If you’ve been waiting for the right time to make some much-needed renovations around the house, here’s your excuse: May is National Home Improvement Month, meaning there’s no time like the present to start making some noticeable changes and upgrades around the place you call home.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either; particularly if you’re someone who doesn’t mind getting your hands ever-so-slightly dirty from time to time. Relatively small changes can work wonders for the overall look and feel of your home, and one of the easiest places to start is with your own staircase railing.
Rather than opt for a standard contractor’s railing that looks just like your neighbors’, consider installing your own custom-designed version, complete with your own aesthetic touch. Doing so will not only give your home a new point of pride, but it will also likely boost your home’s value at the same time. You don’t have to be a professional, either, although you may find it beneficial to invest in a stair railing installation kit. Found relatively easily online, these kits come equipped with everything you need to install your own railing with minimal effort. Once you have the right tools and gear, here’s a quick rundown of the process:
Step 1: Remove the old staircase railing. This involves removing any screws connecting the railing to the balusters and newel posts, and then removing the balusters and newel posts themselves.
Step 2: Assemble and place the new newel posts and support pillars (a.k.a. spindles) that go under the railing. Try and use the same holes that were used the first time to minimize damage to your woodwork. If you purchased a DIY kit, it should have everything you need for this step inside.
Step 3: Drill the new staircase railing into its proper spot. Make sure you have a drill with an especially long bit for this process, because you are going to have to drill all the way into the support pillars to ensure strength. Finally, add a little wood glue into the holes to enhance durability, let it dry and you’re good to go!
The process of installing your own staircase railing doesn’t have to be a hard one, but it’s worth taking the time to do a neat and precise job in order to avoid performing unnecessary repairs in the future.