Frequently Asked Questions

The type of materials you use can vary based on your style and aesthetic preferences. In short, there are many ways to answer this question. For a cohesive and well-rounded overall home décor aesthetic, we encourage you to match the treads and railings with the hardwood flooring in your home. If you want a painted post or railing, we encourage you to use poplar or soft maple, as both these wood species take paint exceptionally well.  

Building codes can vary state by state, but in our home state, the baluster spacing allows for no more than 4″ spacing on balcony sections and 4 3/8″ on stepping or pitched railings.

Painted posts are a great and cost-effective way to add some contrast to your railing system. The best materials we offer for painting are poplar and soft maple. Their wide grain patterns make these wood species ideal for a clean and smooth coat of primer or paint.

Vinyl flooring is a great option in the modern building and remodeling era. It has many benefits; however, matching it with hardwoods is not as straightforward. Almost all vinyl flooring is made to resemble a type of commonly used hardwood. In many cases, that wood is listed in the title. In others, it is not, so you need to consider the wood’s characteristics. What color tones does the wood have? Are they deep and dark, or are they light? What hues does the wood have? Are there reddish-brown undertones or softer whites? What does the grain look like? Is it wide and swooping, or is it layered tightly? You will surely find the right match if you can answer these questions. If you need help, you can always contact us for consultation. 

Most of our poplar and red oak parts are stocked and ready for shipment. However, other hardwood species are built to order, so please allow 1-3 weeks for milling. When your order is prepared for shipment, we will update you with tracking information. 

Generally, a standard staircase requires two balusters per step. For any balcony or overlook sections of the handrail figure, you will need a baluster every 4 inches. 

Box newels and almost all post or railing newels are made long for a reason! The additional length increases the post’s versatility. For instance, at the start of the staircase, you may only need a 38-42-inch post, but across the balcony, you may need a 48-60-inch post. The additional length helps suit different and alternative installation methods and styles. Your contractor should expect the extra length and is likely well adept at making the needed cuts for the installation process.

Our products are industry-standard railing components, but you may dislike certain features or want a slightly different size. We are willing to modify our products to achieve exactly what you want. Feel free to contact us for a custom quote.  

Baluster size does vary throughout your railing system. If you have a railing system, your best bet is to measure what you have. If not, typical sizes can vary. For balcony sections of railing, a standard size is a 36″ baluster. Balusters that sit on stepping require two different heights. The front of the step is 36″, and the back of the step is 42″. Keeping in mind railing heights can vary, our job is to get the balusters to you as soon as possible. Your contractor will make adjustments before installation. 

Yes, here at BuyRailParts we have knowledgeable and experienced staff on hand who can assist you in design customizations. Whether it be questions about finding the right products or altering the specific features of the product, we are ready to help. Please do not hesitate to call or reach out with your questions.

Ultimately the decision to use a professional or not would be your own choice. Depending on the complexity of the railing installation and your own ability level performing woodworking the answer could be Yes, or no. In our opinion a skilled DYIer could have the capability to install some simple railings. However, the complex railings are best left to the professionals.   

Here at BuyRailParts.com, we specifically supply railing components used for interior stairwells.

Most of our red oak and poplar products are in stock, meaning they will ship within 1-2 business days. Items that are classified as special order or custom will need between 2-4 weeks of production time. Transit time would depend on your location, which varies by 2-3 days for East Coast orders and 3-7 days for West Coast orders. If you are unsure how your products are classified, feel free to call in or contact us for more information.

Cancellations are accepted within 48 hours of placing your order. Please refer to our full policy page for more info. We can not accept cancellations for items that have shipped. We can not accept cancellations on special orders or custom made items that work has begun on. These will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the items were already packaged we will retain a 20% restocking fee.

No, BuyRailParts will not be held liable for any cost associated with installation delays. Mistakes can at times, occur. It is your responsibility to check your order and notify us of discrepancies before you schedule a carpenter. 

Correct.  UPS and FedEx ground shipments cover the cost of shipping the goods along with brokerage fees.  The Canadian government charges additional duty, GTS taxes, and Clearance Entry Fees directly to the consignee once the value is established at the Port of Entry.

No.  Our freight charges do not include Lift-Gate services.  If you are a Residential Common Carrier delivery, the dispatch office will call you to arrange a delivery appointment.  At that time you can request a Lift-Gate service with the dispatcher.  Lift-Gate services come with an upcharge.  If you request a Lift-Gate service, you are responsible for those charges with the carrier.