Stair Railing

Comment

Comment by Westernhunter on April 12, 2017 at 5:39pm

I know that this is an old post, and I am really surprised that nobody else commented on the fact that all the balusters are installed upside down.

Comment by Brian on January 10, 2012 at 2:44pm

Nice work, Slipkid!  Did you drill pocket holes on one or both sides?

Comment by SlipKid on January 10, 2012 at 2:35pm

I will add a railing on the landing soon, I am aware of the building codes. I like the look of the balusters on the stairs, that's why I added them there. I could have used dowels, I wanted to try something different. I didn't mind the extra time it took, it was a fun project.

Comment by Dean Johnson on January 10, 2012 at 2:08pm

SlipKid, please forgive me for picking on you.  But there is one glaring issue with your railing system, as far as uniform building code, or international residential code, is concerned.  The balustrade really should have been on the landing, no need for balusters going down the "inside" rake of stairs.  Is there a railing on the open side of rake??  That is where it is needed.

Comment by Dean Johnson on January 10, 2012 at 2:00pm

The "dowel" screws are metal double ended wood screw threaded.  Available at any good hardware store, or obviously, any stair parts provider.  Also available at Home Depot, and Loews.

Comment by Dean Johnson on January 10, 2012 at 1:58pm

well let me be the first to tell you that that was way to much unnecessary work.  Wood dowel screws are a much better solution for the connection of the baluster to tread.  Much stronger than a pocket hole screw, and no hole to plug.  The top of the baluster should be held in place by very precisely cut fillet material, glue, and a well placed pin nail.  From the pictures, it looks like you did a very nice job.  But again, way too much work, less strength, and unnecessary holes to fill.

Comment by KregRep on January 9, 2012 at 2:59pm

Great job, SlipKid! Great project, unique application.

Comment by SlipKid on December 28, 2011 at 9:57pm

I needed to add a stair railing to stairs I added a few years ago. I needed a way to attach the balusters to the rail and the stair tread. The balusters are 1 1/4" square, too small for my biscuit joiner. I could have used dowels or those two sided stair baluster screws. I decided to try the Kreg system, I purchased the Kreg Jig package. After playing with the settings a bit and making a few test holes I was all set.  I used the fine thread screws as recommended for oak hardwood. I also used the oak plugs to fill the holes, they look nice after a little sanding. I did find that I had to clamp the balusters to the jig while drilling, it would move a little bit otherwise. I am happy with the Kreg system overall, should have purchased one sooner.