Step 1: Lay out and cut the baluster supports

lay out the baluster supports
Photo: Ask This Old House TV
«»
Line up the deck balusters along the edges of a sheet of MDF. Mark them to fit around the entire sheet, corner to corner and flush with the edges.

Using a miter box and backsaw, cut the balusters to length.

Tom Silva says: "Using a miter box is a great way for kids to learn how to saw properly. It controls their movements and teaches them to let the saw do the work."
Next

Related Content

Ask TOH users about Yard & Garden
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    More in Yard & Garden

    Tools List

    Close
    • miterbox with saw
      Miter box with backsaw
    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with 4-inch and 2¾-inch hole saws
    • hand clamps
      Spring clamps
    • drop cloth
      Plastic drop cloth
    • utility knife
      Utility knife
    • framing square
      Framing square
    • hacksaw
      Hacksaw

    Shopping List

    Close
    One 2x4-foot sheet of ¾-inch medium-density fiberboard
    (MDF)

    Five deck balusters

    Wood glue

    Cyanoacrylate glue
    (aka Krazy Glue)

    1½ yards of 72—inch—wide green felt

    Spray adhesive

    3-inch PVC pipe fitting
    (coupling, cap, or adapter)Five composite wood balusters
    (such as Trex)

    Outdoor welcome mat
    or artificial turf

    Two 5-gallon buckets

    Duct tape

    Three 2-inch PVC elbows

    Flexible plastic sign

    Note: Materials list is for a single panel. The course shown is made up of four panels.