Replacing Stair Spindles with Wrought Iron: How-To

There’s a special charm in updating an old staircase. It turns a simple part of your home into a stunning focal point. If you’ve ever looked at your staircase and wanted it to match the modern style you see in magazines, you’re not alone. Many homeowners dream of a stylish staircase makeover but worry about the DIY project. But, imagine adding wrought iron stair spindles that blend perfectly with your decor, bringing timeless beauty and strength. You’re not just updating a staircase; you’re changing your living space.

Hiring professionals to replace stair spindles can cost between $1900 and $2300¹. Doing it yourself can save you a lot of money, letting you spend on quality materials. For instance, balusters are quite affordable, with straight ones costing about $2.88 each and knuckled ones around $5.49 each². Just think of the joy of finishing this project and the praise from friends and family who see the amazing change. It might seem tough, but with the right tools and a solid plan, your dream staircase is possible.

Key Takeaways

• Transforming your staircase with wrought iron stair spindles can elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal.
• DIYing the project can significantly reduce costs, which can range from $1900 to $2300 when done professionally¹.
• Balusters, such as straight ones priced at $2.88 each and knuckled at $5.49 each, are affordable².
• With thorough planning and the right tools, a staircase makeover is achievable for any determined homeowner.
• Embracing a DIY stair project can be both economically and emotionally rewarding as you invest personal effort into your home.

Introduction to Replacing Stair Spindles

When you think about updating your stairs, don’t overlook the role of stair spindles in your home’s look. Wooden spindles can wear out or seem old-fashioned. Swapping them with wrought iron can make your stairs look modern and classy.

The IronPro system has changed stair renovation for the better. It lets even those with little DIY skills update their stairs with stylish iron balusters³. You can keep your wooden handrails and newels but swap the wooden balusters for iron ones with the IronPro system³. This update boosts your stairs’ look and is cheaper than replacing the whole stair system³.

Craig Kurtz, L.J. Smith Stair Systems’ president, says replacing balusters can make your home look better and save money³. Jeff Collins, a homeowner in Charlotte, N.C., found the IronPro balusters easy to install. They greatly improved his home’s look³.

Thinking about updating your stairs? The cost of iron spindles depends on how many you need, their design, and the paint finish⁴. Choosing raw iron spindles and painting them with metallic paints like “Antique Bronze” or “Blackened Bronze” by Modern Masters can save money and still look great⁴.

The NuStair staircase remodeling system is another great option. It can turn old, damaged stairs into a solid hardwood staircase in just hours⁵. NuStair offers various stair tread colors and high-quality hardwood. They cater to those who want customization and durability⁵. Plus, NuStair’s adjustable stair balusters come in iron and wood, fitting almost any staircase design⁵.

Before starting a stair renovation, look at your current stairs and think about why you want to switch to wrought iron. Maybe you want a modern look, better durability, or just something that reflects your style. With these modern options, updating your stairs can make your home look and feel better.

Why Choose Wrought Iron for Your Staircase Renovation

Wrought iron is a top pick for many homeowners looking to remodel their staircase. It’s known for its long-lasting quality and ability to add detailed designs. For about 25-30 years, wrought iron balusters have been a favorite for their flexibility in design⁶.

Wrought iron balusters are stronger than wood, making stairs safer. Switching to wrought iron not only gives your stairs a classic look that fits many styles, but also makes them more secure⁷. This upgrade is a smart choice if you don’t need to replace the whole balustrade and find iron balusters on sale⁶.

Painting wrought iron railings can also give your stairs a new look without spending a lot. For instance, painting iron spindles yourself can save money and last a long time. A project like this shows how wrought iron can be both practical and stylish for your staircase⁸.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Replacing Stair Spindles

Starting a DIY stair project? You’ll need the right tools and supplies for a smooth switch to stylish wrought iron stair parts. First, collect the necessary tools to make the process easier.

Essential Tools

For replacing stair spindles, you’ll need a reliable reciprocating saw, drill, and bits for wood and iron. A pin nailer, channel locks, and measuring tape are key for precision and stability⁹. Optional tools like a hack saw or miter saw help with clean cuts⁹. When cutting iron balusters, use a portable band saw or chop saw with a metal blade¹⁰.

Necessary Supplies

Choosing the right stair balusters and shoes is vital. Most stair remodels swap out wood balusters for wrought iron ones¹⁰. Make sure balusters fit perfectly by cutting them to the right length from your stair measurements¹⁰.

You’ll also need construction adhesive, screws, and wood filler. Dap Weldwood Original Wood Glue is great for attaching balusters to the stair treads and handrail⁹. Epoxy on the top rim of the hole secures wrought iron balusters¹⁰. Don’t forget safety gear for a safe project.

Updating a stair railing with new balusters costs about $700, covering balusters, paint, tool blades, and wood glue⁹. Simple remodels can be done in a day¹¹, but complex ones might take up to two days¹⁰.

This project is challenging but doable for DIY fans, even for beginners⁹.

How to Remove Old Spindles

Removing old spindles is key to updating your staircase. It’s important to remove them carefully for a smooth change to wrought iron balusters. Here are the steps to follow for a successful removal.

Inspecting and Preparing

Start by checking how the old spindles are attached. They might be stuck with adhesive, nails, screws, or epoxy. Knowing this helps you plan how to take them out. Measure the current balusters, as they are usually 1-3/4″ wide with a base shoe of 1-1/4″ for iron balusters¹².

