Fitting Stair Banisters

[khaleesi]

Hey, I've been told that i only need to push the wooden spindles into the grove of the hand and base rails, and then insert the fillet pieces to hold them in place. Is this correct? it doesn't seem a very sturdy or safe way of doing it, i'm thinking of using no more nails on the end of the spindles to make them stronger, but i would welcome anyone else's suggestions in relation to this. Thank you

[Zacs-Master]

They're actually called balusters any yes adding a bit of no nails (other really really sticky substances are available) to the top of the posts and the inserts will help. The secure fixing of the newel posts and handrail should be the main structural components.

[SlackAlice]

I'd go with what Zacs-Master states. In the days before 'no more nails' I used long panel pins to hold them in place whilst I fitted the fillets using wood adhesive. 20 years on they've still not moved.

[khaleesi]

lol, that's what they called them on the wickes website, I did think it was a little random.
Really? My initial idea was to just have a hand rail and no spindles, but I've had to add them because of the dam builds regs. What's the point if they aren't even securely in place?

[khaleesi]

and thank you, I feel a bit better doing it now knowing that it's standard practice

[khaleesi]

@ slack alice, i'm not really worried about them moving, it's more about stopping a child falling though them. I think it's actually more dangerous having them than not as people will think that they will stop children when they won't.

[SlackAlice]

Don't forget that the spindles/balusters have to be a certain distance apart according to Building Regs. Apparently to stop kiddies heads being wedged in the gap.

[khaleesi]

And there were days of no more nails? how did people get anything done? lol

[khaleesi]

arrrr, that's why. I thought it was to stop children falling though them

[Zacs-Master]

100mm

[khaleesi]

thanks zac :-)