Iron Baluster Instructions

Rake Balusters
Step 1 — Drill The Handrail and Treads:
1. Refer to the Key above and drill a hole 1" deep on the
bottom of the handrail at each pre-marked baluster location
(Photo 1a). Our LI-40144/40244/41144 balusters require
a 11/16" diameter hole since they do not have a top round
pin.
Note: Our LI-40840 balusters include hardware for
mounting to the handrail, therefore, holes are not needed in
the handrail for these balusters.
2. Refer to the Key above and drill a hole 3/4" deep on each
tread at each marked baluster location. (Photo 1b)
Alternate method: A stronger method is to place a 2x4"
block beneath the tread. Drill the hole 2" deep through the
tread and partially through the block to accept the baluster
(Illustration 1). This method will change the takeo󰀨 by
requiring the addition of about 2" to the normal required
baluster length.
Step 2 — Trim The Balusters:
1. Temporarily attach the handrail to the newel posts in order
to determine the required length for each baluster.
2. At each baluster location, measure the length between
the tread and the lower side of the respective drilled hole
in the handrail (Photo 2a). Add 1" to the measurement for
insertion into the handrail and 3/4" to the measurement
for insertion into the tread (If using the alternate tread
drilling method in Step 1, add 2" to the measurement for
insertion into the tread). Transfer the measurements to each
respective baluster. Remove the handrail from the newels.
3. Trim each baluster from the bottom using a metal cutting
chop saw with a 14" abrasive blade or a portable band
saw. (Photo 2b). Be sure to seclude your work area as hot
sparks from a metal cutting chop saw can damage nearby
windows, ooring, walls, etc.....
Step 3 — Drill The Balusters:
1. It is recommended that every 6th baluster be screwed to the
tread and handrail, for a more secure stairway. Determine
which balusters will be installed with screws for #2 below.
(We recommend 1 1/2" trim screws)
2. For rake balusters, drill a hole perpendicular through the
top pin on each baluster to accept a trim screw. For balcony
balusters, drill the hole at an angle to accept a trim screw.
(Photos 3a) Drill a second hole at an angle through the
bottom of the balusters to accept a trim screw.
3. Countersink each hole to accept the screw head. (Photo 3b)
IMPORTANT: Please read instructions thoroughly before beginning.
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Photos 3a
Photo 3b
Photo 2b
Photo 2a
Photo 1a Photo 1b
Illustration 1
Balcony
Balusters
Iron Baluster
Tread
Block
(refer to Key above)
Handrail Tread
Baluster Size Hole Size Hole Size
1/2" Square 9/16" 11/16"
1/2" Round 9/16" 11/16"
9/16" Square 9/16" 3/4"
5/8" Round 11/16" 11/16"
3/4" Square 11/16" 1"
The following instructions are designed to be used for the
installation of our Iron Line Collection. Before proceeding with the
following steps, the handrail height should already be determined,
the baluster locations should already be marked on the handrail,
treads and balcony, and the newel posts should already be
installed. If using our IronPro Iron Baluster Fasteners, utilize our
IronPro Installation Instructions. If using our Base Collar with
Threaded Disc, refer to those instructions. If using our iron newel
posts, our LI-3760 Newel Mounting Kit and instructions should
be utilized for a secure installation.
KEY for Drilling
Handrail & Treads
to Install Iron
Balusters