Is there a way to remove an oak wooden banister without destroying it, and then reinstalling the banister?

Question

I'm trying to move some large pieces of furniture to my upper level of my home. But I need to remove an oak banister in order to get some pieces up a landing. In order for me to do this I have to remove the banister. But I don't want to destroy it because I would like to have it put back in the same place. Is there a way I can do this without destroying it and will it be sturdy enough if it is reinstalled?

A friend of mine (who watches alot of DIY) says there is a way but when you reinstall it it won't be as sturdy, even if it's professionally done.

So I'm wondering if its worth doing it just to get a some furniture upstairs.

My home was built by one of those mass production home builders so I'm guessing most of them install oak rails/banisters pretty much the same way.

Any advice would help. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

So wondering if its worth doing it just to get some furniture upstairs.
I can answer that. NO. I have disassembled 2 and re installed them. I did not break any thing and when I got through one could not tell I had removed them. But each one was the biggest part of 3 days hard careful work.

From here on out if the furniture will not go over the bannister or threw a window it stays put. I am afraid we have one piece up stairs that will go with the house if we ever sell.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Oak Banister

Answer 4

Wooden Banisters

Answer 5

The furniture of the Middle Ages was usually heavy, oak, and ornamented. Furniture design expanded during the Italian Renaissance of the fourteenth and fifteenth century. The seventeenth century, in both Southern and Northern Europe, was characterized by opulent, often gilded Baroque designs. The nineteenth century is usually defined by revival styles. Oaks have spirally arranged leaves, with lobate margins in many species; some have serrated leaves or entire leaves with smooth margins. Many deciduous species are marcescent, not dropping dead leaves until spring. In spring, a single oak tree produces both male flowers and small female flowers.The fruit is a nut called an acorn, borne in a cup-like structure known as a cupule each acorn contains one seed and takes months to mature, depending on species. The live oaks are distinguished for being evergreen, but are not actually a distinct group and instead are dispersed across the genus.

Answer 6

It can be done with a lot of care. Not sure it's worth the effort for some furniture though. Most cases the furniture can be lifted higher than the railing, but if not, you can remove the railing and reset it with a LOT of work. They don't always come apart so easily. Use a rubber mallet for a hammer so you don't dent the wood.
Good luck

Answer 7

You got to have an eye for it. First off don't look at the banister from afar. Get right up to it and see how it was put together. Nails, nails and glue, screws? It didn't just grow there. So once you figured out how it is put together, then you can figure out how to remove the fastener...if it can be done or is there another way for you to refasten the railing once you have dismantled it.? You may have to snoop around in some railing stores just to get some ideas on what is possible. They would have suggestions or techniques that they would show you on disassembly.

Answer 8

yep just gently take it apart then put it back together