could cost between $1,000 and $2,000. For more complicated or elaborate remodels, it's possible to drive the price up to as much as $10,000. It's mostly going to come down to the cost of labor and the materials used. Updating your existing stairs will be less expensive and less time-consuming.

How do I replace a bannister post?

1:366:13Staircase renovation - part 6: How to replace newel posts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's begin first thing you'll need to do is remove your old handrails base rails and spenders thisMoreLet's begin first thing you'll need to do is remove your old handrails base rails and spenders this deck is only is handrails. So I'm going to continue removing those. Now.

How much does it cost to replace wood stairs?

Hardwood stairs cost about $75 to $200 per stair, including labor and materials, and most homes have 10 to 20 stairs. Costs can range from $750 to over $30,000, depending on the type of wood, number and shape of stairs, and any structural work that needs done.

What to use to clamp a banister?

When clamping banisters, it's advisable to use small pieces of scrap wood, carpet or any other material between the jaws of the clamp and the banister to prevent damage or denting of the wood on the banister.

How to fix a broken off piece of wood?

Paint the glue onto any sides of a broken-off piece that will make contact. Place the broken off piece back on. Wrap masking tape tight around it to secure it back in place.

How to get cracks out of a plastic pipe?

Mix the powdered resin glue with water according to the manufacturer's directions. Insert the tip of the putty knife into the crack or split and pry it open as far as possible. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the crack to hold it open, if possible.

How to prevent a wood split from closing?

If a piece is completely broken off, clean the broken area with the knife, scraping any loose wood fibers away. Test the fit and clean again if necessary.

Do stair banisters last forever?

Stair banisters don't last forever. Considering the stress that they endure from foot traffic, it's a wonder they hold up as well as they do. Typically, stair banisters split along grain lines. Repairing such damage is not difficult if you use the right kind of glue with clamps to add pressure where it's needed.

Why is it important to replace a banister?

Replacing an old stair banister is important because it is more than just a decoration, it is also an important safety feature . You are not only saving money by following these nine steps, but are also preventing future injuries!

What to do when a banister falls off?

Remove anything delicate or easily breakable (such as ornamental plates, clocks or small furniture) from the area around the banister in case pieces fall as you remove them. If you're worried about falling pieces chipping your flooring, put a heavy blanket or tarp on the floor.

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Step 1 – Select A New Banister

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Go to a home improvement store and choose what kind of banister you would like. Updating your current banister from a wood to a wrought iron one or vice versa can give your home a striking new appearance. Look at your options and select something that suits your home’s character and your tastes.
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Step 2 – Measure Your Banister

  • Measure the size of your existing banister to get a feel for how large your new banister will need to be. In most cases, you will have to cut the banister to size so it is a good idea to buy a little more than you need.
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Step 3 – Remove Your Existing Banister

  • Remove anything delicate or easily breakable (such as ornamental plates, clocks or small furniture) from the area around the banister in case pieces fall as you remove them. If you're worried about falling pieces chipping your flooring, put a heavy blanket or tarp on the floor. Make sure anyone else living in the house (especially small children) k...
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Step 4 – Remove The Newel Post

  • Remove the existing newel post along with the screws or dowels holding it in place. Clean any splintered wood if the dowels are broken.
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Step 5 – Install Your New Newel Post

  • Put your new newel post in place to ensure a fit and use dowels, screws, glue and rail bolts to firmly secure it. For the best hold, you will want to remove the subfloor, anchor the newel post to the floor joists below, and then attach it to the stair stringer. It is very important to ensure that the post is securely attached, as it is the cornerstone of the whole stair railing. If you have other peo…
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Step 6 – Lay The Groundwork For The Handrail

  • Drill a hole into the side of the newel post at the level where the handrail will go and insert a long screw.
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Step 7 – Secure The Bottom Rail

  • Use carpenter’s glue to secure the bottom rail and then begin replacing the spindles in the reverse order that you took them apart. You will be using the carpenter’s glue to attach the spindles at their base. Place painter’s tape around the top of the spindles to prevent glue from dripping on them.
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Step 8 – Secure The Handrail

  • Attach the handrail, using carpenter’s glue on the spindles. Use a drill to drill screw holes in your wall and attach the handrail brackets to the wall. Place the rail on the brackets working your way from top to bottom, placing the railing on the spindles as you go down.
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Step 9 – Finishing The Railing

  • Let the glue dry and remove the painter’s tape. Replacing an old stair banisteris important because it is more than just a decoration, it is also an important safety feature. You are not only saving money by following these nine steps, but are also preventing future injuries!
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