Use painter’s tape to label each spindle before you remove it. This makes it easier to measure for the new ones.

Cutting and Removing

Cutting the spindles in half with a reciprocating saw is the best way to remove them. This method helps avoid damage to nearby areas. If your stairs have carpet, be extra careful as removing the balusters might leave gaps¹².

Experts suggest scoring around the base and then breaking it off. If you’re not sure about doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional stair business¹². Also, plan for touch-up staining and finishing to make the makeover look great¹².

To avoid problems, carefully bend and pry out the old balusters. Loosen them from their mounts step by step. Make sure your workspace is safe to prevent accidents. Painting your stair railings after removing the old balusters but before installing new ones can save time¹³. This approach also ensures a clean and smooth installation of the new iron balusters.

How to Replace Stair Spindles with Wrought Iron

Replacing old stair spindles with wrought iron balusters can make your space look better. This guide will help you prepare and install iron balusters for your DIY stair project.

Preparing New Spindles

First, measure the new iron balusters against the old wooden spindles to make sure they fit right. Cut each iron baluster to fit the holes with a saw¹⁴. Iron balusters come in different styles and prices, like basket style at $4.05 each¹⁴.

Sand the old railings to smooth them out, which should take about an hour¹⁴. Use liquid nails or similar adhesive to attach the new balusters. A small amount of epoxy at the top and bottom of each hole helps with sticking¹⁵.

Installing New Balusters

Put the new iron balusters into the holes carefully. Installing them usually takes about two hours¹⁴. After they’re in, use epoxy or hot glue for extra hold¹⁴. Make sure each baluster fits well and is straight.

Mixing different baluster designs can make your staircase look better. This adds decoration and fits various spaces¹⁴. Let the epoxy dry for 24 hours to make sure it’s strong¹⁵.

With the right tools and steps, adding iron balusters to your stairs can be easy and save money. Whether you choose basket style or single twist balusters, careful prep and install will give your staircase a beautiful makeover.

Finishing Touches for Your Staircase Remodel

The final touches of a staircase remodel are key to getting the look you want. Begin by priming and painting the handrail for a smooth finish that boosts the look. Use “Top Hat Black” by Sherwin Williams in their Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for a shiny, durable finish¹⁶¹⁶. This paint is top-notch, offering a sleek look and lasting long against daily use.

Priming and Painting the Handrail

Before painting, prime the handrail to improve paint adhesion and durability. Choose “Top Hat Black” for a modern look that updates your staircase¹⁶. Keep in mind, the paint’s strong smell might mean you need to leave your home for a day or two¹⁶.

Securing Baluster Shoes

Securing the baluster shoes is vital for completing your stair renovation. These shoes support and add beauty to your iron balusters. Make sure each shoe is securely fastened for a professional finish. A local woodworker can help ensure the spindles or balusters are the same height, meeting safety standards¹⁶¹⁶. Paying attention to these details is key for a successful, lasting staircase remodel.

Source Links

1. Replacing Wooden Stair Balusters (Spindles) with Wrought Iron (flooring, painters, staircase) – Home Interior Design and Decorating – https://www.city-data.com/forum/home-interior-design-decorating/2105117-replacing-wooden-stair-balusters-spindles-wrought.html
2. Changing Wood Stair Balusters to Iron: 8 Steps with Video | A Renovation Story – https://renovationstory.com/changing-wood-stair-balusters-iron-8-steps-video/
3. Fall Home Improvement Project: Replace Your Stairway’s Balusters — L.J. Smith Stair Systems – https://www.ljsmith.com/blog/fall-project-replace-your-stairways-balusters-10-31-2019
4. Faux Painted Spindles on my Stairs – How to save money painting stairs – https://jenniferallwoodhome.com/painted-spindles/
5. Stair Case Do-It-Yourself Remodeling & Installation Videos – https://www.nustair.com/videos/
6. Stair Makeover – Replacing Wood Balusters with Wrought Iron Balusters – https://www.woodstairs.com/stair-makeover-replacing-wood-balusters-with-wrought-iron-balusters/
7. How to Replace Stair Spindles – DIY Stair Makeover – https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-replace-stair-spindles-diy-stair-makeover/
8. How to Update Iron Stair Spindles and Other Stair Railing Ideas – https://biggerthanthethreeofus.com/modernize-stair-railings-getting-rid-scrolls/
9. How to Replace Balusters to Update Your Stair Railing – https://designertrapped.com/how-to-update-your-stair-railing/
10. How to Remove Wood Balusters and Install Wrought Iron Metal Balusters – https://www.stepupstair.com/pages/replacing-wood-with-wrought-iron-balusters
11. How To Install Iron Balusters – https://cheapstairparts.com/how-to-install-iron-balusters/
12. How to remove and install stair spindles – https://www.woodworkingtalk.com/threads/how-to-remove-and-install-stair-spindles.59998/
13. How to Replace Balusters to Update Your Stair Railing – https://www.designertrapped.com/how-to-update-your-stair-railing/
14. How to Replace Wooden Balusters with Iron the Easy and Cheap Way! – https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/100-challenge-updating-our-railing-and-balusters/
15. A Simple Iron Baluster Installation Guide for Staircases – https://houseofforgings.net/how-to-install-iron-balusters/
16. How We Completely Updated our Stair Railings by Only Swapping out the Balusters – Chris Loves Julia – https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/how-we-completely-updated-our-stair-railings-by-only-swapping-out-the-balusters/