How to fit a balustrade

This is a guide on how to fit a balustrade. There are a few important things you need to be aware of when you fit balustrades as there are safety regulations to consider. All you need to know however is right here:

What you need:

• Tenon saw
• Sliding bevel
• Balustrade kit
• Power drill
• Spirit level
• Hammer
• Nails
• Spacer fillet
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Rag

The steps to follow

Note:
According to UK Building Regulations, balusters must be no more than 10 cm (4 in) apart and should not be scalable. Balustrade kits are available from most DIY shops. Decide on a new kit and follow the provided instructions. You will first need to dismantle the old balustrade.

1. Saw through each baluster and wrench out the cut sections.
2. Saw through the handrails next to the newel posts. Set a cutting angle with a sliding bevel and cut the handrail to length.
3. Attach the rails to the newel posts using the handrail brackets.
4. Make sure that the rail is parallel with the cap moulding on the staircase string, and level on the landing.
5. If your kit requires a cap moulding glue and screw the new capping mould to the top edge of the staircase string and to the edge of the landing floor.
6. Use a sliding bevel to set the cutting angles to match the slope of the handrail.
7. Verify all your measurements before making any cuts.
8. Fit a spacer fillet at the base of the cap moulding and to the underside of the handrail until you reach the end.
9. Slide the balusters into place. You can drive a nail at a 30 degrees angle (skew-nail) the top end of each baluster if fillets are not available.
10. When finished, sand the surface and wipe with a rag.
11. Varnish or paint your new balustrade.