Ordering Guide

Choose Installation Method

  • Screw Into Wood Handrail

    This method is used when you want to secure your balusters directly into the wood handrail. We'll drill countersunk thru-holes which help hide the screw and sits flush. Countersunk thru holes are 7/32" and compatible wood screws will be included in your order. This can be done with both flat and angled balusters.

  • Screw into Metal Mounting Bar

    This method is used when there is a metal bar that sits underneath the wood handrail. We'll drill threaded holes (drill & tap) so that the balusters can be secured from the top of the metal bar. This makes the screws completely hidden as it is covered by the wood handrail. Threaded holes are 1/4"-20. and the compatible screws will be included in your order. This can be done with both flat and angled balusters.

  • Pin Top

    This method is used when you do not want to screw into the wood handrail and prefer to let it sit into a hole in the handrail. This is usually secured with epoxy and is less secure. Pin tops are visible when looking at certain angles. With pin top balusters, we cannot add angle cuts.

Choosing Baluster Type

  • Solid Core Balusters - solid all throughout. The most secure and durable option that passes all building codes.

    Pros:

    • Solid balusters are strongest and pass building codes.
    • Very secure - can screw into wood handrail or metal mounting bar.

     

    Cons:

    • Product and shipping are more expensive.

     

    Find solid balusters here.

  • Hollow Balusters with Metal Insert Top - hollow throughout except for a metal bar that has been inserted at the top of the baluster and securely welded. This allows you to install using the "Screw into Wood Handrail" or "Screw into Metal Bar" methods.

    Pros:

    • Less expensive than solid and and lower shipping costs.
    • Very secure - metal insert allows screwing into wood handrail or metal mounting bar.

     

    Cons:

    • Hollow balusters are less durable.

     

    Find hollow balusters with metal insert top here.

  • Hollow Balusters with Pin Top - hollow throughout with a round hollow top. Used for quick and easy installs but are less secure.

    Pros:

    • Quick and easy installation.
    • Cheapest out of all 4 options.

     

    Cons:

    • Hollow balusters are less durable.
    • Less secure - cannot screw into wood handrail or metal mounting bar.
    • Pin top is visible when looking from certain angles.
    • Not compatible with angle cuts.

     

    Find hollow balusters with pin top here.

Length and Angle

  • Measuring Baluster Length

    Measure the distance from the bottom of the handrail to the top of the stair tread. Add the depth of your stair tread holes and depth of your handrail holes to get your baluster cut length. You may not have any holes in your handrails depending on your install method.

     

    If you have any questions, contact us for assistance or to order a sample to test your measurements.

  • Measuring Angles

    Angle cuts are recommended for angled sections of your stairs to ensure the balusters fit perfectly with the handrail.

     

    You can use a smartphone app called Handy Bubble Level DIY on iOS or Bubble Level on Android to measure the angle of your stairs. You can measure the angle using your existing handrail, or by placing a long level across the stair treads, spanning at least three steps for an accurate reading.

     

    Tolerance:
    Screw Into Wood Handrail: The tolerance of your angle measurements can be off by ± 2 or 3 degrees and still fit fine.

     

    Screw Into Metal Bar: The tolerance is tighter and can be off ± 1 degrees.

     

    Provide your angle when you order and we'll cut the top of the baluster so it fits well with your handrail.

What happens if I measured my balusters are too long?

If a baluster is too long, you can cut both solid and hollow balusters with a powered cutting tool or angle grinder.

What happens if I measured my balusters too short?

If your baluster is only slightly too short (around ¼″) you can insert wood or plastic shims into the hole to slightly raise the baluster. Apply construction-grade epoxy in the floor to furt
If the baluster is significantly shorter than needed, contact us. If you’ve ordered from us before, we can offer a 15% discount on replacement pieces.

What happens if the angle isn't measured properly?

You can re-cut the angle using a powered cutting tool or angle grinder. If you are not able to re-cut it yourself then please contact us and we can we can offer a 15% discount on replacement pieces if you have ordered from us before.

Order a Sample

To avoid costly measurement errors, we recommend ordering free, unfinished samples to test them in your staircase. We'' cut them to length and to your specified angle. Limit 3 per customer.

Order Samples

  • Low-Cost, Unfinished Samples For Testing Your Measurements