Installing balcony railings is not only for looks but also for safety.

Installing The Newel Post

There are several ways to secure a newel post to withstand the wear and tare of a railing.

  • A pocket can be cut into the floor to allow the post to sit into and by gluing and screwing into the newel post through the floor joist, the post becomes very secure.

Depending on the height of the railing (36″ – 38″ high) the newel post may require shortening.

  • Another method is with a steel plate that is centered on the bottom of the newel post, placing the post into proper location, recessing the plate into the floor and securing it with screws.
  • Another method to secure the newel post is with a special anchor bolt  in the floor. The bottom of the newel post is drilled to allow the anchor to enter the post.

Through a second hole drilled in the side of the post, a nut and washer is installed to the anchor and tightened down.

Installing The Half Newel Post

Installing the half post which goes against the wall, is secured by drilling the post at the top and bottom and with long screws, secure it to the wall. The holes are covered with tapered plugs, glued and driven in.

Install The Base Plate

In many cases you may want to install a base plate which is wider than the bottom rail. This allows finishing with a molding along the top of the wall.

Building The Railing (Closed Shoe Method)

You first cut your top and bottom rails to fit tightly between the newel post and the 1/2 post.

You then lay the top and bottom rails side by side and mark out the baluster locations (max 4″ to the widest opening)

Once marked and centered on the rails, you can use a double ended screw to attach the balusters to the top rail. Pre-drill holes both in one end of the baluster and upper rail. Start the screw into the baluster and proceed to turn it into the top rail till tight.

Once all the balusters are secure to the upper rail, turn it upside down to install the bottom rail. This is done by simply drilling holes through the rail and the baluster and screwing the rail to all the balusters .

The railing is now ready to install between the newel post and the 1/2 post by simply putting it in place and screwing screws into the end posts as well as air nail the 

bottom rail to the shoe. All screw holes are covered with tapered plugs.

The Open Shoe Method (Top And Bottom Rail Are Installed First)

In this form the top and bottom rail have a groove cut in them for the balusters to sit into. They require shot spacers between the balusters.