A guideline for replacing wooden balusters with wrought iron spindles

jimwu

Switching from wooden balusters to wrought iron spindles can give your staircase a fresh, modern look and offer several benefits:

  • Stylish Upgrade: Wrought iron spindles add a sleek, contemporary touch, enhancing your home’s appearance with either a modern or classic feeling.
  • Durability: Wrought iron is more durable than wood and resists wear and tear, staying intact and requiring less upkeep.
  • Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, which needs regular painting or staining, wrought iron spindles only need occasional cleaning.
  • Enhanced Safety: Wrought iron spindles provide better stability and support, improving the safety of your railing system.

wrought iron spindles

Tools & Materials:

  • Wrought iron Spindles
  • Hand/Reciprocating Saw
  • Measuring Tape
  • Level
  • Drill/Screwdriver
  • Wood Glue
  • Finish Nails
  • Wood Putty
  • Paint or Stain (if needed)
  • Sandpaper
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Safety Gear (gloves, goggles)

When you decide to switch to wrought iron spindles, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Existing Connection

Before you begin, determine how your current wooden balusters are attached. Common connection types include:

  • Dowel Pin: Wooden balusters are fixed with small dowel pins in holes drilled into the handrail and base.
  • Shoe Rail: Wooden balusters fit into holes in a shoe rail at the bottom, which is then covered by a decorative rail.
  • Screw or Bracket: Wooden balusters are secured with screws or brackets for added stability.
  • Metal Strip: Wooden balusters are connected with screws to metal strips, and the metal strips are attached to rails with screws.

Step 2 Remove Old Balusters

If there’s a bottom rail, gently pry it off to access the balusters. Cut the wooden balusters in half with a saw, then wiggle and pull them out. Check for and remove any remaining nails or screws.

Step 3 Find out the methods to connect the spindles to rails

Once you identify the type of the connection, you can find out the floor or stair with holes or without holes.

In the case of with holes, you can choose the following methods to connect the spindles to the floor or stair:

  • To Align the new wrought iron spindles with the holes, and secure them with adhesive or wood putty or screws if needed.
  • To install our picket shoe PSA01 or Surface Mount Shoe to the floor, and insert the pickets to the shoes.

In the case without holes, you can drill and install the spindle to the holes or to install our picket shoe PSA01 or Surface Mount Shoe to the floor, and insert the pickets to the shoes.

If the top rails use metal strips, you need our plastic inserts. To cut off the round dowel tips of the spindles, and hit the inserts into the spindles by use a mallet. To connect all spindles to the metal strip with screws. Finally, secure the strips to the rails with screws.

Step 4: Choose Your Wrought iron Spindles

Select wrought iron spindles that fit your style, pattern, material preference, and finish.

For details

Step 5: Measure and Cut Every Spindles to the right length

Measure the spindles, cut if needed, and smooth any sharp edges. Pre-drill any necessary holes following the manufacturer’s instructions.

  1. Measure the height from the floor, or stair tread or landing tread to the BOTTOM of the handrail vertically for EVERY baluster.
  2. Add 2 TIMES the hole depth to the length.  This is typically how long you should cut the iron baluster.
  3. Using a portable band saw or chop saw with a proper metal cutting blade to cut your iron metal balusters to length. If you drill holes on the rail, or install the spindles on the floor, you can just cut the square end.
  4. If you want your pattern to line up at a specific height, you may need to cut from both ends.  Start to cut the end with a round dowel tips with a same length (2″),  then measure very spindle and cut the other end.

Step 6 Install Wrought iron Spindles:

Start at one end, placing the top of the spindle in the handrail and the bottom in the floor or base rail. Use a level to ensure its straight, then secure with screws or adhesive, depending on your method.

Step 7: Check Alignment and Spacing

After installing the spindles, verify that they are evenly spaced and aligned. Use a level to ensure each spindle is perfectly vertical.

Step 8: Finalize and Finish

Make any needed adjustments, secure the spindles firmly, and touch up the handrail or base with paint or stain as needed for a clean, professional look.

Extra Tips:

  • Test Fit: Before securing, do a dry run to check that the spindles fit properly.
  • Spacing: Make sure the spacing meets safety standards and local building codes.
  • Follow Instructions: Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for specific installation steps.

With these steps, you’ll successfully swap out your wooden balusters for a sleek, modern look.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to wrought iron spindles is a fantastic way to boost both the style and safety of your staircase. Whether aiming for a modern look or seeking a durable solution, wrought iron spindles are a smart choice. By following the right steps for your connection type, you’ll replace your wooden balusters and achieve a beautifully updated staircase.