The One Railing Update You Should Never Try To DIY

In many homes, staircases occupy a significant amount of space and can have a major impact on the overall interior style of the house. The color, material, and shape of the railing, in particular, can make a big difference in the overall look. If you are tired of staring at a staircase railing that is dated or doesn't match the aesthetic of the rest of your home, then you might be ready to try nearly any DIY project to update it. While there are many simple ways to elevate the style without spending too much time or money, there are also some ideas to avoid based on safety and level of difficulty.

If you are looking for stair railing ideas to update your boring staircase, you may be tempted to try out projects that are much more complex than they initially seem, such as changing the pickets of a staircase railing. Although swapping out your wooden pickets for metal ones or vice versa will definitely change the aesthetic, it is probably more trouble than it is worth for the average DIYer. Railing pickets are an integral part of a staircase's structure, and replacing them can cause safety issues. There's even a chance you need to get a permit before changing out staircase railing pickets, further increasing the time, cost, and planning requirements of the project. Before you start your starcase railing DIY, ensure you fully understand the scope of the project and consider other options you may want to explore instead.

While pickets are a significant part of a staircase's aesthetic, they serve a practical purpose, as well. Staircase railings are structural elements that support the staircase. They help stairs stay safe and secure by providing support for people walking up and down them. Adjusting this important component by trying to swap out or change the size or shape of your pickets could result in a less stable staircase.

Another reason to pause before modifying railing pickets is that there are building requirements regarding the height and spacing of pickets to ensure safety. For guardrails, the top rail must be at least 42 inches above the walking surface, and for handrails, the height must be between 34 and 38 inches above the walking surface. Additionally, railings must follow the four-ball rule, which states that a four-inch sphere should not be able to pass between any two pickets in a railing. This rule is meant to prevent children from getting their heads caught between the pickets. When you start adjusting pickets, you may inadvertently violate one of these rules, making your staircase unsafe.

Finally, depending on your exact plans, this railing update could be one of the home renovations that require permits before starting. Since staircase railings are structural elements and could impact the integrity of the stairs, updating them by moving pickets or changing the number of pickets you have might require a permit. You will need to contact your local government to determine if you need a permit, potentially pay fees if one is required, and wait for your plans to be approved.

Although altering the spacing and number of pickets can pose problems, there are ways to change the look of your staircase railing without all of the trouble. If you are determined to replace the pickets, it is possible to do so without causing trouble. Be sure to choose ones that are the same size so that they fit into the existing holes in the stairs for appropriate spacing. This means you won't need to worry about structural integrity, plugging holes, or ensuring safety requirements are met. This easier process also means that you can save money on labor costs, only paying approximately $3 to $17 per picket. If changing the spacing or number of pickets is important to you, you will likely want to hire a professional rather than complete it as a DIY project, which can cost anywhere between $700 and $10,000. 

Additionally, there is an even simpler option — painting or staining the pickets to change their color rather than replacing them entirely. Removing paint to reveal the original wood will also help refresh the look. This updating method can be more affordable and less time-consuming than many other options, so it is definitely worth considering first. Overall, if you want to update a stair railing for way less money than the pros, there are plenty of options that do not involve redoing the pickets entirely.