tips for installing balusters down basement steps

13 years ago

This is nothing fancy and being done for safety sake and to make the stairway look better as we finish the basement. I think I'll have no problem installing the post at the bottom of the bottom of the stairs and conecting the new bannister to it. (Its a straight 12 step vertical run down...no turns).

After the new banister is up I understand I need some sort of balusters attached to each step (2- 3 per step?) that run vertically into the banister above. They sell primed balusters made of wood. I like the iron ones better but the are square and pricey. I was looking for something rounded. I saw a suggestion for balusters on the cheap that suggested using metal conduit. Its cheap and I need to paint whatever I use navy blue anyway so it would suffice. Supposedly you just drill holes in the steps and banister and insert the conduit. It sound simple but whether using the conduit or real balusters I am sure there are tips to making this go easy......any tips?

Comments (2)

earthworm
13 years ago
This depends so much on the quality of the basement and how often it is used. Does someone carry a laundry basket down these steps ? This event could dictate the design parameters.
A shame, I consider the basement a most important area, yet, for so many its for a perceived "second class" people...this concept I despise..
andrelaplume2
Original Author
13 years ago
yes laundry down the steps so please elaborate. I do not mean to imply I am being 'cheap' with my basement. I am doing it myself as funds are available. It is meant to eventually be a clean, safe environment for the kids to play shoot pool, watch tv and provide storage. To me it won't be 'rich' like some I've seen with bathrooms and bars etc etc. As far as the balusters, we have a typical set of step, though being 20 years old, they are of a nicer pine than I see in new homes. I want to leave them open, hence the need for balusters. Underneath the stairs will be open as well housing a desk and some storage. We hope to have a Yankees theme and thus want the balusers to act as pinstripes...thus some dowel like (conduit?) that can be painted navy blue.
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