Step 3 · Prepare Mounting Surfaces
After removing the old balusters, inspect the areas where they were attached. Fill any old holes or gouges with wood filler if necessary and sand smooth once dry. If the mounting points are uneven or rough, lightly sand them to create a clean surface. For iron balusters that require a shoe or flange, ensure the surface is flat and clean. If drilling into wood, pre-drilling pilot holes may be necessary.