Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 3/9/2009

Question
I currently have oak handrail & pickets. I want to replace with wrought iron. I have carpet and plan to get hardwood floors. Do I change the oak rail to wrought iron before I get the wood floor or do I wait until I get the new floor then do the wrought iron? Does it matter? How do I measure to get an idea of the price? Thanks for any help.

Answer
If you are going with wrought iron rail and balusters, you would want to remove the entire system to lay your hardwood floor, then install the iron.

Another option would be to keep the wood rail and replace only the balusters with iron.  Iron balusters are available now for that purpose.

I'm not sure what iron systems are going for these days, generally powder coated satin black.  I would get at least three quotes from local general contractors who do iron handrails.  You can also call your local Home Builders Association (BIA, HBC, etc) and they keep a list of qualified subcontractors.  You can probably get that information online as well.

Iron is usually built off sight to fit and then installed after the hardwood floor and treads are laid.  They usually don't require any on sight welding or painting.

Let me know if that helps.  Always available if you have any further questions.

Thank you!

Joseph G. Swallow
Westfire Stair Parts