How to Install a Hand Railing

A wooden handrail easily can be installed on the side wall of most sets of interior stairs, provided it's in the conventional manner of a stud-frame wall. A handrail can be especially helpful if toddlers or the elderly frequently will be using the stairs. Once installed, you might find the added peace of mind of having an extra safety feature is worth the time and effort.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Circular saw
• Sawhorses
• Tape measure
• Chalk
• Drill
• Wood screws (1½-inch flathead)
• Drill bits
• Countersink
• Electric screw gun
• Wooden handrail
• Metal brackets
• Sandpaper
• Orbital sander

How to Install a Hand Railing

1. Measure the length of the run and decide how many pieces you will need. The fewer pieces the better. Check to see what the maximum length of available rail is. You might find some lumberyards sell 20-foot sections, though in other places, 16 feet might be the maximum. If two pieces need to be joined to complete one run, do this in the middle.

2. Purchase all materials and bring them on site.

3. Decide on the height of the handrail, then calculate where the point of attachment will be for the rail bracket. Don't forget the base of the bracket that holds the handrail will be in the shape of a metal plate.

4. Chalk a line from the top of the stairs to the bottom at the height that the top of the bracket will be installed. Make sure you make your vertical measurements from the outside edge of the stair tread. Then, figure where the two end points will be. Do this after creating the chalk line.

5. (if there needs to be a splice) Cut the two ends to be spliced at a 45-degree angle. Make sure the angles are running in the same direction.

6. Cut the angles for the top and bottom of the stairs. 45-degree angles can be used, but it is better to take a framing square and match the cut with the angle of the stairs. Sand the top and bottom ends of the handrail so they are very smooth.

7. Install the top, middle and bottom brackets so the top of each bracket touches the chalk line. Pre-drill all holes and be extra certain each bracket falls in the center of a vertical wall stud.

8. Attach the handrail to the bracket with the screws provided by the manufacturer. Pilot holes will be necessary. If there is a splice in the middle, make sure the two pieces are tight together, then screw them together after installing pilot holes and a countersink. Use the flathead screws to hold the splice together. Cover the screws with wood putty.

9. Install the remainder of the brackets after the handrail is in place. You will have to make certain each bracket is firmly attached to a wall stud. Space the brackets about every 4 feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a manufactured metal bracket for mounting and supporting the handrail. Don't try to make your own piece for this part of the handrail. If the handrail covers more than one section of wall, then install each section as an independent unit.
• Make sure each bracket is securely anchored to a framing member. You might need to purchase longer screws than those supplied, especially if your house has old plaster and lath walls. Make sure there are no sharp edges on the wood surface.