Installing Stair Rails | Menards

Moments in this video

1. 0:37–1:14 Plan and Measure Stair Railing Components From How to Install Banister Safety Netting to Childproof Stair Railings, Step 1: Measure Stair Railing Length

   Start by counting the number of steps in your staircase. For most residential staircases, you can approximate the required handrail length by counting each step as 1 foot and adding an additional foot. You'll need one newel post for the bottom, another for each turn or landing, and a half-newel where the railing meets the wall. Also, identify if you need short balusters (for the front of the step) and long balusters (for the rear of the step). Finally, measure the distance of any straight sections of railing. If your old stair treads are worn, this is a good opportunity to replace them with new stair treads and risers.

2. 3:35–4:17 Install Balusters and Fillets From Newel Post and Banister Tightening, Step 7: Secure Loose Banister Balusters

   Insert a baluster into a pre-drilled hole in the stair tread. Use a level to guide you and a pencil to mark the exact angle where the top of the baluster meets the bottom edge of the handrail. Cut each baluster to this marked angle, ensuring it is cut 1/16 inch longer to allow for a snug fit into the groove at the bottom of the handrail. Apply wood glue to the bottom of the baluster and insert it into the tread hole. Then, apply glue to the angled top of the baluster and nail it into place against the handrail using a nail gun and finishing nails. Repeat this process for all balusters. Finally, cut and secure the small fillet pieces, which fit under the handrail between each baluster, using glue and finishing nails. For straight sections of railing, ensure the handrail is cut to the correct length, bolts are installed into the newels, balusters are set, and then the handrail is installed. Clean up any excess glue with a damp cloth. Allow the entire railing system to set for 24 hours to ensure the glue dries completely and the structure is stable.

3. 3:35–4:17 Install Balusters and Fillets From How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads, Step 4: Install New Balusters and Handrails

   Insert a baluster into a pre-drilled hole in the stair tread. Use a level to guide you and a pencil to mark the exact angle where the top of the baluster meets the bottom edge of the handrail. Cut each baluster to this marked angle, ensuring it is cut 1/16 inch longer to allow for a snug fit into the groove at the bottom of the handrail. Apply wood glue to the bottom of the baluster and insert it into the tread hole. Then, apply glue to the angled top of the baluster and nail it into place against the handrail using a nail gun and finishing nails. Repeat this process for all balusters. Finally, cut and secure the small fillet pieces, which fit under the handrail between each baluster, using glue and finishing nails. For straight sections of railing, ensure the handrail is cut to the correct length, bolts are installed into the newels, balusters are set, and then the handrail is installed. Clean up any excess glue with a damp cloth. Allow the entire railing system to set for 24 hours to ensure the glue dries completely and the structure is stable.

Guides that use this video

• How to Install Banister Safety Netting to Childproof Stair Railings
• Newel Post and Banister Tightening
• How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads