How to replace a banister

Wobbly banisters can be irritating or become dangerous over time. Here's a step-by-step guide for you to learn how to replace an old or wobbly banister.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

  • Dust sheet
  • Saw
  • Tape measure
  • Banister
  • Saw
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Paintbrush
  • Primer

The steps to follow

  1. Measure the height of your existing banister and purchase a replacement of the same size from your local DIY shop.
  2. Cover your work area with a dust sheet.
  3. Try to remove the existing banister from the bottom. If you have any cover moulding on the side of the staircase, you need to remove it first with a chisel.
  4. You can then start knocking out the banister. Loosen the banister by gently tapping its side with a hammer and then pull it out of the lower housing.
  5. To fit a new banister, first cut the new banister to the right height.
  6. Place the new banister into the lower housing and fit it onto the handrail.
  7. To secure the new banister onto the handrail, skew-nail two nails on each side of the banister, into the underside of the rail.
  8. Apply a coat of primer to the new banister before painting a new coat of paint colour.

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Please note that all our DIY guides and 'Expert answers' advice have been written strictly for reference only. Rated People do not accept any liability for any damage caused to an individual, property or anything else as a result of following our DIY guides and using our 'Expert answers' advice.