Fix It Finder

Stair Baluster Installation with Wooden Spindles

Home Improvement Woodworking · 269K views · 5:34

Skill Level

Intermediate

Time Required

Full day

Estimated Cost

$50–200

Tools Needed

drill, saw, level, measuring tape, clamps
For this stair baluster installation, I worked on the landing section at the top of the staircase first. This is easier as the wooden spindles are installed first, then the handrail is placed on top. It’s a process of stacking parts. The angled baluster sections are more complicated because the handrail is already installed. See the playlist of all the videos in this staircase makeover project - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdSuVz1n16d8_MK7VTqDkMu24NQGiIJhZ When I moved on to the angled sections, the most challenging part was determining the length of the balusters when they were plumb. I ended up making an extendable baluster jig that I could put in place, make sure it was plumb, and then lock it to length. I then transferred this jig to a spindle to draw my cut lines. The jig needs to be centered on the spindle, so by adding measurements on each end, it became easy to center the spindle. Once I had the stair balusters cut, I could put them in place with a wooden fillet strip in between each one. This let me see how the start and end of the run looked so I could get equal spacing between the spindles and the newel posts. Once I cut my starter fillet strip, I was ready to install the run for stair spindles. I glued them in place with carpenter’s glue and if the spindle wasn't a snug fit, I also drove a finishing nail through the spindle into the handrail. We hope you enjoy this video. If you've got questions, leave a comment on the video. We're happy to respond to your comments and questions. Our woodworking plans - https://woodenitbenice.ca/collections/woodworking-plans Our 1-on-1 woodworking advice sessions - https://woodenitbenice.ca/collections/woodworking-advice-sessions See the tools we use in our workshop and the tools we recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeimprovementwoodworking 🇨🇦 Canadian link - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/homeimprovementwoodworking For more woodworking knowledge or to contact us directly, visit our website https://WoodenItBeNice.ca Hosted by Scott Bennett, owner of Wooden It Be Nice in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada #balusters