How To Cut & Replace Balusters On Carpeted Stairs
Baluster, also known as a spindle, is a vertical molded shaft mostly found in a staircase & some of the popular materials that can be used in its construction include wood, stone, and sometimes metal and ceramic. Every now and then, whether you are remodeling your house or going for new construction, stair treads are carpeted before you start installing the stair rail. It will become extremely easy to carpet your staircase if in case you have an option of removing the stair rail assembly, carpet the stairs as well as re-install the staircase. This in turn will make it easier for you to cut around only the balusters, which are usually two in totality. Replacing balusters on carpeted stairs is an easy process provided you follow the right procedure & sharp chisel is the important tool that will be required while performing the process:
- Place The Baluster: First of all, lay out the balusters at the preferred location on top of the carpet. Now, measure the individual baluster as per your plan. On the other hand, position the entire staircase assembly in place from top to bottom if in case you have formerly removed one. You can take assistance from someone in case of longer assemblies, if necessary.
- Hold The Baluster In Place: Next, take hold of the baluster or staircase assemble smoothly in place. Place the tip of a sharp, 1-inch chisel on the carpet but make sure that the beveled side is positioning towards you, drive with the edge of the baluster at the bottom. Tilt the chisel at 15 degrees in order to destabilize the bottom of the baluster moderately.
- Cut Through The Carpet: Strike the end of the chisel hard with the help of a hammer in order to cut through the carpet as well as pad. Change the position of the chisel and strike it again to cut through the carpet. Keep placing the chisel around the baluster, striking it with the help of hammer to cut around the baluster.
- Remove The Baluster: Now, eliminate the baluster from the carpet. Come to a halt on the carpet. There will most probably be small carpet threads taking hold of it that did not trim completely through. Complete cutting through the carpet, with the help of a utility knife.
- Pull The Carpet: After that, pull out the carpet using your fingers. If in case the pad did not cut through, conclude cutting through the pad and get rid of it with your fingers in order to expose the stair tread.
- Measurement: Take the measurement of the sides of the baluster. Trim 4 pieces of iron-on carpet tape as per the taken measurements, with the help of scissors. Move the 4 pieces smoothly underneath the carpet betwixt the pad and the carpet having the edges of the tape flush with each side of the cutout.
- Install The Baluster: Finally, it is time for installing the baluster in the cutout. Position the tip of a hot iron besides the baluster. Use pressure at the time of moving the iron from-side-to-side over the surface of the carpet in order to melt the glue in the strip, securing the edges of the carpet. keep performing this on all four sides.