We receive calls everyday on how to install iron balusters. The following steps will give you a head start and great ideas for your project:

If the staircase currently has wood balusters, remove the wood balusters by cutting them in the middle and removing the top and bottom sections of the baluster. If the bottom portion of the wood baluster does not want to come up, try rotating It counter-clockwise because some balusters are Installed into the floor or tread with a double­ended baluster screw.

Drill Installation Holes: If you are installing the iron balusters in the same location as the old wood balusters, you need to check the size and depth of the existing holes. Metal balusters that are 1/2 inch square will require that you drill at least a 3/4" hole in the floor and handrail surface. Many of the powder coated metal balusters have the top of the baluster turned round which will may allow you to use a smaller diameter drill bit for the top hole. Please note that the 2006 International Residential Code requires that stairways have rails that do not allow the passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter or greater between the balusters.

Cut The Iron Balusters: Measure the distance between the bottom of the handrail and the floor/tread surface. Cut the balusters 1-3/8" to 1-1/2" longer than the measured distance. Most balusters have the ornamentation closer to the top of the baluster. This should allow for all of the cutting to be done on the bottom of the baluster and thereby preserve the round tip on the top of the baluster. You can use several different methods for cutting the metal balusters. A metal chop saw with an abrasive blade or a metal cutting band saw can be used.

Test Fit One Baluster: Slide a cut baluster up into the hole in the handrail until you can bring the bottom of the baluster in-line with the hole in the floor/tread. Seat the baluster into the hole and determine that there is adequate baluster length still extended into the bottom of the handrail. Adjust the diameter and depth of holes if necessary.

Install Metal Balusters: Slide the metal shoes on the baluster and tape the shoe up so that it is not in the way during installation. Please note that the standard shoes and pitch shoes do not add stability to the metal baluster installation – the shoes are for cosmetic purposes and cover the gaps between the square baluster and the round holes. Aply epoxy or polyurethane adhesive into the top and bottom holes and insert baluster. If you are using standard or pitch shoes, place a small amount of epoxy or adhesive around the bottom of the baluster and lower the shoe in place. Square the baluster and shoe to the handrail and leave undisturbed until the epoxy or adhesive has fully cured.