Instructions for How to Install a Banister

Check with local building codes for the required height of the banister. Measure and cut both newel posts to size using a circular saw.

Place the newel plate fastener on the bottom of the newel post. This is simply a metal plate with holes that is purchased from most local hardware stores. Center the newel plate fastener on the bottom of the newel post. Draw marks through the newel plate fastener holes with a pencil onto the bottom of the newel post.

Drill pilot holes at the base of the newel post as marked. Use a drill bit slightly smaller in width than the screw size for the screws included with the newel plate fastener kit. Fasten the plate to the bottom of the newel post with the kit screws.

Position the newel post at the base of the stairs exactly where it will be fastened to the landing tread. The metal plate now attached to the bottom of the newel post is wider than the newel post on each side. There are holes where the metal plate sticks out.

Draw marks through the holes on the newel plate fastener onto the landing tread. Drill pilot holes at the marks on the landing tread. Use a drill bit slightly smaller in width than the screw size for the screws included with the newel plate fastener kit.

Set the newel post in place making sure it is perfectly plumb with a carpenter's level. Make adjustments with shims as necessary. Securely fasten the newel plate fastener to the landing tread with the screws included in the kit.

Repeat this process for the newel post at the top of the stairs.

Measure and cut the railing between the two installed newel posts. Miter a 45 degree angle on each end of the railing with a miter saw to fit flush between of each installed newel posts at the required height. Use a rail and post fastener kit to temporarily fasten each end of the railing to each installed newel post.

Tie a string line between the installed newel posts. Make sure the string is set low to the stairs. It will serve as a guide for making sure our balusters are positioned directly under the railing.

Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the width of the baluster fasteners into the tread of each stair using the string line as a guide.

Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the width of the baluster fasteners into the bottom of each baluster.

Use a telescoping baluster marking tool to locate and mark the bottom side of the railing for the placement of the balusters. Remove the railing.

Use a bore buster jig to drill holes at the correct angle into the bottom of the railing in preparation for inserting the top of each baluster. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the peg located at the top of each baluster.

Insert and secure each baluster fastener into their respective pilot hole in the stair treads using a chuck buster attachment for the drill. Twist each baluster to fasten itself to each baluster fastener previously secured into the tread of each stair. The balusters are now fastened to the treads.

Position the railing on top of the balusters in between both installed newel posts. Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the railing onto any stubborn pegs from the tops of the balusters. Securely fasten the rails to the newel posts with the rail and post fastener kit.