Installation Guide

46
STEP B.12 – Stains, Varnishes and Paints:
Finishing Your Balustrade
All wood parts are subject to dimensional changes that
result from loss or absorption of moisture in changing
atmospheric conditions. Varnishes and paints reduce the
internal stresses caused by moisture changes, and thus all
finishes should be applied as soon as possible after wood
parts are delivered to the jobsite.
Before finishing, sand all parts with 150 or 180 grit
sandpaper. Wipe away all dust. REMEMBER: Wood finishes
interfere with the ability of glues to bond wood-to-wood,
and glues make even penetration of stains impossible.
Save scraps of wood parts to use for testing stains. Stain
manufacturers can supply complete details on obtaining
the effect you desire. Make sure all smudges, oily finger
marks and pencil marks are sanded away before you apply
the stain.
Enamel paints and polyurethane varnishes should be
applied in multiple coats: two coats for paint, and three
for varnish. Between coats, buff lightly with 0000 grade
steel wool and wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
Finish all surfaces of the balustrade that are not to be
glued. This will maximize the stability of the wood.
Occasional w
axing of varnished areas with high quality
furniture wax will enhance the beauty and durability of
the balustrade.
It is now time to enjoy your handiwork and the beauty
and value you have added to your home.
S TEP
B.12
SECTION B
4
5
B.11b – Stairways with Square Top Balusters
Begin by permanently installing the handrail. Use
carpenter’s glue on all joints, carefully wiping away any
excess to avoid finishing difficulties. Sand away smudges
and pencil marks and complete light finish sanding in areas
that will become hard to reach after assembly. Snug up all
bolts and countersink finishing nails. Glue in all wooden
plugs and putty the nail heads.
Now you are ready to install the balusters. Start at the
bottom of the stairway. Apply glue to both ends and put
the dowel into the hole in the tread. Swing it up into the
plow on the rail. Align the upstairs face of the square with
the plumb mark you made in Step B.10. Drill and toenail
the baluster in place with 4d finishing nails (see Fig. 18-2).
Do not wedge it under the rail or you will create a bow in
the rail, causing the next baluster to fall short.
To avoid bowing the rail and as an aid for toenailing, you
may find it helpful to begin at the bottom of the stairway
and alternately install fillet then baluster, fillet then baluster,
and so forth, working your way to the top of the flight. Use
glue and finish nails on the fillet. All fillet sections between
balus
t
ers should be the same length. Likewise, all fillet
sections be
tween balusters and newels should be the same
(but somewhat shorter) length because of the extra
t
hickness of t
he t
op sq
uare of the newel.
Check each baluster to be sure it is plumb as you progress.
Sight along t
he r
ail t
o be sure it is straight.
T
oenail
the baluster
in place
Trim and
install fillet
between baluster
locations
SECTION B
S TEP
B.11b
FIG. 18-2 - Installing square top balusters