Obviously children could insert a limb and get hurt, but collapse is unlikely. Standard balusters are usually made from hardwood, but even softwood versions should be sufficiently strong to handle the side pressure load of a leaning or falling person on the stairs.

How do you make a railing safe for kids?

If the railings on your deck or balcony create any gaps that are wider than 4 inches, you’ll need to make some modifications to stop your child from squeezing through. One option is to cover the railings with plastic garden fencing, shade cloth, a sheet of clear plastic, or rigid sheets of Plexiglas.

How do you secure spindles?





Apply a little adhesive to the ends of the spindle and fix with a pin into the handrail groove. The head of the pin should be placed so that it will be covered by the fillet. Repeat until all spindles and fillets have been secured in place.

How do you make a stair railing safe?

The process of installing the banister guard is quick and simple. Use a hole punch to create holes in the plastic and use zip ties to secure the plastic to the railing. Be sure to place the side of the plastic with the protective film on the outside, so that you can easily remove it after installation.

How do you build outdoor railings?


Quote from Youtube video: And if you have an overhang on your steps you're gonna have to notch that out so your 2×4 fits flush. So I'm simply just going to trace where it needs to be cut by holding the board in place. Then.

How do you tighten wooden spindles?

Shim the Loose Spindle

  1. Dry-fit a wooden shim to ensure it fits snugly into the gap between the top of your loose spindle and the handrail.
  2. Spread wood glue lightly over the shim.
  3. Insert the shim into the gap at the top of your loose spindle and gently tap it with a hammer to set it firmly into place.

How do I fix loose deck spindles?





Ways to Repair a Loose Wood Deck Railing

  1. Tighten any loose bolts or screws. …
  2. Mount extra blocking between rim joists. …
  3. Remove and replace any loose post-to-rail hardware. …
  4. Remove and replace any rails with signs of bowing, warping, or rot. …
  5. Remove any rust from the loose railing. …
  6. Tighten any loose post-mounting hardware.

How do you make a banister sturdy?

Apply a bead of heavy duty glue to any areas that are wiggling but that do not have hardware, such as where the balusters meet the railing. The source of the problem could also be coming from where the balusters meet each stair. In extreme cases, screws can be installed to make the balusters sturdier.

What is handrail height?

(6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

How high should deck stair railings be?

between 34 inches and 38 inches high



Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back.

How far apart should deck spindles be?

4 inches

Balusters are the vertical guards that support the handrail. They must be installed close enough that the space between them is less than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing.

What is a stair spindle?



Spindles (also known as balusters) are the vertical posts that connect the base rail and handrail on a staircase. They form part of the balustrade, the collective name for the base rail, handrail, newel posts and spindles.