What are cover shoes and flange covers used for?

Cover shoes and flange covers are small decorative collars that slip around the base of a baluster or picket where it meets the floor, stair tread, or bottom rail. Their purpose is to conceal the installation hole and any gap between the bar and the surface, producing a clean, finished appearance.

What is the difference between a flat shoe and an angled shoe?

A flat shoe sits level and is used on horizontal surfaces such as floor landings, balconies, and the starting tread at the bottom of a stair. An angled or rake shoe is pitched to sit flush against the sloped surface of a stair run. Using the correct shoe for the application ensures a tight, flush fit.

How are cover shoes secured?

Most shoes have an integrated set screw that tightens against the baluster bar to hold the shoe in place. Alternatively, shoes can be secured with a small amount of structural epoxy around the base for a gap-free finish. The set screw method is faster; epoxy produces a cleaner visual result.

What is a split shoe, and when is it used?

A split shoe comes in two halves that wrap around an already-installed baluster from the outside, held together by set screws. Split shoes are used when the railing is already installed and you need to add a shoe without removing the baluster — ideal for retrofitting or upgrading an existing installation.

What are steel base plates used for in ornamental iron work?

Base plates are steel plates welded to the bottom of a post or baluster to spread the load over a larger surface area and provide a secure anchoring point to a concrete, masonry, or structural wood surface. They are a key component in post installations where the post cannot be set in a footing and must be surface-mounted.

What are weld tabs used for?

Weld tabs are small steel flat bar sections welded to a picket, baluster, or frame member to create an anchoring surface for fastening to concrete, masonry, or another metal component. They are used when a full base plate would be too large or visually obtrusive.

How are base plates anchored to concrete?

Base plates are typically anchored to concrete with wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, or epoxy anchors through pre-punched or field-drilled holes in the plate. For heavy posts, a minimum of four anchors is recommended, sized for the expected load per the anchor manufacturer's published values.

Should base plate installations be kept sealed from moisture?

Yes. The joint between the base plate and the concrete or masonry should be caulked or grouted with non-shrink epoxy grout after anchor installation. This prevents moisture from wicking under the plate and accelerating corrosion at the steel-to-concrete interface, which is a common failure point for outdoor post installations.

Square Base Plate - Raised - Price Varies with Size

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RCRBP

Square Base Plate - Raised - Price Varies with Size

Steel Square Raised Base Plate

Opening	Size	Thickness	Hole Dia.	Weight(lbs)	Case
1"	4" x 4"	1/8"	7/16"	0.56	100
1 1/4"	4" x 4"	1/8"	7/16"	0.54	100
1 1/2"	4" x 4"	1/8"	7/16"	0.52	100
2"	5 1/4" x 5 1/4"	1/8"	7/16"	1.2	50
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1-888-525-1280

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