If you're looking for a quick, easy and affordable way to breathe new life back into your staircase, upgrading a few old parts is definitely the way to go.
Take a look at your bannister rail, for example.
As one of the most used parts of your staircase, it's likely one that shows the most wear and tear, and although it's only a small part of your stairs, a fresh new railing is guaranteed to make a world of difference.
The best part is, that you can do it yourself at home, and in this blog, our staircase specialists at Pear Stairs walk you through how you can install new bannister rails in five simple steps.
Step 1: Measure up
Taking accurate measurements is the most important part of the process, as the dimensions will help you select something that fits in seamlessly with your existing staircase elements.
When measuring, be sure to consider:
- Bannister length – To determine the length of your bannister, use a tape measure to measure from the bottom of one newel post to the inside top of the other.
- Bannister height – To get the height, use your tape measure and spirit level to measure from the tread on the bottom step (the part of the step you trod on) to your desired height.
When measuring, be sure to keep safety standards (as outlined in Document K ) in mind to ensure your new staircase handrail is fully compliant.
Generally, we would recommend opting for something slightly longer than you need to give you the leeway you may need during installation
Step 2: Pick out your new bannister
Once you've made a note of your measurements, you can start looking for your new handrail.
There are many different styles available – from hardwood options to various different types of metals. So you're bound to find something that looks great with your existing staircase design and that fits right in with the rest of your home.
Here at Pear Stairs, we offer a range of different staircase handrails and bannisters that are perfect for every project and available to browse and shop online for home delivery. It doesn't get much more convenient than that, does it?
Step 3: Remove your old bannister
Removing your old bannister rail to make way for something new is super easy, but you need to ensure you take care not to damage any other parts of your staircase during the process.
To remove your bannister, you can simply cut through it at each end near the newel posts (the upright posts located at the top and bottom of your staircase) with a fine-toothed saw. It's also a good idea to ask someone to help steady the rail while you're cutting to prevent it from damaging your walls or stairs.
Step 4: Prep your newel posts
Once you've removed your old handrail, you'll need to prep your newel posts.
Before you get started with prep though, take time to inspect your newels for any damage, such as cracks or splinters, and take the steps you need to repair these, or replace them if you have room in your budget.
Clean the surface with a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth to remove any dust, dirt and other debris, before sanding them down to create a smooth surface for your new bannister to adhere to.
Step 5: Secure your new handrail
Now, it's time to secure your new handrail and you can do so by following these steps:
- Ensure the bannister is positioned correctly above the spindles with the desired spacing between each spindle.
- Pre-drill pilot holes into the bannister where it will be attached to the spindles to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert the screws.
- Using screws or other appropriate fasteners, secure the bannister to the spindles through the pre-drilled holes, ensuring the bannister is level and attached securely.
- Once everything is attached, test to make sure your new bannister is stable before adding any finishing touches, like wood filler or decorative caps, to complete your handrail transformation.
Need more expert advice?
Whether you need help choosing the perfect bannister for your project or require additional advice on how to remove or install bannister rails, our experts are here to help.
Give us a call today on 01938 553 311 or email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we'll be in touch to answer any questions and provide our top recommendations!
