How To Replace Porch Pickets (Balusters)

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Porch railing pickets--or "balusters"--frequently become damaged or warped. Fortunately, it's not difficult to replace porch pickets! This video from The Honest Carpenter will show you how to replace standard porch pickets with ease.
Materials:
1-1/4" treated pickets/balusters
2-1/2" exterior-grade deck screws
Tools:
Hammer
Tape Measure
Drill
Driver
How-To:
1) Remove old railing pickets by knocking them out or unscrewing them.
2) Measure existing balusters.
3) Cut new balusters to match existing balusters.
4) Pre-drill screw locations and "countersink" screw holes.
5) Attach balusters, appropriately spaced, by driving screws through pre-drilled holes.
Keep in mind that porch pickets used to be much thicker. Newer porch pickets measure about 1-1/4" thick, while older porch pickets were upward of 1-1/2" thick. If you're replacing your porch pickets, be sure to measure the existing ones to make sure that standard pickets will work as replacements.
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[@shirlenejones3742]

This video is very helpful. I've seen some pretty sloppy repair jobs, and you've done an excellent job and made it look easy. Thanks for all the tips!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Shirlene Jones you’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching 🙂

[@annalisarussell2983]

Thank you. I believe I can replace these myself now that I know it's not that difficult. :)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@Annalisa Russell You're welcome! I'm really glad it was helpful. Good luck with the project, and feel free to post questions into this section if you need any more advice :)

[@kevinthomas7259]

So should i use screws and screw gun?? The other ones im not replacing look like it was done with some kind of nail gun

[@bodeans59]

Yes, get good quality exterior deck screws. Best to use a drill with a "hammer" feature to drive the screws in. It is also called an impact driver. But, you can use a regular drill if you pre-drill the holes.

[@AQDCKSA]

I removed balusters to strip old paint. They were stapled.not screwed. Is it useless to try to put the balusters back using the same old staples or just remove them and put in new deck screws?

[@adrianamartinez803]

why you didnt paiting b4 you installed?

[@kevinthomas7259]

Hey im using a bostitch small nail gun and its not going through the wood to the lumber

[@alfredceragioli5143]

How to replace deck rail post

[@gregorycase5091]

HOLY COUNTERSINK BATMAN!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

🤣

[@macman9689]

Good sense explainarion

[@AW-jw2jd]

Couldn't hear the sound. Too muffled.