Stairway Installation Tips & Advice

*** Please note that these instructions are here just to give a general idea. These instructions are not “one size fits all” – each and every stairway project is unique. Check building code for all technical specifications***

• Check building code to see where Newel Posts are required
• Check building code for what types of Newels are required (Ball Top or Pin Top, how tall the post should be (43″ – 59″), how long the face of the post is (5″ – 13″)
• Count one intermediate/mid-span Newel Post for handrail over 8 feet long. For example, if handrail section is 12 feet long, an intermediate post is required at the 6 foot mark.
• Ball-Top Newels are for Starting Posts and Landing Posts.
• Pin-Top and Taper-Top Newels are used for continuous sections of handrail (some cities and states allow Ball-Top and Box Newels when going up the stairs for a post to post system).

Balusters:

• Check local building code for all baluster spacing specifications.
• One baluster every 4” of the balustrade.
• 4” sphere cannot pass through the balustrade.
• Shoes for bottom and/or top of metal balusters.
• Shoe size matches baluster width.

Handrail & Shoe Rail:

• Check local building codes for handrail height and sizing specifications. Some handrail models are too wide – others too tall. Limitations on size of the handrail vary depending on local building code.
• Plowed handrails and plowed shoe rails are for square-top and/or square-bottom balusters.
• Fillet is for filling in extra space under the plowed handrail
• Bending handrails are for spiral or curved staircases.
• Handrails terminating into a wall should be drilled into the wall stud (wooden plank of the building’s framework) to maximize stability. A stud finder device is used to locate wall studs behind dry wall.
• Handrails can return into a half Newel or a Rosette, which should be attached to a wall stud.
• If the stairway is less than 5 feet wide, only one side requires handrail (handrail on both sides is optional).
• If the stairway is over 5 feet wide, handrail on both sides is required
• Handrails should be continuous so that someone going up the stairs never has to let go of the handrail (this is required in some places – check local building code).

Treads/Risers:

• Check local building code for minimum width of treads and maximum height of risers.
• Each tread and riser must be identical height and width going up the stairs.

Accessories:

• Check local building code for all technical specifications.
• One rail bolt or lag bolt per handrail end.
• One bolt wrench or any fastening tool.
• Wall rail brackets at a minimum of every 4 feet of handrail (excluding either ends of the handrail, which may or may not return into the wall depending on local building code).
• One Newel bolt per solid Newel Post (more than one is okay but not required), or one Newel Plate per hallow Newel Post.
• One Wood plug to cover each hole drilled.
• Optional epoxy to secure metal balusters.
• Optional shoes for metal balusters.