News — iron balusters

Custom Stair Parts: Finding Your Perfect Design

The staircase in your home adds to the character of your home's interior design. Over time, your staircase may become outdated and age the rest of your interior. Sure, you could replace a few damaged stair parts or even add a fresh coat of paint to liven it up, but one of the best ways to bring new life to an old staircase would be to add some custom elements with the stair parts of your choice.

When you first begin a stair remodel, it's important to not only decide what design you prefer, but also to figure out which materials you want to use. One of the best tools to get you started is our Stair Design Tool. You have many options when it comes to stair parts, and the team at Direct Stair Parts will support you every step of the way.

So whether you decide on wood stairs, iron balusters, or new staircase altogether, remember the design choice is yours.

Direct Stair Parts offers all of the sizes, colors, and fits that you could imagine in our inventory of cheap stair parts. Because of the variety we offer, you don't have to worry about your custom stair part needs. It is also because of this variety that you can find the perfect fit for your home. So if you're just getting started, here are some of your options when it comes to stair parts:

Balusters

The balusters are the stair parts that stand upright between newel posts, and they attach to the treads and the handrail. A staircase design trend right now is using iron balusters. There are several different finishes when deciding on iron balusters, and you can check them out here. There are many different designs ranging from traditional and ornate to simple and straight, so you can choose the iron balusters that are right for you. Of course, we offer wood balusters as well. Since balusters aren't worn as quickly as treads, they can be made from various types of wood. The choice is yours.

Treads

You walk up and down on the treads every day. Treads are the horizontal, flat pieces that we step on, and the pieces that are vertical in between each tread are called risers. These stair parts need to be strong as they endure heavy traffic, so when choosing treads, this must be taken into consideration. If hardwood flooring is a part of your interior design, it is also popular to choose treads that match your floors. Your options are endless when it comes to the types of wood you can use for your treads, so check out our inventory of wood treads.

Newel Posts

These posts are sturdy and can be found at the bottom, at the top, or on the landings of any staircase. These posts act as an anchor for the handrails by providing strength to the overall staircase design. You have various designs to choose from when deciding on newel posts, and it is also popular to have a newel cap to top it off. So whether you're going for a more modern staircase design, or a more traditional, ornate one, you can find the right newel posts for you. Keep in mind that these posts are connected to the handrails, so be sure to use complimentary materials.

Handrails

This is the stair part that your rest your hand on as you go up or down your staircase. It is often rounded so that a hand can rest on it comfortably. As always, depending on the interior design of your home, the handrail can be more modern or more traditional. We know you'll find the handrail you're looking for in our handrail inventory.

The options are endless when it comes to a custom designed staircase. Bring new life to the interior of your home with a few new stair parts or an entire staircase remodel. To view some of our stair parts in action, take a look at our photo gallery. Take the first step to making your staircase a centerpiece in your home's interior design.

The New Era of Stylish Iron Balusters

The staircase isn’t just a necessary part of the multilevel home; it can be a beautiful part. One of the latest trends in staircase design includes making your staircase an elegant focal point, not an after thought. So if you’re looking to freshen up your home, and you don’t have a lot of extra cash to do it, start with your staircase.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of remodeling your staircase on a budget, follow this link to get started. We’ve got all of the tools and information you need to be successful.

Some of the most popular staircase elements right now are iron balusters.

They’re stylish and curvy, and they’re reminiscent of the Gothic Era, bringing a little bit of European design into your home. Their sleek design makes them nothing like the balusters that came before them. Plus they come in a variety of colors and shades, which you can see by clicking here.

Iron balusters are comprised of wrought iron, a unique metal with fibrous grains.

Most metals lack texture, but wrought iron is full of it. This distinct metal makes iron balusters full of character, making them a favorite among interior designers and homeowners alike. In addition to being stylish, iron balusters are durable, a trait that allows homeowners to rest easy.

The wrought iron in iron balusters doesn’t bend and it’s resistant to rust, making it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor staircases. So whether you’re looking to remodel your indoor staircase or add an outdoor one, you can rely on iron balusters.

Need help working on a staircase design? Check out our staircase design tool.

