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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Iron panel Baluster over carpet or not?

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Expert: - 1/14/2010


Question

BALUSTER
Hello:
I want to replace my existing simple iron baluster for NEW IRON PANEL BALUSTER
My concern is that right now is old oak floor that we are going to carpet over it AND RIGHT UP TO THE EDGE OF THE FLOOR.The Iron baluster finished on cap or shoes Kind of square but we really like that detailed to be see it but not deep on the carpet( if we installed it before the carpet)"the gap between the shoe and  where the ornament panel begin is not too long"so  if the carpet is installed around the iron baluster that "ORNAMENT " Panel details of the baluster will be almost seating on top of the carpet and that's exactly what we don't want.I hope you can understand my question maybe looking at the picture of the balluster.
THANK YOU.

Answer
A lot of the iron or metal shoes today come with set screws for this very reason.  It is a small screw tightened with an Allen wrench in the neck of the shoe so you can raise the shoe up and tighten it to the baluster to sit solid above or flush with the carpet line.  The same shoes are used under handrails when replacing wood balusters that leave a 5/8" or 3/4" hole and the iron baluster is only 1/2".  Would this solution work?  Shoes are 1-1/4" square x 1-1/2" tall average.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentI was expecting at least a day for the answer, being my question placed late at night.Clear and could not be better answered.


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Joseph G. Swallow

Expertise

I can answer all staircase balustrade questions where handrails, newels posts, balusters (wood and metal), and stair treads are concerned. I cannot help with cabinetry and floor (outside of stair-related treads and risers), as well as stain and finish issues unless staircase related.

Experience

30 years in the stair industry. Founder of Hardwood Creations in Southern California and CEO of Westfire Manufacturing, Inc. I was a stair builder for 10 years, both in custom and production housing. Have estimated over 750,000 single family homes and provided materials to lumber yards and builders for 12 years. Was an expert witness in several staircase related law suits in Southern California. Stair codes, installation help, stair handrail and balustrade installation are what I know best.

Organizations
NAHB of Portland, OR. Was a member of ICBO for 9 years.

Education/Credentials
Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College

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