A common problem with stair railing parts, like wooden and wrought iron balusters, is an irritating rattle every time someone walks up or down the stairs. It is not unusual with balusters, especially if they have a dowel top connecting to the handrail. Even the best installation from a stair railing parts company may leave you with loose, rattling balusters, so don’t fret about a couple rattling ones, especially if the overall job is secure.

However, if you do want to solve this harmless but annoying problem, there are a few simple do-it-yourself solutions you can use:

Determine How Your Baluster was installed

First, recognize how balusters are installed (the layout from the stair to handrail). Balusters are installed into holes on the floor (or a “shoe plate”), or the stair itself, and then connected to the handrail. Focusing on wooden balusters, they are usually secured in place with wood glue in the holes of the handrail and floor, and then nailed into place. Depending on how the nail was placed, it may have curved into the hole during installation, causing rattling. This is a natural occurrence — not to be blamed on the installation company. Even an accidental bump to the baluster (especially a hard bump) can cause rattling, as it breaks the delicate connection between the baluster, glue, and handrail.

From here, the best and most common option is to simply repair your rattling stair railing parts by using a simple item that can be found around your home. All you will need are toothpicks (for best results, use flat toothpicks), wood glue, and a utility knife.

Easy Remedy: Gluing Your Balusters

First, add a small amount of wood glue to the side of the toothpick that will be facing the wood rail. Then, push the side without glue against the baluster to move it into the space between the baluster and handrail. Use your fingers at the bottom of the toothpick to gently push it, and get the toothpick wedged in as far as possible. Stop when it won’t move any further with your fingers, or you feel you can’t move it anymore.

Don’t stop there! Using the utility knife, place it as if you were to cut the toothpick (but don’t cut it yet), move the blade a bit below the handrail and use the utility knife to push the toothpick up father into the space between baluster and handrail. The blade should help slide it into the hole, but use caution so the baluster, toothpick, or your fingers won’t be cut. When you feel resistance and feel you have to force the toothpick further, this is the best place to stop. Always use caution when using the utility knife.

Once the toothpick is deep enough, and the baluster feels or sounds secure (don’t worry if it takes more than one toothpicks, it may in some cases), carefully trim the toothpick with the utility knife. Next, wipe off excess wood glue that may be left on the handrail, baluster, or have dripped down the baluster to the stair.

This method will also work with wrought iron balusters. You can gently shake the balusters, or have someone (or yourself) walk near it to make sure the balusters don’t rattle. Again, don’t worry if you need more than one toothpick, and be sure to place the next toothpick on the opposite side to avoid using too many toothpicks.

Advanced Repair: Nail Gun and Finish Nails

If this method doesn’t work, the next method uses a nail gun and finish nails.

Using the nail gun, shoot a finish nail into the top of the baluster. Place it so the nail goes through the top of the baluster and into the space where it meets the handrail. This method can also be used with the toothpick method after it, to insure maximum security and no rattling.

Do not use this method if you have wrought iron balusters; instead use the toothpick method. If you haven’t used a nail gun before, this method is also not recommended.

These are very simple ways to fix rattling balusters. The problem may seem frustrating, but the solutions are very easy. Remember to be careful in placement, and if using the toothpick method, don’t worry if you are using a few toothpicks in between the baluster and handrail.

If all else fails, or you’re afraid you may ruin your balusters and handrail, call iStairs Sacramento Stairs and Stair Railing Parts Company for help! Our experienced stair repair team will get the job done swiftly!