How do I reinforce (or cover) the spindles on my balcony stairs) to prevent a toddler from pushing against them and possibly having them collapse? I also want to discourage swinging from top rail. Would sheets of plexiglass work?
Are spindles strong enough on a balcony to keep a toddler safe
child-safetystairs
Related Solutions
If you're using an extension ladder, they sell Ladder leveling feet.
I also stumbled across this product The PiViT Ladder tool, though you'd need two for a step ladder.
Toenailing through the baluster on the uphill side with a finishing nail gun should be quite sufficient. The plowed channel holds them laterally. If you wanted extra strength, you could add glue just before nailing.
16 or 18 gauge nails about 1 inch to 1 1/4 long should suffice. The hole will likely be nearly invisible.
Additionally, plowed railings usually come with a filler strip that is angle cut to sit between the balusters after they are attached. If you use the nailing gun (and glue if you wish) to attach those as well, they would further lock in the baluster.
Related Topic
- Is it safe to remove risers from stairs
- How to join two mitred handrails
- Concrete – Best way to cover stair using concrete retaining wall block
- How to calculate stair stringer when total RISE is small
- Converting closed tread stairs to open tread stairs
- Child Safety – How to Make a Baby Gate Self-Close
- Drywall – How to (re)attach this baby gate to the wall
Best Answer
Spindles (also called balusters) on a staircase are supposed to be properly spaced, structured and attached to prevent a toddler (or anyone else) from falling under the railing.
Typical spacing is 4" on centers, too narrow to fit even a small head between, but check your local code. Obviously children could insert a limb and get hurt, but collapse is unlikely.
Standard balusters are usually made from hardwood, but even softwood versions should be sufficiently strong to handle the side pressure load of a leaning or falling person on the stairs. Any load is likely to be spread over several balusters.
Balusters are attached on the bottom either by being inset into holes in the tread or toenailed to the tread. They are also toenailed into the handrail. This is generally sufficient to handle most strains including the pressure of a forty pound child (and probably a 140+ pound adult). Again any load is likely to be spread over several balusters.
If your handrail and balusters are substandard or improperly installed, you should repair the stairs.
If you just want to block the gaps to minimize limb insertion, any thin, smooth coverage will do. Pre-drill and screw into the balusters.
You also may want to think about not letting toddlers use the stairs without supervision.