Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 6/17/2008

Question
We just purchased our first home which was built in the mid Seventies. It's a 6 level side split with about 36 steps. (In Canada)  We have those hideous green/gold plastic-looking handrails on top of painted white spiral metal balusters.  Can we just replace the handrail?  Iron ones would be really expensive, but I can't figure out how to remove the plastic handrail.  It appears that there are some screw holes on some of the diagonal balusters, but we also have a 9 foot span in the diningroom overlooking the livingroom.

Answer
Removing handrail should not be a problem, regardless of the circumstance.  Generally, in the 70's, when iron balusters were used, they were welded to a 1/4" x 1-1/4" flat bar to which, from the bottom, the handrail is screwed down.   Removing the screws from under the rail (usually 48" on center or less) between the balusters should do the trick.  Check those points first and if there is still a problem let me know.  Thank you!