How to Make a Hallway Banister

Setting the Posts

• 1

  Cut 4-by-4-inch posts to a length of 36 inches, plus the height of the floor joists, which is usually 6-inches. You need enough posts to mount every 6-feet on center.

• 2

  Mark the floor joists 6-feet on center for the location of each rail post.

• 3

  Drill two 1/2-inch pilot holes through the bottom of each post and two matching holes through the marks in the floor joists.

• 4

  Line up the pilot holes in the posts with the holes in the floor joists and mount them to the outside of the floor joists with 3/4-inch diameter, 6-inch lag bolts; tighten with a ratchet wrench. The bottom of the posts are exposed on the outside of the floor joist. If you wish to conceal the base of each post, pull up the flooring and mount the posts to the inside of the floor joists instead.

Constructing Each Rail Section

• 5

  Cut the 2-by-4-inch lumber required for the handrails. You'll need two 2-by-4s between the rail posts, each cut 68 inches long.

• 6

  Cut the 2-by-2-inch spindles required for this project. Each section of railing requires 13 26-inch pieces.

• 7

  Spread the 2-by-2 spindles out on a flat surface, leaving a 3-inch gap between each spindle. The actual measurement of 2-by-2s is 1-1/2-by-1-1/2-inch, so the spacing is closer to 3-1/2-inches between spindles.

• 8

  Lay the 2-by-4 boards at the top and bottom of the row of spindles and adjust until centered on the 2-by-2 spindles. Lay the boards so that when the railing is erected, the wide sides face up and down.

• 9

  Screw the boards to the spindles with 3-inch wood screws; each screw goes through the 2-by-4 and 1-inch into each spindle. Check the spacing for each spindle before screwing the boards in place, ensuring there is 3-1/2-inch spacing between each spindle and 3-1/2-inches in from the ends of the 2-by-4s.

Attaching the Railings

• 10

  Place one section of railing in the space between two 4-by-4 posts, with the bottom of the railing set 4-inches off the floor and the top of the railing two-inches down from the top of the posts. Mark the top and bottom with a pencil so it's easy to find the correct position if the railing is moved.

• 11

  Screw the 2-by-4s to the sides of the 4-by-4 posts; insert 4-inch wood screws at an angle through the bottom of the 2-by-4s and into the posts. For added stability, drive a second wood screw at an angle through the top of each 2-by-4.

• 12

  Cap each railing with a second 2-by-4 with the wide side facing up and secure it with 4-inch wood screws.

• 13

  Install decorative post caps to the top of each 4-by-4 post, if desired. Look for these caps at any hardware or home improvement store.

• 14

  Paint or stain the hallway banister to coordinate with your home's decor. If desired, fill each screw hole with wood filler and sand smooth before painting to hide each screw head.