Step 1 - Measure newel post distance
You need to know if you need to fit an intermediate newel post, the size of the glass panel, and how many panels you will need.
Step 2 – Measuring stair pitch
Measure the pitch of your staircase.
You may use the printable protractor to do this.
There are other methods of measuring your stair pitch - including measuring tools and also “Apps” for your phone/tablet that can be used. Whichever method is used, ensure that your reading is as accurate as possible.
Step 3 - Measure for baserail
Before fixing the glass panels into place, the handrail and baserail will need to be installed.
Using the measured distance between newel bases and/or between the newel base and the wall/skirting, mark and cut the baserail to length.
Step 4 - Position baserail
Loosely put the baserail into place, making sure that it is lined up centrally to the newel post and parallel to the floor edge.
Do not fix anything down at this stage.
Step 5 - Mark centreline
With the baserail correctly positioned (A), make a small mark on the wall to indicate where the centre line of the baserail falls (B).
Using a large level (or straight edge and level), mark a vertical line from about 850mm to about 950mm from the floor. This will give the centreline of the handrail (C) & (D).
Step 6 - Position battens
Cut two lengths of batten to 825mm long and place vertically (using a spirit level) and spaced apart, on the baserail.
Rest a length of handrail on top of these battens to give the finished height of the handrail.
Step 7 - Mark position of handrail
Mark a line on the newel post about 5mm below the top of the handrail.
If you have intermediate newel posts, mark the height on these as well.
Step 8 - Mark centre position handrail
Place a wall bracket on the end of the handrail and position the wall bracket against the wall with one of the fixing holes at the top. Make sure that the previously marked centreline passes through the middle of this top hole.
Use a pencil to mark the centre of this hole as well as the centre of the other two fixing holes.
Step 9 - Drill wall
Remove the handrail, wall bracket and panel. Drill a hole in the previously marked positions to suit a wallplug or fixing appropriate for the type of wall the wall bracket will be fixed to.
Secure wall bracket to the wall.
Step 10 - Cut newel post to size
Using a fine toothed hand saw, cut the newel post at the place previously marked.
The newel post can easily be removed if you find that sawing horizontally difficult.
Step 11 - Mark handrail length
With the handrail resting in the wall bracket, make a mark about 5mm in from the inside face of the newel post as shown.
Step 12 - Cut handrail to length
Remove the handrail and, using a fine toothed hand saw, cut the handrail at the place previously marked.
Step 13 - Install handrail
With the handrail now cut, place the handrail back into the wall bracket, and at the other end, using the landing connector, position the handrail on the newel post. Do not secure at this stage.
Step 14 - Mark bracket positions
Using a tape measure and sharp pencil, measure the centre position of the brackets. To make it easier, the printout from the Wonkee Donkee calculator will give you all the dimensions you need.
Step 15 - Drill pilot holes
Using the marked hole positions, drill a pilot hole using a 3mm drill bit to a depth of around 25mm. Drill an additional pilot hole central to the width of the baserail and 12mm from the bracket fixing hole. This will be used later to secure the baserail to the flooring. Space these under each bracket and always 12mm from the bracket fixing hole. It does not matter whether it’s to the left or to the right of the fixing hole. Make a pencil mark by this hole immediately after drilling to identify it later as the baserail fixing hole.
Step 16 - Drill & secure baserail
Identify which of the pilot holes are for fixing the baserail, and, using a 5mm drill bit, drill ONLY the baserail fixing hole. Drill all the way through the baserail. Repeat until all the baserail fixing holes are drilled.
Using a countersink bit, countersink the hole to accept the screw so that the head of the screw is flush or just under the surface of the timber. This is to prevent the screw from fouling on the bracket.
Secure the baserail to the floor using No 10 x 45mm (5x45mm) countersunk screws.
Step 17 - Fix brackets to baserail
Place the bracket bases into place on the baserail and secure using No 8 x35mm (4.5x35mm) screws.
The brackets consist of two parts and will need separating before installing.
Step 18 - Fix brackets to handrail
The brackets on the handrail should line up with the brackets you have secured to the baserail.
Using a batten and spirit level to achieve this, place the bracket against the batten and mark the
position of the fixing hole using a bradawl. Repeat for the other bracket positions, fixing in place with No 8 x35mm (4.5x35mm) screws.
Step 19 - Insert glass panel
Ensure that all brackets are secure and in line with each other vertically and horizontally.
Place a couple of 20mm blocks of timber on the baserail to rest the glass on.
Check that the rubber gaskets are in place and carefully offer up the glass, resting it on the 20mm timber.
Step 20 - Secure glass panel
Insert additional 20mm timber blocks between the glass and handrail to ensure that the handrail is sitting at the correct height. If required, use frame packers to adjust the height until it meets a minimum of 900mm from the finished floor to the top of the handrail. Check the distance between the glass panel and the newels and adjust the panel position so that it lies centrally. Finally, secure the glass in place using the clamp part of the bracket.
Step 21 - Secure connectors
Continue until all brackets are securely holding the glass in place.
Repeat the procedure for any additional panels you have.
Finally, using the supplied screws, secure the Fusion connectors to the handrail and newel post.
