Step 1 - Measure landing
Measure the distance from the centre of the top stair newel and the wall or newel at the end of the landing run.
The maximum distance between newels (or newel and wall) is 2400mm.
If your landing exceeds this, an intermediate newel should be fitted.
Step 2 – Intermediate newel
An intermediate newel post should be fitted if the landing span is greater than 2400mm
Step 3 - Landing returns
Depending on the layout of your stairs and landing, you may need an additional newel post. This, if needed, is used to change the direction of your landing. If your landing is at right angles to your stairs (6), it is unlikely that a newel will be required. However, if your landing turns through 180º, that is, it runs parallel to your stairs, then you may need a return newel (1), (4) & (5).
Measure your return, then select from the options below:-
Step 4 - Mark and cut baserail
Lay the Baserail between the newels (or up to the wall) and make a mark in line with the inside newel face. Using a fine-toothed saw, cut the baserail to size. Cut both ends to make sure that the ends are cut square and cleanly. Repeat for the return if you have a return newel post.
If you have a landing return with no return newel, mark a line central to the top stair newel. Mark a second line central to the baserail position to meet with your first mark. Mark a 45º line through the intersection. Transfer this 45º marking to the end of each baserail length and cut to this mark. Measure the lengths required using the marks on the floor and cut to length.
Step 5 - Mark bottom and intermediate newels
Drill clearance holes for the screws about 150mm from each end and spaced equally every 400mm or so. Drill 4.5mm diameter through the bottom of the groove of the baserail and then countersink.
Position the baserail between the newel bases ensuring the rail is central to
bases. Drill pilot holes through the baserail into the string.
Ensure that all debris is cleared from within the rail groove before securing the baserail to the string.
Glue mitred faces and reposition the baserail then fix to the floor,
making sure that all the screw heads are below the surface
and do not project into the groove.
Step 6 - Measure and cut handrails
For return landings, mark and cut to the same length as the baserails less 9mm to allow for the connectors. Where two IMLC landing connectors are used, (or one IMLC and one IMWC Wall connector) cut to the same length as the baserail less 14mm
Step 7 - Secure handrail connectors
Fix the landing connector (IMLC) to the rail end to be fixed to the newel. Drill four pilot holes, 3mm diameter, and secure with the screws provided.
Fix the horizontal turn connector (IMHT) to the mitred end of the rail ensuring the locator arm is up against the top of the groove and the lip of the connector sits correctly over the end of the rail. Mark and pilot drill using a 3mm diameter drill through the locating arm and secure with the screws provided.
Fix the other mitred rail end into the HT connector as above.
Step 8 - Wall connector
Slide the wall connector (IMWC) over the end of the rail to be fixed to the wall and drill 2 x pilot holes through the locator arm but do not fix at this stage. Place the handrail assembly to one side.
Step 9 - Secure wall connector
Using a level, draw a perpendicular line up from the centre of the baserail end which terminates at the wall, to a height of approximately 920mm. This will ensure correct alignment of the wall connector.
Measure up 876mm from the floor and mark a horizontal line, this ensures the correct height for the wall connector. Align the wall connector so the vertical location groove on top of the connector lines up with the perpendicular line and the top horizontal location groove on the side of the connector is aligned to the 876mm horizontal line.
Mark four screw holes, drill, plug and fix the connector to wall using screws supplied.
Step 10 - Mark newel post
For the newel, measure up 876mm from the floor and mark the face of the newel.
Run a mark to the opposite face of the newel. Mark the centre of the newel and drill a 16mm diameter counter bore hole to a depth of 20mm and a 10mm diameter through the hole.
Step 11 - How many panels?
To calculate the number of panels required for the landing, measure from the corner of the mitred baserail to the wall.
Subtract 120mm from the measurement. This is because the glass panel that will be positioned next to the mitred corner will be set 70mm away from the corner of the baserail and the glass panel closest to the wall will be set at a distance of 50mm away.
Divide the distance by 250 and round down to the whole number, this gives the number of panels required.
To calculate the size of the gaps between the panels, multiply the number of panels by 200. Subtract this number from the original measurement (measurement less 120mm). Divide by the number of panels less 1.
Step 12 - Panel calculation example
Example
Your measurement is 2150mm.
2150mm –120mm = 2030mm
Divide 2030 by 250 = 8.12, rounded down to the whole number = 8 (panels).
Multiply 8 x 200 = 1600
(Measurement less 130) 2030 – 1600 = 430
430 divided by 7 (8 panels less 1) = 61.5mm gap/fillet size
Please note – maximum fillet size is 99mm. If fillet size is exceeded
add panel by rounding up to the next whole number
(after dividing by 250) and recalculate.
Step 13 - Cut fillets and cover strips
Cut two fillets, one at 35mm long and the other at 50mm long. These will be used to set the first and last panels' positions.
Cut all the other timber fillets (handrail and baserail) to length, as well as the plastic cover strip using previous calculations.
Drill a 4mm hole through the middle of each fillet and countersink so that the head of the screw will sit below the top of the fillet.
Step 14 - Install fillets
Measure 70mm from the outside corner of the mitred baserail and mark the rail. Set the 35mm timber fillet to the mark, pilot drill using 3mm drill and fix with No.6x38mm screw.
Insert the 50mm timber fillet into the groove next to the wall, pilot drill and fix in place.
Step 15 - Install glass panels
Starting from one end of the baserail, apply a bead of clear silicone 200mm long and insert the glass panel into the groove on top of the silicone, ensuring the edge of the panel is fully up against timber fillet.
Place the next pre-drilled timber fillet up against the edge of the glass panel but do not pilot drill at this stage, then apply 200mm run of silicone for the next glass panel and carry on until the baserail is completed.
Pilot drill through all timber fillets and secure into baserail groove using No.6 x38mm screws.
Step 16 - Install rake connector
Apply a bead of clear silicone to the bottom of the grooves in the top handrail assembly.
Offer the handrail assembly into the wall connector and align the tops of the glass panels into the groove – this is best done with two people.
Step 17 - Secure connector to newel
Once the handrail is fully located on top of the glass panels, secure in place by inserting the bolt and washers through the newel into the landing connector (IMLC) and tighten.
Insert two screws through the locator arm of the wall connector into the previously drilled pilot holes (step 8) and tighten.
Insert the handrail timber fillets between the glass panels into the groove, pilot drill and fix with 50mm long No 6 screws.
Where there are connector locator arms present in the groove, timber fillets will have to be trimmed to suit and fixed in position with clear silicone.
Between all the glass panels, insert the plastic decorative strips to hide the timber fillets. These should have a good push fit but if they seem loose, apply a spot of clear silicone sealant to the inside of the groove to secure.
