Stairway Repair

Steps:

1. Gently pry off the trim using a putty knife.

2. To free the baluster from the trim piece, insert a hacksaw between the bottom of the baluster and the trim and cut the nails. Be sure to hold the hacksaw flat so as not to cut into the wood.

3. Remove the broken piece of trim and survey the situation.

4. Gently work the baluster free from the handrail and remove any nails in the way with needle-nose pliers.

5. Use a piece of sandpaper to roughen up the area and prepare it for gluing. Vacuum up any debris.

6. Smooth the broken piece with a rasp and test fit it back in place. Rough the ends of the baluster with sandpaper so the glue has a better surface to grip.

7. Put on gloves and mix epoxy components on a piece of cardboard. Spread epoxy in gap and on missing trim piece and fit piece in place. Secure it with tape while it dries.

8. Spread epoxy on ends of baluster and fit it back in place. Use a torpedo level to make sure baluster is plumb.