How to Replace Stair Spindles: Easy Stair Makeover
How to Replace Stair Spindles: Easy Stair Makeover
How to easily replace wood balusters with iron stair balusters to update any staircase
After certain DIY projects we step back and just know that this was the way it was always meant to be.
That was definitely the case with this stair spindle makeover!
If you have been following along with our staircase makeover you know we have been working hard to add character and charm to our entryway and stair area.
So far we have added board and batten (not 100% done), replaced the door trim, and added new baseboards.
While we waited for the rest of the board and batten wood to come in we figured we should go ahead and tackle the stair balusters.
These wood balusters were here when we moved in and kind of felt farmhouse-ish, which is fine, just not really the look we are going for.
So we decided this was the perfect time to replace the balusters and completely update the look of our staircase.
How to Replace Banister Spindles
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Materials:
- Iron Balusters
- Angled and Flat Baluster Shoes
- Construction Grade Adhesive
- Angle Grinder or Metal Cutting Blade
How to Remove Wood Spindles
Removing the old wooden balusters is the easiest part of the entire project and also feels very rewarding.
We used a reciprocating saw to cut through the wood spindles and then just pulled the pieces out.
If you are wanting to salvage the old spindles you will most likely need to remove the stair railing to free them without causing damage.
Remove all the leftover nails with pliers or clippers.
Prepping the Stair and Rail for Balusters
Depending on how the old balusters were installed will determine how much prep work you will need to do.
Our old balusters were just nailed in at the top, no hole was drilled into the railing.
The new iron balusters would require a hole to be drilled. To make it easy we made a small spacer to set the spot for the holes. The spacer fit in-between the trim pieces and we were able to drill a pilot hole directly into the center.
If under your stair rail there isn’t any trim and a spacer can’t be used, you will have to measure the hole distances the old fashioned way.
You can still use a scrap piece of wood as a center guide though. Just cut a scrap piece of wood the width of the stair rail, find the center, and drill a hole for a pilot hole.
After the pilot hole was drilled we stepped the bit up until we got to a 1/2″ bit.
We also cleaned up the bottom hole and removed any dry glue. Remember if you are needing to expand the bottom hole not to drill down too deep or the baluster won’t fit right.
Lightly sand inside and around the holes if necessary, then vacuum the holes to remove any debris.
Cutting Iron Balusters to Size
To figure out the correct length your balusters need to be cut to, place the top of the new baluster into the top hole and mark the bottom where the baluster hits the stair edge. Be sure the baluster is all the way in the top hole or your measurement will be off and the baluster won’t fit snugly.
To actually cut the iron baluster we used an angle grinder. You can use any saw with a metal cutting blade though. We also used a grinder to smooth any rough or sharp edges.
Now is a great time to place the angle and flat baluster shoes on the baluster and lightly tighten down the set screw. It is much easier than having them move around on you while you’re trying to install the baluster.
This is also a good time to make sure the baluster shoe set screws are both on the same side of the baluster.
Installing Iron Balusters
Finally it’s time to install the new iron stair balusters! I went with straight iron balusters on the ends of the steps and a double twisted iron baluster in the middle.
Apply construction adhesive into 3/4 of the top and bottom hole. We used this clear construction adhesive but any construction grade adhesive should work just fine.
Place the top of the baluster into the hole and slide the bottom of the baluster into the bottom hole. It should barely slide over the stair tread. Make sure the set screws on the baluster shoes are all facing the inside. It will be annoying to tighten them down but it will also look better I promise.
Once the baluster is in place pull it down so that it is snugly in the bottom hole.
If I were going to do it over again I would have waited to tighten down the baluster shoes until the next day… This way if any of the spindles were still wiggly I could easily add more adhesive.
If any of your balusters are extra wiggly and more adhesive won’t solve the issue, you could also use a screw to secure the baluster inside the hole.
DIY Stair Spindle Makeover
We completed this entire stair spindle makeover in just one day! I was absolutely shocked it went so quickly.
The iron stair balusters look even better than I thought they would. I feel like they created breathing room for the staircase and really opened this area up.
I am so glad we chose to do a mix of decorative and plain spindles, it is the perfect balance.
Next up on this staircase and entryway makeover will be to finish the board and batten, stain the wood, then add a beautiful stair runner rug.
Let me know what you think about our stair baluster makeover and what stain color you would choose for the board and batten.
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