Do-It-Yourself Handrail & Balusters

Handrails and balusters provide added safety to a staircase. The handrail allows users to hold onto the unit while walking up and down the staircase. This prevents slips and falls. The balusters block falling through the handrail and staircase. Handrails and balusters can also be added to a staircase to update or add style. The installation of a handrail and balusters can be completed without a professional but the project will take a couple days and some hard work.

Pencil
Hand drill
Wood glue
Vice grips
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Decide the space between each baluster you prefer. Mark the underside of the handrail for each spindle. This will give you the exact measurement and spot to drill a hole for the baluster to be installed.
- 2
  Use a hand drill and begin to create the holes for the balusters. Drill a half-inch deep hole at each marking on the handrail. Once finished, set the handrail to the side.
- 3
  Apply wood glue to the bottom of each baluster. Place the baluster in place on the stair. Hold the baluster for two minutes until the glue has set. Do this for each baluster. Allow the glue 24 hours to dry completely before installing the handrail.
- 4
  Apply wood glue to the top of each baluster and in each hole on the bottom of the handrail. Align the handrail so that the drilled holes match each baluster. Set the handrail in place. Place vice grips at the top of the handrail to hold it to the baluster; continue to place vice grips along the staircase to hold the pieces in place.
- 5
  Wipe away excess wood glue from the balusters and handrail. Drill wood screws on the underside of the handrail to the wall and newel post. This will secure the handrail to the staircase. Allow 24 hours for the wood glue to dry completely before applying pressure to the handrail or balusters.

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