Installation Guide
© 2013 SureWood-LNL All Right Reserved | p 4
Attaching Handrail for Pin Top Balusters:
7a
Attaching Handrail for Square 
Top Balusters:
7b
Pin top
are installed
first on the
staircase
and then the
handrail is
lowered down
onto them.
A) Mark baluster placement 
on treads allowing for equal 
spacing.
Drill treads the same size and 
depth as pin on bottom of 
baluster.
B) Lay handrail along stairs allowing 
extra length for proper fit to newels. 
Using framing square, transfer tread 
markings to side of handrail. Transfer 
markings to bottom center of handrail.
C) Locate baluster holes in solid handrail. Mark 
center of handrail
D) Rotate handrail 180 ° on stairs so balcony 
side of handrail is at base of stairs. Drill holes 
using 5/8” drill bit a minimum of 3/4”deep 
into handrail. Use drill guide set to proper angle
E) Using newels as guide, mark 
handrail and cut to proper length. 
Follow instructions for attaching 
newels.
For balconies, follow same 
procedures, keeping handrail on flat 
surface when drilling.
Balcony end of handrail
Mark and 
Cut Here
BALCONY
Mark Handrail
Here
A
B
C
D
E
Square top 
balusters are 
installed after 
the bottom 
shoe rail 
and plowed 
handrail are 
installed.
A) Lay handrail and shoe rail along 
stairs, marking where they intersect 
with newels. Place rail on side and 
cut along marks.
Mark and
Cut Here
B) Attach handrail using option #1 (3”wood screws) or option #2 (4-1/2” lag bolts through 
front of rail). Both options require pre-drilling a pilot hole. Attach shoe rail using option #1 
(3”wood screws), option #2 (toe-nailed finishing nails) or option #3 (screwed to kneewall).
Handrail Shoe rail
1
2
1
2
3
Wood 
Screws
Wood
Plug
Lag 
Bolt
Wood
Plug
Countersunk
Wood Screws
Toe-nailed
Finishing Nails
Screwed to 
Kneewall
C) Use an 
adjustable 
square to 
determine the 
angle of the cut; 
allow for 1/4” 
plow depth on 
each handrail 
and shoe rail.
D) Cut 
balusters to 
the correct 
length. Once 
spacing is 
determined, 
glue and toe-
nail balusters 
into place.
E )Cut fillet 
pieces being 
sure to match 
angles. Glue 
and nail 
into place 
using 1/2” 
finishing 
nails.
A
B
C D E
*Most codes require 4”on center spacing. Check your local municipality for all applicable building codes.
Finish to Wall and Wall Rail Installation: 
8
Attach rosette or 
half newel directly 
to handrail as 
shown. Secure first 
to handrail using 
nails or screws, then 
secure to wall.
6042 Wall Rail 
with bracket
6010-S Handrail 
w/ 7011 Quarterturn
6010-S Handrail 
w/ 7009 Returned End
Wall Rail Styles:










