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Author Question- indoor stair railing and baluster
Andrew Keen

2005-07-16, 4:25 am

I need to replace an indoor railing, balusters, and newell post and need
some advice as I have not done this before.

Is this a project for a reasonably handy non-carpenter guy or should this be
left to a professional?

If I decide to tackle this, not quite sure how to measure it out before my
trip to the local Home Depot or Lowes.

Any advice from those who have been there done that is appreciated.

thanks, eagleeye1200@snip.net




Rick

2005-07-16, 4:25 am


"Andrew Keen" <eagleeye1200@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:cc_Be.251$ij3.9@trndny06...
quote:

> I need to replace an indoor railing, balusters, and newell post and

need
quote:

> some advice as I have not done this before.
>
> Is this a project for a reasonably handy non-carpenter guy or should

this be
quote:

> left to a professional?
>
> If I decide to tackle this, not quite sure how to measure it out

before my
quote:

> trip to the local Home Depot or Lowes.
>
> Any advice from those who have been there done that is appreciated.
>
> thanks, eagleeye1200@snip.net


You're picking a job to start on that's usually left to the more
experienced trim carpenter. But since you already have one to use as
an example, it depends a lot on how many good tools you have, what
kind of balustrade you choose, and what kind of results are acceptable
to you. I suggest when you go to the stores you browse through a few
trim carpentry books first...



Colbyt

2005-07-16, 6:25 pm


"Andrew Keen" <eagleeye1200@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:cc_Be.251$ij3.9@trndny06...
quote:

> I need to replace an indoor railing, balusters, and newell post and need
> some advice as I have not done this before.
>
> Is this a project for a reasonably handy non-carpenter guy or should this

be
quote:

> left to a professional?
>
> If I decide to tackle this, not quite sure how to measure it out before my
> trip to the local Home Depot or Lowes.
>
> Any advice from those who have been there done that is appreciated.
>
> thanks, eagleeye1200@snip.net
>



IMO, this is one of the more challenging things that a carpenter does. It
requires a lot of accurate detailed cuts using quality tools. I'm not sure
that I would tackle such a project. I know I would not tackle a traditional
one that required drilling holes in the handrail and steps.

If I were going to attempt it, I would only consider doing it with a railing
system that uses a channel at the top and bottom where the required cuts on
the balusters only require an accurate angle cut, and toenailed into the top
and bottom. Small blocks are added for additional support. I have only seen
this system in poplar. It does make a strong system.

Colbyt


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