How to Make Handrails for Stairs

Handrails mounted on walls are the easiest to assemble.

Handrails need replacement over time. Often the handrail is custom made to fit a specific set of stairs. Creating a simple railing eliminates the need for contractors and craftsmen. With the help of a couple of friends, you can make your own customized handrail for your stairs in an afternoon. Basic knowledge of hand tools and measuring is required to be successful in mounting the handrail.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-4-by-96-inch lumber
• 2-by-2-by-1-inch wood blocks
• Handrail brackets
• Wood screws
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Chalk line
• Stud finder
• Hammer
• Nails
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from the floor trim at the base of the stairs to the landing at the top of the stairs. This is the length for the handrail.

2. Touch the end of the measuring tape to the lip of the stairs. Measure up the wall 26 inches. Mark this location. Repeat the step at the bottom of the stairs. This is the height of the handrail brackets. When added to the brackets, the handrails will be 32 inches high as required by most building codes.

3. Stretch the chalk line between the marks at the top and bottom of the stairs along the wall. Snap the line to form an impression on the wall. The line should be parallel with the stair’s trim.

4. Measure the required length of 2-by-4-inch lumber for the handrail. Mark the ends. Cut parallel 45-degree angled cuts at each end.

5. Locate the studs at the top and bottom of the stairs with the stud finder. Find each stud between them by moving the stud finder down along the chalked line. Mark every third stud. You should have marks every 4 feet.

6. Mount a wood block at each mark on the wall. Hammer a nail into each of the corners of each block.

7. Center a bracket on each block. Drill three pilot holes into each block using the holes of the brackets as a guide. Screw the brackets onto the blocks. Make sure the tops of the brackets are level with the chalked line.

Making the Handrail

1. Lay the handrail flat. Sand down all corners and the edges with sandpaper to a smooth finish. Sand the flat surfaces to match.

2. Have two people hold the handrail against the wall. Align the handrail with the brackets. Mark the location where the bracket holes line up on the handrail.

3. Turn the handrail upside down. Drill starter holes where the markings are on the handrail.

4. Turn the handrail upright. Line up the handrail so the holes match the holes in the brackets.

5. Have two people hold the handrail in place. Drill screws through the brackets into the handrail holes.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Build a Staircase Rail, Homeowners Clinic; Norman Becker; January 2007