DIY- How to Install Wrought Iron Balusters?

By Beads-manufacturers Article on February 5, 2010 6:07 AM
If you have got bored with the looks of your stair balusters, you may switch to other types of baluster to renovate home. Iron balusters or wrought iron balusters can be used to decorate your stair railings. Here is a step-by-step instructions for installing balusters for your help.

Materials Needed for Wrought Iron Balusters Installation

• Wrought Iron Balusters Iron balusters of your choice and color
• Baluster Shoes
• Adhesive- epoxy or polyurethane adhesive
• Driller
• Pliers 3/4" speed bore drill bits - approximately 1 for every baluster.
• Angle Grinder or Metal Saw
• 1-5/8" drywall screws
• Circular saw or a jig saw

Instructions for Baluster Installation

• Buy enough iron balusters according to the number of steps and the count of balusters to be placed at each step (for example 3 balusters at one step).
• Remove the old wooden baluster by cutting them with either a circular saw or a jig saw. Take out any remaining lower and upper portion or nails left in the holes with the help of pliers.
• There may or may not be a hole in the tread. Drill Holes, preferably 3-4" deep for iron balusters in the center of the place vacated by the wood baluster. Drill the hole deep enough and cut it properly.
• Take an iron baluster and set it in the newly made hole. Hold it upside down to measure the length of the baluster. Mark the bottom of the baluster by aligning the top and bottom in a leveled line. The bottom mark will help in cutting the new iron baluster.
• Now cut the baluster about 1/2" shorter than the mark you have made at its bottom. This helps in sliding the baluster up inside the top hole of the iron handrail.
• Now you have to apply adhesive to fix the things. However, check the baluster fit before gluing. Slide the baluster shoe onto the baluster. Slide down the baluster into the lower hole first, and then into the upper hole. Properly drilled hole that is deep enough will fit the baluster in the space by filling the upper hole and there still remains 2" space into the lower hole.


Baluster Installation
• Now apply adhesive to the upper hole.
• For fixing the Baluster in the lower hole, place the 1-5/8" drywall screw into the lower hole on the side of the baluster at a 45 degree angle, securing it into place. Repeat this process on the adjacent side if needed. The two screws will compress the baluster tightly into place holding it permanently. You can also apply some adhesive.
• Clean off any adhesive left in the top hole and slide the shoe down over the baluster for a neat and finished look. Adjust the baluster to properly align it.

You might experience some difficulty while installing baluster for the first time but as the saying go 'practice makes a man perfect,' you will feel how expert you become in baluster installation with each baluster placed on the staircase!