How to Fasten Wood Handrails to Concrete
Most building codes require the installation of stair handrails. In some cases, the wall material may not be not consist of traditional wood and will require the use of special fasteners and tools. If you need to fasten handrails to concrete walls, use screws and drill bits that are designed to be used in masonry applications. These tools are made with harder metals, diamond tips and specialized grooves. Most masonry fasteners will be color-coded with blue paint and are available in several lengths and sizes. The longer the screw you use, the more holding power the handrail will have. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Rail brackets
- Hand rail
- Drill or screw gun with low and high gear options
- Masonry drill bit
- Masonry screws
- Wire pipe brush
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the placement of the handrail brackets on the concrete wall by measuring up from the stair treads to a determined height, and placing marks on the concrete. Check local building codes for handrail height requirements, as well as minimal widths between handrail brackets.
-
2
Place the handrail brackets against the wall where the marks are indicated. Make marks through the bracket brace holes where the concrete fasteners will be placed to secure the rail in place.
-
-
3
Using a drill equipped with a masonry bit, make deep enough holes into the concrete to accommodate the length of the fastener. The bit should be a little smaller than the screw fasteners in order to leave wall material for the threads of the screw to grasp onto.
-
4
Using a wire pipe brush, clean the dust and debris from the holes. You can also use an air compressor equipped with a hose and blower attachment to force air into the hole.
-
5
Align the base of the bracket with the holes that were drilled into the concrete. Place concrete screw fasteners into the holes.
-
6
Using a drill or screw gun set at a low speed, tighten the concrete screw fasteners into place. Most concrete screw fasteners feature a hex head, so equip the drill or screw gun to accommodate this screw style.
-
7
Fasten the wood handrail to the concrete wall brackets. Drive wood screws into place using a screw gun or drill set at a low speed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear safety goggles while operating power tools.
