How to Build a Wooden Wall Handrail for a Narrow Stairway
Narrow stairways can be cramped and difficult to navigate, making a handrail a necessity. Wall-mounted handrails rely on metal brackets fastened to the wall studs to create a secure installation. Select metal brackets that match the existing metals near your stairway for a unified appearance in your home. A hardwood wooden handrail board will complete the wall handrail for your stairway. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Stud finder
- Metal handrail mounts, with screws
- Screw gun
- Hardwood handrail board
- Miter saw
- Sanding block, fine-grit
- Tack cloth
- Wood finish
- Paintbrush
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure up 28 inches from the top surface of the bottom stair tread with a tape measure and mark the measurement on the wall with a pencil. Repeat this process from the top surface of the top stair tread.
-
2
Pull a chalk line across the wall using the two pencil marks as the end points with the help of another person. Snap the chalk line in the center of the wall to transfer the line for the handrail onto the wall.
-
-
3
Slide a stud finder along the chalk line and mark the location of each wall stud with a pencil. Center one metal handrail mount at each stud marking so that the bottom of the bracket is flush with the chalk line. Using a screw gun, drive the screws that were included with the brackets through the mounting holes into the wall studs.
-
4
Measure the distance from the bottom bracket to the top with a tape measure. This is the measurement required for the handrail. Lay the handrail board on the table of a miter saw. Measure and mark it to length with a tape measure and pencil.
-
5
Sand the cut edge of the handrail board with a fine-grit sanding pad until it is smooth. Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth.
-
6
Brush two even coats of wood finish onto the handrail. Allow the finish to dry at least four hours between coats. Wait 24 hours after the final coat before installing it.
-
7
Lay the handrail board over the brackets. Use a screw gun to fasten it to the brackets with the screws included with the brackets.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Paint the handrail the same color as the wall so that it blends in and doesn’t make the staircase appear more confined.
Wear eye protection when woodworking to help prevent injuries.
