Should painted balusters be installed at the same time as the stair?

If you are buying a stair with balusters in a contrasting material, such as painted balusters on an oak stair, questions will likely arise regarding the finishing of the stair. "Should my painter finish the balusters separately from the stair, then have the balusters installed when the stair is finished?

Here are some things to consider:

• Your painter will generally opt for painting the balusters before installation. This allows them to be sprayed instead of brushed and eliminates a lot of "cut-in" work.

• Painting balusters separately also means that the stair installers will have to come back to the site, remove the railings and install the balusters. There will be charge for this "second trip" to the jobsite. You will have to remember to schedule this "second trip" in coordination with the completion of the finish.

• Leaving your balusters out for painting means that they are more likely to be lost or stolen during this time. You will be responsible for balusters left at the jobsite.

• Once the painted balusters are finally installed, there will be additional "touch-up finishing required at the rail joints. Holes will have to be filled and stain and finish re-applied for the final finish.