A broken banister is a common occurrence in the household. Kids are running around aloof. The more movement, the more the banister fractures or worst case, is completely broken. A stair banister goes through a lot daily, so it is quite strange that they hold up pretty well at times.
So, how do you go about fixing a broken banister? In this blog, we will provide step-by-step instructions that will guide you through this do-it-yourself task.
Understanding The Essential Role Of A Banister In Our Homes
What is a Banister?
By definition, a banister, also commonly referred to as a handrail or balustrade, is a structure designed and installed along the side of staircases, balconies, or decks to provide support and safety. The banister usually consists of banister railings, a series of vertical posts termed ‘newel posts,’ and smaller vertical pillars known as ‘balusters’ or ‘spindles.’
The handrail, positioned at a convenient height, provides a reliable grip for ascending or descending stairs. Balusters or spindles spread equally between the newel posts create a protective barrier, preventing users from falling sideways off the stairs.
The Material Composition of Stair Banister
Often, the material used for banisters varies, influencing their durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Banisters can be created from wood, metal, glass, or stone. The general design, decor, and structural layout of the house usually determine the material choice. For instance, wooden banisters often complement traditional homes, while a glass or metal banister could offer a sleek touch to modern, minimalist interiors.
The Aesthetic Aspect
Despite being a functional element, a banister contributes significantly to a home’s visual appeal. It’s one of the first things noted about a staircase, deck, or balcony and can impact the overall ambiance. A beautifully crafted wooden staircase with elaborate banisters can create a feeling of grandeur. In contrast, a smooth, sleek glass balustrade offers a sense of sophistication and modern elegance.
Safety and Regulations
While aesthetics and design elements are important, the fundamental purpose of a banister is safety. In many nations, there are safety standards and building regulations that govern the design and construction of banisters. Specifications related to the height of the handrail, the distance between spindles, and the structural strength of the banister are meticulously defined and must be adhered to when installing a new banister or renovating an existing one. These regulations ensure the safety of all occupants, particularly children, by minimizing the risk of accidents.
How to Fix a Broken Banister Spindle
Is it easy to fix a broken banister? In most cases, repairing such damage is not difficult. All you need is the right kind of glue and clamps to add pressure. Resin and Gorilla glue are the perfect materials for the job. Resin glue stays wet and is watery enough to get inside the cracks. In addition, it is a wood colour. Gorilla glue, also known as polyurethane, is a very resourceful glue. Unlike wood glue, gorilla glue can be used on multiple surfaces: metal, glass, concrete, foam, and many more. Resin and gorilla glue can repair most broken banisters. Below are the steps on how to fix a broken banister and what materials you will need to use.
Materials and Tools To Fix A Broken Banister
• Gorilla glue or resin
• Draw bolts
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
Putty knife
Cordless drill
Warnings:
Please wear safety glasses, if possible. The small pieces of wood fibres or debris could potentially damage someone’s eyesight.
Steps on How to Fix a Broken Banister
- Make sure to use the putty knife to clean any debris from the split or crack. Also make sure there are no chunks of wood inside, to ensure that the split or crack can close. If a certain piece is completely broken, clean it with the putty knife, scraping away any loose wood fibres. Try to test the fit and if needed, you can clean it again.
- Remove all outer bullnose pieces (rounded trim on the side). You can use your hammer or screwdriver for this. It needs to be even to prevent a split. In addition, number the pieces so that they could go in the right spots.
- Detach the banister and all loose spindles.
- Drill new holes for the draw bolts on the bottom area of the banister, using the manufacturer’s information.
- Install the draw bolts and either using the gorilla or resin glue, put the banister back in place.
Gorilla Glue
Glues hold things together, and some adhesives are much stronger than others. Gorilla Glue fills in between materials, causing it to make a strong bond. If you have two different materials and they also have rough features, gorilla glue still forms a better bond.
In addition, gorilla glue is best known for gluing pieces of wood together. Gorilla glue is waterproof and easy to apply in extreme weather conditions. The main disadvantage would be that it foams up pretty quickly. This means depending on how much you use. It could create a huge mess for you to clean up. If you accidentally get it on your skin, it is very hard to remove.
Resin Glue
Resin glue is famously used for construction purposes. It has superior bonding abilities, just like gorilla glue. It does take a long time for it to cure, and that could be for as long as ten hours. Resin glue works best on wood because it requires very careful preparation and time.
Final steps
Strengthen banister pieces together with the draw bolts.
Restore all bullnose pieces with the glue and screw them into its place.
Fixing a broken banister might seem tedious, but it’s crucial for safety considerations and maintaining your home aesthetics. Following these steps, you can restore your banister to its former glory. If the task seems too large to handle or you’re uncomfortable performing it on your own, hiring a professional is always a good idea. A simple search for “banister repair near me” can yield numerous results from local professionals with expertise in this area.
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To conclude, with the proper materials and tools,
fixing a broken banister will be one less thing you have to worry about. If you don’t want to go through the hassle yourself of fixing a broken banister, why not hire a professional Toronto carpenter or handyman to perfect it? And while they’re at it, our house painters can also paint your staircase! Call us NOW at 416.494.9095, or email us at Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get a FREE estimate for your interior painting project. Allow our professional house painters to do all the work for you! And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
