Porch Spindle Repair

Tools:

table saw
fence
miter gauge
saw horses
hand hack saw
nail set
carpenter’s pencil
hammer
wood push stick
power drill
reciprocating saw
carpenter’s square
circular saw
tape measure
knee pads
push stick
dust mask
safety glasses
replacement spindles and old timber
nails
deck screws

1. Take the reciprocating saw and cut the base of the spindles away from the lower railing (figure A). Avoid cutting into the base of the spindles.

2. Once all the spindles have been cut away from the rotted lower railing, use a hammer to knock away any supports below and remove the railing (figure B).

3. Measure the length for a new replacement piece. Instead of measuring the width, use a piece of the old railing as a template and set the guide on a table saw to the correct width (figure C).

4. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask and cut the new railing. Make sure you use a push stick and keep your hands well clear of the saw blade.
5. Cut new support blocks using the old ones as a guide.

6. Position the new lower railing and lightly tap into place, then tap the support blocks into place (figure D).

7. Secure the railing by using screws and driving them in at an angle into the end posts (figure E). Pre-drill holes first, then insert galvanized deck screws.

8. Reposition old spindles that are still solid, along with any new spindles. Attach the spindles by toe-nailing them into the new railing. Start by drilling through the base of each spindle at an angle (figure F), then come back and secure with galvanized nails. Use a nail set to drive the heads below the surface.

9. Finish by caulking around all the nail heads and gaps between the spindles and the railing, then prime and paint the railing.