In addition to being virtually damage resistant, iron balusters are also rather light compared to other metal staircase elements. The fact that they’re lightweight makes for an easier installation process for the homeowner. Direct Stair Parts has a large variety of iron balusters to choose from, see what we have to offer by clicking here.

As always, be sure and plan your design out ahead of time so that you get exactly what you need for installation.

The staircase isn’t just a functional part of your home anymore, with an inexpensive stair remodel, it can become a central design piece. The style and sophistication that iron balusters will bring to your home will be timeless. We look forward to helping you create the staircase of your dreams.

To see some of the staircases that we’ve contributed to, check out our gallery by clicking here.

The Tools You'll Need to Replace Stair Parts

The staircase is one of the most high traffic areas in the home. For this reason, stair parts may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear. For example, stair railings are constantly being grabbed, pulled on, and occasionally, ridden down, so when it's time for them to be replaced, it's important that it's done properly.

Specially designed staircases will require special tools and stair parts for replacements, but most wood stairs can be worked on with the following tools:

1. Level: This tool is absolutely necessary when replacing stair parts. Over time, the foundations of your home may shift which results in wall movement. When this happens, it can cause leveling issues. Remember that even when things appear level to the naked eye, they may not be.

2. Polyurethane Glue: This glue may be used to hold stair components in place, for example, newel posts to wood dowels.

3. Putty Knife: This tool can be used to scrape old glue off of used wedges.

4. Rubber Mallet: The Rubber Mallet will be useful when removing old or damaged stair parts. It can also be used to fit stair treads into their housings or to force wedges between their risers and frames.

5. Drill: Screws are used to secure some stair parts in place. You'll need to use a drill to remove old screws and to insert new ones. 

6. 1/2" Drill Bit: Each time you use the drill to screw new parts into place, you are risking splitting the wood stairs. To prevent this, you must drill a hole that is slightly smaller than the screw you will be using first. This size drill bit will (most of the time) work perfectly.

These are just some of the basic tools you will need when replacing stair parts or working on a stair remodel. Do your research before you begin your project to be sure that you have all of the tools for your specific staircase needs. If this is your first time working with stair parts, visit our getting started page.

Whether you've decided to embark on a full stair remodel or you're just interested in replacing a few worn stair parts, place your order with Direct Stair Parts. Our prices can't be beat, and with such a wide variety of stair parts, you'll find exactly what you need. Check out our options for wood stairs, iron balusters, and much more.

round metal balusters - a clean look - save money too

When using round balusters in your stair project, consider NOT using a base shoe. Your installer is drilling a round hole in your tread and handrail for each baluster, anyway.  Why not  install the round baluster into the round hole and skip the base shoe.  It's elegant, a clean look, and you'll save a $1.00 - $1.50 per baluster from not purchasing the base shoes!

Questions about your stair installation?

Handyman Are Ya? Do Your Stairs Yourself...

Wrought Iron Stair Baluster Installation is Easy!!!

Preparation is Key!

Preparing your stairs for wrought iron baluster installation is easy. The purpose of this step is to protect the rest of your stairs as well as your furniture. Stair installations will be much smoother without the furniture and wall repairs later.

• Cover any nearby furniture with 3mil plastic sheathing.

• Remove anything from the walls adjacent to stairs so that they are not accidentally knocked off.

• Prepare your workspace and needed tools. Tools you will need include :

  • Utility knife, pry bar, Saws All, Band Saw, Sander or Sand Paper, Drill and bits, Tape measure, Level, Balusters, Newel posts (if replacing), Handrail (if replacing), Fittings, Hardware, Screws, Stain, Paint, Polyurethane, Finishing nails (for wood).

Blog Post for this month:

When discussing stair installations with both your salesperson and installer, it is important to be on the same page in regards to the terminology involved. Don’t worry, though, this is very easy. There are only a few you need to worry about. Here is your primer on Stair Parts and Stair Installation terminology.

Stair Parts Glossary:

Baluster/Spindle - the vertical member, plain or decorative,
that acts as the infill between the handrail and baserail.

Balustrading - the collective name for the complete assembly
of handrails, baserails, newels, spindles and caps.

