Repairing Broken Balusters

Posted by Bob Bulmer on Wed 2nd April 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Construction,  Stairs

If a baluster isn’t so badly damaged that it has to be replaced - then you may be able to repair it or re secure it.

On most occasions a baluster will need to be replaced. Squared balusters can be fairly easily matched at DIY retailers. Rounded / turned balusters may have to be made bespoke by a specialist wood turner.

To repair broken balusters you will need the following tools:

Chisel, mallet, hand saw, electric jigsaw, vice hammer.

You will also need your new baluster and appropriate length nails i.e equivalent to what was used previously.

Now you can begin by following these procedures:

1. Remove the damaged baluster by levering any mould or fixing by using a chisel.

2. Knock the baluster away from it’s notch by hitting it with a mallet.

3. A baluster that is held secure by mortise joint - will require you to use a hand saw or electric jigsaw to cut through at the bottom of the baluster. Then knock out with the mallet.

4. Alternatively, a modern baluster may be held in place by timber fillets. Lever the fillets out using a chisel and remove the broken baluster.

5. Remove the broken baluster from the rail by tapping with the mallet until loose. Then remove by hand.

6. Use the top of the broken baluster as a pattern to mark the correct slope on top of the new one. Before cutting to length - make sure you have it right.

7. Use the vice to secure the new baluster while you cut along the marked line.

8. On a cut string - nail the baluster to the rail whilst fitting back into it’s notch on the tread.

9. On a closed string, use the old baluster to cut the angle at he bottom and fit a new one in place at the top and bottom. If the baluster was originally mortised then it will have to be nailed into place.

10. If you have to replace a fillet then tack it into place. 

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