Replacing staircase string and spindles

Hi all,

I've recently moved into a new property and have started making plans for renovating it (1930s semi). I'm not particularly fond of the current staircase (its not very aesthetic in today's world, and doesn't meet current regulations as the width between the balusters is too wide).

I'd like to know whether it is possible to replace what is currently there with a conventional upright spindle and banister, but I don't know how feasible this would be, hence my post on this forum

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I'm concerned about the width of the string (where the spindles would sit on) as there's its only 30mm. I'm also not sure about how the balusters would work at the top of the stairs, as currently the handrail merges with the fascia of the 1st floor.

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I'd love to know your opinion on this, given that I have absolutely no previous experience in the matter. I doubt this will be a DIY job as I suspect there's more to it than simply replacing the spindles and banister but I do look forward to hear about what it entails and possibly related costs.


Thanks in advance and looking forward for your replies!
wzrd

I'd be interested to hear any comments on this too as I'm in a similar situation. I removed the balusters so I could renovate the staircase more easily but since a good few were in poor condition, I thought I'd replace the lot.

However turns out that they upgraded the balusters specs and now I require much thicker ones. These new ones won't fit in the channel on the underside of the handrail.

I can only think of four options:

1. Fill in the old channel under the handrail and fix the new balusters flush.

2. Slim down the heads of the new balusters with a chisel so they fit into the original channel.

3. Make my own balusters from pine stripwood.
(Tried this, but they warped )

4. Use metal balusters.
(Not too keen on this one)

look at richard burbidge or google stair parts

you need a string cap to sit on the string with the slot in the top
if the slot is smaller than the spindles in the handrail then you can remove half the difference from both sides but time consuming without a jig that will protect you from the blade on your table sawand hold the spindles in position

just make sure you pass the 95mm rule so a sphere 100mm wont pass through any gap

Thanks big-all - I had a local tradesman to come round and said that the handrail would need replacing too. The spindles would sit on a new string cap. He quoted just over £600 for supplying & fitting (stairs & landing). Is that reasonable?

Cheers!

well it aint going to be a 5 min job.
so if he has allowed say 200 quid for materials then there's 400 for wages,if it takes him 2 days then hes on 200 a day,but he has also got to factor in the s,ods law equation.

yep looks reasonable to me if he does a proper job
did you specify the spindle type and the spacings you require ??
or has he offered the spec for you to look at

Thanks for your replies. He showed me a few samples, but he suggested its best to use the square ones (a choice of two widths) because the height between the stringer and the handrail won't allow for the fancy round ones.

He then went off and provided the quote. He's aware of the width between spindles as that is one of the reasons we're changing what we've got now but I will make sure that this is within the legal requirement once we decide to go for it.

wzrd said:

Thanks for your replies. He showed me a few samples, but he suggested its best to use the square ones (a choice of two widths) because the height between the stringer and the handrail won't allow for the fancy round ones.

He then went off and provided the quote. He's aware of the width between spindles as that is one of the reasons we're changing what we've got now but I will make sure that this is within the legal requirement once we decide to go for it.

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what height is your handrail
there will be enough blank on a turned spindle to comply with regs

could be he is allowing for where the string/handrail/apron lining intersect.