Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Carpentry & Joinery

What should i expect the quality of banister installation

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.56 PM

Hello We recently hired a carpenter to fit a banister on an open staircase in a house we have just purchased. I am concerned with the quality of the work and would like some advise on what to do. He has left large gaps between the joins of the handrail to the newel posts at top and bottom They don't appear to be cut at the correct angle. Also the posts do not sit flush over the previous small posts of the original stairs. The spindles have not been cut flush and are either too short or not square leaving some gaps also. The top post wobbles a bit and glue from the spindles can be seen in quite a lot of places, some even got on the stairs. Also some dents can be seen from his installation. He is coming back in couple of days to tighten the handrail after the glue has dried, as he has told us that once he does this everything will be secure and the gaps can be filled. Is this normal procedure? Should glue be seen as we was going to stain and varnish? Should gaps been seen above and below spindles or should they sit flush with baserail and handrail? Thanks for any advise.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

3 Answers

Ruby Kitchens and Carpentry

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bristol

Hi this is virgo carpentry. The spindles should sit in to the handrail when cut so no gaps will be seen or glue. The same for the baserail. or cut flush if no baserail. I have never had to go back to tighten up things. if glued and fixed that should be it.

Answered17 March 2015

Anonymous user

Hi, It sounds as though you have employed a shuttering carpenter to do a joiners work, although these days the shuttering is far better than it used to be-so maybe he was a butcher! Things certainly don't sound right, did he set it all out properly or cut and hope. I would suggest you post a job on here for a joiner for these works, especially if it is stained/exposed work Regards Simon

Answered19 March 2015

Carpenter/Joiner

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Woodford, London

HI, Wow it sounds like you have had a complete nightmare to say the least. I mostly agree with the other two comments above but in my professional opinion as a staircase designer and not just a installer the case, spindles, handrail and newel post etc should not wobble at all. That is just a excuse from the fitter to buy some time with yourself before he can come up with a solution. Adhesives should not be visible even if the case is getting painted, varnished or stained that is just a sign of shoddy workmanship. I hope you get this resolved quickly and without any more hiccups. Regards, J.Hanly Bespoke Carpentry & Joinery LTD

Answered20 March 2015