I am in love with this project: replacing our wood spindles with iron spindles. This project is one of those projects that changed the entire look of our home.
This is what we had in our house. I don’t have a before picture. Who knew I would be blogging about replacing 241 wood spindles with iron spindles?
Our dream to add 241 iron spindels, over 32 steps and 4 landings was a little overwhelming! Our first thought was we would hire someone to install these for us, until we realized the cost of the project would double.
The following variables impact the total cost of a spindle or baluster replacement:
- the quantity of spindles: our local distributor offered bulk pricing. To get this substantial savings we placed a joint order with our neighbors.
- There is a significant price difference between a solid iron and a hollow baluster. We went with hollow balusters. More on this decision below.
- A third factor in pricing is the baluster design (iron twists, ornate baskets, single or double baskets on each spindle). We went with no twists and alternated between single and double baskets on the spindle. Our tastes are not flashy or ornate, so we knew the simple, classic ( cheaper) baluster would totally work in our home. Here is an example of the pattern of alternating single and doubles baskets:
Our total cost for 241 balusters and the “flat shoe” that is attached at the bottom of each baluster (see below), came to $8.00 per baluster. Quotes for the cost of installation averaged an additional $10.00 per baluster. By having my underpaid assistant install (saw and sand) we saved $2500 in labor. A new blade for our miter saw was $20.00. We used a table top belt sander to sand the cut edges of the balusters. The decision to use hollow balusters was based on price. After we started this project we realized hollow balusters are easier to cut and install because you don’t have the added weight. Booyah! (Do they still say booyah!)?
This is the “flat shoe” and it attaches at the base of each baluster. We worked this into our $8.00 per baluster cost (you do order these separately). Each one needs to be tightened. We had our kids help with this final step.
LOVE!
LINKING UP TO: SIMPLE HOME LIFE, RESTORATION REDOUX 21 Rosemary Lane
Whoa! I’m not sure I would be brave enough to tackle this myself but they look awesome! Well done!
BEAUTIFUL!
My husband installed these over a year ago in our home. Love them! We have not had any problem with them . Enjoy them, they look marvelous!
Hi,
I just installed hollow rods as well today. I am very unhappy with the result as the hollow rods are so flimsy that the banister wobbles when shook. The rods are bending in the middle . Just thought I’d warn people about going with hollow rods over spans of more than 3-4 ft before another wooden anchor.
Hi Sam
We did not have that experience. We had clamps (I’m blanking on the technical word) at the base of each baluster to give it an anchor.
Booyah! That is beautiful! Great job.
And thanks for linking up to Throwback Thursday!
Laura! You balusters look great. I love the black rod iron, it’s so classy!
Thank you for linking up to Throwback Thursday!
xoxo
Denyse