E-learning Everesta: James Sprag: Tips on How to Replace Balusters from Iron Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases offer something more than just curves and intricate designs. They minimize the amount of floor space necessary to install means for vertical access in homes and other buildings. Often made of iron or other metals, replacing the balusters of spiral staircases can be quite a bit of a challenge.

The baluster of most spiral staircases is often the last part to go in and the first part to go out. Balusters are also commonly referred to as stair sticks, and are the often decorative and functional pegs connecting the treads to the hand rail. Collectively, they support the weight of the hand rail and the treads, holding the entire structure together in one piece.

Whether it's changing the look of an iron staircase or removing a damaged baluster, the job of replacing the baluster can be easier than what most people believe it to be. In most cases, the hand rail does not even have to be removed when replacing balusters, unless the hand rail itself is also due for replacement. 

If you do not want to repair the railing yourself, you can contact a company that provides services in Hawaii to repair houses, such as hawaiitrustedrealty.com/builder/remodeling. These services include the repair and installation of railings. If you entrust the repair of your balusters to professionals, you will get a great result and will be able to avoid a lot of stress.

The first thing to do is to determine whether the balusters are welded or screwed into place. Many iron spiral staircases have the balusters welded together, in which case welding experience or assistance from a welder is required. But if the balusters are screwed in to place, removing them should be easy enough. It is important that the screws are completely removed from the treads and the hand rail before attempting to pull the baluster out.

If working with a welded iron spiral staircase, the joining welds on old balusters can be grinded down until the baluster can be safely removed. Any floor or carpeting can be susceptible to welding sparks so it is important to have the floor immediately below the baluster protected.

Finally, the new balusters are positioned and either screwed in or welded into position. Balusters for iron spiral staircases can have a wide range of designs, girths, and lengths. Naturally, the new baluster should match the old baluster's length and girth, but the baluster designs can be completely subjective. New balusters can then be painted if necessary.