removing wood balusters

Whether your home has existing baluster style railings, rod iron, or a pony wall ; you may be considering a stairway remodel to modernize your space. Interior stairways can be an important focal point and they often become the first impression in the entryway of a residence. Here are a few stairway remodeling tips to consider during your next staircase renovation project: Tips for Removing Balusters Removing existing balusters without damage to the wall can be tricky and installations will vary widely. Many times the balusters are pin nailed, glued or bolted down at each location. For natural wood wall caps this type of attachment will almost always require a wall cap replacement. Even a successful patch and match job will be visible on a natural timber because of the amount of patches and color variation. . Stairways with only existing newel posts may be better candidates for a patch. Another possibility is to patch and paint the natural wall cap if the budget does not permit for a new one. Paint will hide the imperfections better than stain or clear coat. Changing a Wall Into a Wall Cap Removing a bannister wall and replacing it with modern railings is currently a very popular home improvement. This can be a bit more involved than just removing balusters as it is necessary to cut structural timbers and drywall; patch, paint and most often replace the wall cap. Although the process is involved,  these jobs provide huge gains and visible changes. Experienced DIYers can tackle this type of project as long as there is no existing electrical and the wall does not provide support. More often a professional contractor is required for this type of stairway remodel. Modern Replacement Railings Stainless steel cable railings and glass railing systems offer the most modern and transparent solution for your new staircase. Removing old balusters and walls will increase the amount of light and transform the space and style from old to new.  Consider open tread stair options like a mono stringer to allow even more light and modernization. Our sales staff at San Diego Cable Railings has been modernizing stairways for over a decade and our preferred installers have been remodeling stairs and custom railings since 2003. If you have questions about our products or services for your stairway remodel visit the quote request page.