We will attempt to help you choose the right parts for your project and make suggestions of products you may want to consider. We are not responsible for the installation of your products or for detailed instructions on how to complete your project. We are not on-site and not supervising your project so we do not accept any liability for anything that may go wrong with your project (or at least limit it to the tiniest bit allowed by law). That includes by way of example and in no way is limited to such things as tripping over misplaced electric cords, tearing down the wrong wall, failing to wear eye protection when operating power equipment, ordering the wrong parts or looking at the tape measure from the wrong angle. However, if everything turns out extremely well, we would like to share the credit for that.
That being said...call us, we believe you will find our specialists to be very knowledgeable , and extremely helpful, although they may posses an odd sense of humor.
Check out our "How-To Corner" for general tips and instructions.
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What are my building codes?
Building codes can vary from state to state, county to county and in some cases, city to city. We will attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding the purchase of stair parts, but ultimately you are responsible to determine what your local building codes are, not us. We suggest that if you have questions, consult your local building inspector or code enforcement officer.
Stair Baluster Instructions
How To Convert Your Wood Baluster To Wrought Iron Balusters.
Need help converting your wood balusters to wrought iron? Below are stair parts installation instructions that will hopefully make converting wood balusters to wrought iron balusters a little easier!
Remove wood balusters by cutting the baluster in half between the rail and floor with a jigsaw and pulling the two ends free. Remaining nails are then pulled and the nail holes filled with matching putty. Sand and touchup finish around baluster holes at this time
Measure the distance at each baluster, from the bottom of the rail to the floor surface. Add 1 3/8th inches to this measurement to determine baluster length:
To install new iron balusters in existing holes, holes may need to be modified. Using a 5/8 – inch bit, drill in the center of existing holes to a maximum depth of 11/16th inches down from floor surface and a minimum depth of 1 and ½ inches up into the rail:
The baluster should be cut from the bottom. The top of most balusters have a turned section that allows it to be placed in the handrail without the use of a shoe:
Cut the baluster with a metal cutting band saw or jigsaw. If you are doing a small job then a hack saw could be used. If you are doing a larger job then consider going to the local rental center and renting a metal cutting saw to complete the job.
Balusters should slide up into the rail and down into the floor. Be sure to test your baluster fit before applying adhesive. Adjust hole size or baluster length if necessary. Be careful of scrapping the baluster on the floor. You can use the 3M painters tape on the bottom of the baluster to protect your floor.
Slide baluster shoes onto the bottom of balusters. The baluster shoes are used to cover old holes and adhesive. This is best done after cutting and then using 3M painters tape to hold them up until the epoxy is set.
Install balusters using epoxy or polyurethane adhesive. After “dry” fitting the balusters use the 3M painters tape on the baluster just below the handrail to protect against any drips of epoxy.
Then lower into place the shoes and tighten the set screw for a professional appearance.
Tools needed to complete this job:
Hammer
Drill with 5/8” and ½” drill bits.
Saw (to cut out old wood balusters and a metal cutting saw)
Epoxy
3M Blue painters tape
Code issues
Most areas of the country require that balusters be have no greater than a 4” separation. This is determined by using a 4” sphere or ball. Contact your local code officials to determine what is mandated where you live.
On most stair treads when using iron plan on using 3 balusters per tread and also using 3 per liner foot on balconies and landings.
Neither Beautiful Homes Inc. nor any of its employees assumes any liability for the installation of products purchased from us. Instructions are general because every installation will have to be adapted to meet the conditions of your job site. Use of power tools is inherently dangerous. We assume no liability for use or misuse of any equipment or products. Always wear eye protection when operating power tools.
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