Step 1 - Measure newel post distance
First of all, you will need to work out if you need an intermediate newel post fitted or not, and how many spindles you will need.
Step 2 – Calculate number of spindles
Measure the distance between the inside faces of the newel posts, or the distance between the newel post and the wall.
Measure the width of the newel base (w).
Enter these two dimensions into the Wonkee Donkee calculator (To open calculator in new window, click here).
This will give you the number of spindles you will need, as well as the spindle centre positions
(The height of the handrail is determined by the spindles as shown later).
Step 3 - Check spindles
If you are using the MK1 type spindle, you will need to assemble them before going any further. The MK2 type spindle needs no assembly.
Step 4 - Assemble the MK1 spindles
Insert the brackets into the spindle tubes as shown, and secure with the supplied 63mm long screw.
Ensure that the brackets line up with each other by placing on top of two blocks of wood before tightening.
Step 5 - Measure for baserail
Before fixing the spindles, the handrail and baserail will need to be installed.
Using the measured distance between newel bases and/or between newel base and wall, mark and cut the baserail to length.
Step 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Position spindle
Place two assembled spindles vertically and spaced apart, on the baserail.
Rest a length of handrail or handrail off-cut on top of the spindles to give the finished height of the handrail.
Step 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - 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 using the screws provided.
Step 12 - Cut newel post to size
Using a fine toothed hand saw, cut the newel post at the place previously marked.
Step 13 - Mark handrail length
With the handrail in place and in the wall bracket, make a mark about 5mm in from the inside face of the newel post as shown.
Step 14 - Cut handrail to length
Using a fine-toothed hand saw, cut the handrail at the place previously marked.
Step 15 - Install handrail
With the handrail now cut, place it back into the wall bracket and, at the other end, position the handrail on the newel post using the landing connector. Do not secure at this stage.
Step 16 - 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 17 - Mark hole positions
Using a bracket from one of the spindles as a guide, mark the position of the fixing holes using either a bradawl or a drill and drill bit. Make sure that the bracket is lined up centrally to your previous marks.
If using a drill and drill bit, select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the size of the fixing hole in the bracket - a 4mm diameter bit should be sufficient. Using a slow speed, and with the drill positioned in the fixing hole, carefully drill only enough so as to make a mark on the baserail.
Repeat for all brackets attached to ther baserail.
Step 18 - Drill pilot holes
Remove the bracket and, using the marked hole positions, drill two pilot holes using a 3mm drill bit to a depth of around 25mm.
Drill an additional pilot hole between the two fixing holes. This will be used later to secure the baserail to the flooring. Space these about 500mm apart - but under the brackets between the two fixing holes. Make sure that a fixing hole is located under the first and last spindle brackets.
Step 19 - Drill baserail fixing holes
Using a 5mm drill bit, drill ONLY the middle of the three holes (that is, the baserail fixing hole) 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 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 20 - Insert first spindle
Place the first assembled spindle into place on the baserail and secure using the No 6 x30mm (4x30mm) screws supplied.
Step 21 - Mark location of spindle bracket
Using a spirit level, ensure that the spindle bracket is vertical and central to the flat on the underside of the handrail. Mark the hole positions using a bradawl.
Step 22 - Fix first spindle to handrail
Fix the spindle into place on the handrail securing using the No 6 x30mm (4x30mm) screws supplied. Leave the screws loose enough to allow movement in the spindle. Placing the spirit level against the spindle, ensure that it’s vertical and then tighten the screws.
Step 23 - Fix remaining spindles to handrail
Continue until all spindles are in place then check to ensure that they are all secure.
Finally, using the supplied screws, secure the brackets to the handrail and newel post.
Step 24 - Repeat
If you have an intermediate newel post, you will need to repeat these fitting instructions until all spindles are in place.
Check that all screws have been tightened sufficiently.