How to Install a Wooden Stair Handrail
No need to call in the contractors for this simple do-it-yourself approach to finishing a staircase. For safety and aesthetics, it's smart to finish your stairs with a sturdy wooden handrail. Just a few supplies and building know-how will get you on your way to completing the task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hand saw or circular saw
- 2 posts, 4-by-4s, 36 inches long
- Railings, 1 1/16-inch thick
- Nails, 1- to-2-inches long
- Hammer
- Hex bolts, 1/2-by-4 1/2-inches
- Bar level
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Install your handrail by attaching two 4-by-4 posts to the top and bottom of your stairs. Place them against the stairs' stringer, the portion creating the rise of the stairs. Hold in place with a set of clamps, and secure using hex bolts. Check with a level to ensure they are flush with the wood of the stringer and perpendicular to the ground.
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2
Measure and mark the posts at 34 inches of height from the bottom. You will trim the posts later. From these marks, measure down 6 inches and mark the posts.
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3
Trim the posts at the 34-inch marks you made, cutting at a 45 degree angle down.
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4
Cut three pieces of railing matching the length of the entire stairwell from post to post.
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5
Secure one of the three pieces as the railing "cap" to the top of the two posts using hammer and nails.
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6
Hammer a second railing piece just below the railing cap to the outer sides of the posts.
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7
Secure a third railing piece to the 6-inch marks using nails. Trim the edges of all the railing pieces so they are straight.
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8
Sand the edges of the handrail until smooth.
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