Bullnose Step - usually at the bottom of the stairs with one or
both ends of the step having a quarter circle design.

Closed String - a string with the face housed/trenched to
accommodate treads and risers so their profile cannot be seen.

Continuous Handrail - using straight lengths of handrail
connected to handrail fittings and ramps, the handrail flows over
the tops of newel turnings creating a continuous run of handrail.

Cut or Open String - a string with the upper edge cut away
to the shape of the treads and risers so that their profile can be
seen from the side.

Going - the going of a flight of stairs is the horizontal distance
between the face of the first and last risers. The individual
going of a step is measured from face of riser to face of riser

Newel - accommodates the balusters, handrails and treads/risers.

Nosing - the edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of
the riser and the face of a cut string.

Pitch - the angle between the pitch line and the horizontal.

Pitch Line - the notional line connecting the nosings of all
treads in a flight of stairs.

Rake - the pitch of the stairs.

Rise - the rise of a flight is the vertical distance between the
floors or landings connected by the flight. The individual rise is
the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread.

Riser - the board that forms the face of the step.

Staircase - the entire structure relating to a stair, comprising
steps, treads, risers, strings, balustrading, balusters, landings etc.

Stairway/Stairwell - the space/void provided for the stairs.

Step - the tread and riser combined.

String Margin - the distance between the top of the string
and the pitch line measured at 90° to the pitch line.

Tread - the top or horizontal surface of a step.

Wall String - the string of a staircase fixed flush with a wall.

Winders - are radiating steps narrower at one end that are
used to change the direction of a stairs through 90° or 180°.

Product Showcase:

Box Newel

Want to make a grand entrance to your home? The box newel is the perfect choice. It comes in flat panel, raised panel, recessed panel, and fluted to fit a variety of decors. From the 4” wide to 7 ½” wide a box newel will fit any application. A box newel will also help separate you from your neighbors and is the fastest growing newel style. Inquire about box newels today (make hot the last statement to a link to box newels landing page).

Money Saving Idea:

Want the look of hardwood treads with a carpet runner but don’t want to spend the high dollars on a full tread installation? Then look at the 8071/8072 false treads and risers in Red Oak. They go where your existing paint grade cap and rise are and give you the look of full treads and carpet runner at about half the price, saving you $1,500 to $2,00.00 on parts and installation. And they are a snap to install, many times going right back in place of your existing cap and rise with minimal cutting and fitting.

Specials:

Maple Box Newels, 7 in stock for 75% off, sale price is $65.00 each

What To Buy Guide:

When ordering parts, make sure you have all you need to complete your installation.

When purchasing balusters, you will need the balusters, base shoes (flat for balconies open stringer rakes, and angled for closed stringer rakes), under mount shoes (optional, flat shoes for balconies and angled shoes for rakes, make sure they have a set screw). You will also need epoxy and an epoxy gun to glue them in.

When purchasing handrail, please be sure if you are attempting to match any existing rail or fittings that you know the profile and dimensions of your current system. Also, when buying all new, be sure that your fitting profiles match the handrail profile designations. All of our descriptions and photo guides with help you with this. You will need rail bolts (typically included with fittings), wood glue and clamps to complete installation. Installation guides and templates are also normally included with the fittings.

When purchasing newels, you will need to know if you want to go with a post to post system or over the post system. With post to post systems you will need to buy a long face newel for landings and short face newels for starting sections and balcony intermediates. If you want to use all short face newels then you will need to utilize goosenecks for the landing to rake transitions. You will need sure-tite newel fasteners to anchor the newels. On post to post systems be sure to order the appropriate fittings to complete the installation.

When purchasing treads, measure from the wall to the outside of the stairs and order at least two inched longer to ensure proper trim and fit. On stairs that are open both sides, you will order a plain bullnose tread 2” deeper and 4” longer than the outside to outside measurement, and the returns will be done on site from the additional wood at the back of the tread. Liquid nails should be used in lieu of nails for a cleaner installation. Many types of mouldings are available to trim out your installation, but will be required for covering joints. Riser material can be cut from MDF, Oak, or Plywood depending on if you want stain or paint grade installation.