Replacing a bannister handrail - how hard?

[Russinating]

We're having a loft extension done, nearing the end now. Our old bannister handrail doesn't line up with the new bannister, something that I could easily ask the builders to quote for and do but I was wondering how difficult a DIY job it'd be to replace with a new/matching handrail?

I've got a mitre saw, jigsaw etc and am pretty handy generally, the main but I'm unsure about is how to secure the old spindels to it as from what I've seen of the new one they're sunken in but I'd need to saw them off flush.

 

[gc123]

surprised they left it like that , surely they could have got the carpenter to make something to tie them into each other? i would maybe ask them just in case they may give you a idea or better way to do it. even just another post and a top bit curved to finish off so they seem to run onto each other would bug me if it was mine..

looking at it again may be difficult to just add a return to the top rail due to differing hieghts but worth a shot otherwise may need to lower all the spindles and replace the whole top rail what a pita...

 

[Semple]

may need to lower all the spindles and replace the whole top rail what a pita...

I don't think you could do that, all the spindles would need to be a certain height?

The builders might have an idea of what people usually do in this situation. I feel the only option will be to get a a similar end and add it on even though it'll have differing heights - probably wouldn't be so noticeable if it was just a solid/no-design end, but having the curves/grooves will make it harder to line up.

 

[BigBoy]

Looks to me like you need a second newal post at the end of the hand rail, should be fairly simple to get it fixed to the existing one.

Edit**

After looking again I would replace the hand rail and posts for new ones and add the newal post at the return end going up to the new extension. Keep the existing newal post at the far end and replace the rail, should be a half day job for a decent chippy.

 

[a1ex2001]

The whole lot needs work to tie it all together I’d be fuming if my builder was planning on leaving it like that it looks awful. Transitions are so important to a high standard of finish and that will never look right.

 

[LACKERKNACKER]

I’d be really disappointed with this as the end result , something does not look right with how the old and new stairs line up, which in turn makes where the point new and old meet look unsatisfactory to the eye, but this often happens with new work matching existing parts of an older property.

I’d be looking at replacing the old spindles and handrail to match the new, and perhaps making a feature of where the transition takes place rather trying to match it in - I guess what’s needed is a experienced carpenter to come along and share with us the tried and tested way of getting that perfect finish in these circumstances - I’d be interested to see how this works out for you.

 

[robj20]

It's very easy, I've just fitted a while new banister, and handrail, went with glass.
But is all very simple with modern fittings just a case of measure twice cut once as with all woodworking.

 

[ANDARIAL]

It LOOKS like you could just replace the hand rail with a longer one and maybe take an inch off all the spindles
Cutting a mitre exactly like the top pic but on a longer handrail......You MIGHT be able to join a piece of new handrail and just extend it if you are skilful

 

[theone8181]

How was it attached before?

 

[ad-]

You could make a handrail riser with a quarter turn at the bottom. Marrying old to new is a thankless task so new rail for the landing. Matching spindles as well?