Stair Baluster Installation with Wooden Spindles

For this stair baluster installation, I worked on the landing section at the top of the staircase first. This is easier as the wooden spindles are installed first, then the handrail is placed on top. It’s a process of stacking parts. The angled baluster sections are more complicated because the handrail is already installed.

When I moved on to the angled sections, the most challenging part was determining the length of the balusters when they were plumb. I ended up making an extendable baluster jig that I could put in place, make sure it was plumb, and then lock it to length. I then transferred this jig to a spindle to draw my cut lines. The jig needs to be centered on the spindle, so by adding measurements on each end, it became easy to center the spindle.

Once I had the stair balusters cut, I could put them in place with a wooden fillet strip in between each one. This let me see how the start and end of the run looked so I could get equal spacing between the spindles and the newel posts. Once I cut my starter fillet strip, I was ready to install the run for stair spindles. I glued them in place with carpenter’s glue and if the spindle wasn't a snug fit, I also drove a finishing nail through the spindle into the handrail.

We hope you enjoy this video. If you've got questions, leave a comment on the video. We're happy to respond to your comments and questions.

#balusters

[peterkiernan]

Great video, the spindle jig is a great idea.

[zacharynelson]

This is arguably the best DIY video I've ever seen. Thank you SO much for your work

[seanocarolan]

Spindle jig is a great idea - one suggestion though - perhaps cut the bolt and use wings nuts for ease of loosening.

[Kareemc]

omw finally a video tutorial that gets stright to the point. thank you sir for this wonderful tutorial.

[dianarodriguez]

That homemade jig did it for me!! I just subscribed to your Channel- this is exactly how I will be updating stairs with baluster from now on. The best DYI video ever 🤩

[Parafinn]

Beautiful finished results - thank you for sharing.

[diamondsdavid]

This is a perfect video clip. Thank you.

[Remodelaholic]

Great instructions! Thanks for sharing!

[loopylucyfur]

Glad you fixed the upside down one before the final fix!! 🤪😉

[davebrittain]

First time viewer, really good video! I have to figure out how to make mine so that I can remove it for clearance when a large piece of furniture needs to get into the basement. It is going to be fun... hmm. It is a house I am just finishing up to sell too so I don't want to put a ton of time into it as the market is ready right now.

[raymondsmit]

Well done, great video. Love your work.

[christophervillar]

Very well done sir truely nice and accurate work.incompared to my stair we spend thousands for the hardwoods.but the result is very frustrating.the carpenter doesn't know how to fit and to measure it's steps until it's too late he already cut all the woods.with its wrong calculation.thank you for sharing these beautiful craftmanship.

[Acension]

Definitely making that jig. I might just make it out of thick cardboard.

[thefirstkingridge]

Just subscribed. You run a great channel. Nice work.

[ricwii]

Every staircase is different, so what are the cut angles of both ends of the jig?

[suesych]

Question: I'm thinking of removing all my wood spindles from a shoe rail and replacing them with narrow metal spindles into the existing shoe rail. Do you know if this is possible? Thank you.

[jeffalan]

Nice video.
The job looks like a pro did it.
I am s finish carpenter, only thing I yet to do is staircase handrail.

Your dad is right. In doing you best always.

Being self employed your reputation is on the line.
I thought once to never think "good enough"

I'm a professional being paid better earn it, as to do a job look like a serious DYI er did the job.

[gardenrose]

The jig is a good idea. I wonder if you can buy them on Amazon?

[thomascranston]

How did you get front baluster with shorter mid section than the longer one at the back of the tread? Make them your self or order them that way so that the bottom squares line up and the top squares line up with the handrail?

[dp]

I have out of date stairwell exactly like yours.
My problem is that the dog chewed one of them and it needs to be replaced.
I could cut where the chew is and pull out both ends and buy another spindle
However, i don’t know how to get it in.
It look’s important.
Can you give me ur opinion please?