Banister Hand Rail Installation Instructions
- 1). Measure the old banister handrail to determine how much rail you'll need to purchase. Add an extra 3 feet onto the total length for crafting returns on the ends.
- 2). Remove the old handrail by unscrewing the brackets from the wall.
- 3). Fashion your returns on the end of the handrail with a mitered saw angled at at 45-degree angle. Cut complementing 45-degree angles into both sides of the banister at the exact measurement for the length and with the scrap wood.
- 4). Sand the finished banister with a random orbital sander and 100-, 120-, and 220-grit sandpaper. Each sanding will refine and smooth the wood further and will eliminate any scratches or splinters in the wood.
- 5). Wipe the banister with a tack cloth to remove all sawdust.
- 6). Apply a stain and varnish to the banister with a sponge brush, following the manufacturer's directions with regard to application and drying times.
- 7). Re-attach the new handrail to the wall with replacement brackets. In order for the handrail to be up to code, any rails more than 8 feet must use three brackets instead of two.
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