How to Make an Indoor Wood Bannister

Measure the height of the banister along the wall to which it will be attached. Common height for banisters is between 34 and 38 inches from the floor. This is similar to handrails that connect to the banister. Mark the height on the wall.

Measure the height of the balusters being used. Measure the thickness of the railing being used. Add these two numbers together. The sum is the measurement from the mark on the wall downward. Mark that measurement on the wall to find the placement of the bottom rail of the banister.

Measure the dimensions of the base of the newel. This is the main post found on either end of the banister. Cut out a section of floor where each newel will go corresponding to the base dimensions of the newels. Use a jigsaw to cut the floor.

Secure the first newel into the cutout with screws drilled through the base into the floor joists below. Use screws double in length to the width of the newel base. Repeat the step for the second newel.

Measure and cut two 2-by-4-inch boards the length between the newels. These are the railings. Measure and mark positions every 4 inches along both rails for the balusters.

Mark a 45-degree angle on both ends of each rail with a carpenter's square across the wide side of the boards. Make the angles at the ends of each rail parallel. Drill the holes for the newels and balusters at the same angle.

Cut the rails along the markings at each end with a miter saw.

Drill holes for the balusters at each marked location using a drill bit equal to the size of the baluster pins. Drill two holes at each end of the railing using a 1-inch drill bit. Drill two matching holes into the sides of the newels where the railings will line up.

Set a layer of wood glue into each hole at the ends of a railing. Place 1-inch dowels into each hole. Tap the dowel with a rubber mallet to secure it into the railing. Ring the other end of the dowels with wood glue. Attach the railing into the newel by sliding the dowels into the holes. Tap the railing into place. Repeat the step with the other end of the railing to attach it to the other newel. Strike the outside of the newel opposite to the railing with the mallet to secure the railing.

Apply a ring of wood glue to the baluster pins. Place each pin into a hole in the railing. Tap the baluster with the mallet to secure it in place.

Apply a ring of wood glue to the top baluster pins. Place the second railing so the holes are over the pins. Tap the top railing into the pins with the mallet. Repeat Step 7 to attach the railing to the newels.