I need to replace an indoor railing, balusters, and newell post and need some advice as I have not done this before.
Is this a project for a reasonably handy non-carpenter guy or should this be left to a professional?
If I decide to tackle this, not quite sure how to measure it out before my trip to the local Home Depot or Lowes.
Any advice from those who have been there done that is appreciated.
thanks, snipped-for-privacy@snip.net
You're picking a job to start on that's usually left to the more experienced trim carpenter. But since you already have one to use as an example, it depends a lot on how many good tools you have, what kind of balustrade you choose, and what kind of results are acceptable to you. I suggest when you go to the stores you browse through a few trim carpentry books first...
IMO, this is one of the more challenging things that a carpenter does. It requires a lot of accurate detailed cuts using quality tools. I'm not sure that I would tackle such a project. I know I would not tackle a traditional one that required drilling holes in the handrail and steps.
If I were going to attempt it, I would only consider doing it with a railing system that uses a channel at the top and bottom where the required cuts on the balusters only require an accurate angle cut, and toenailed into the top and bottom. Small blocks are added for additional support. I have only seen this system in poplar. It does make a strong system.
Colbyt
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