How to Mount Stair Handrails

Most accidents in the home happen on the stairs.

A stair handrail is a necessary precaution in any home with stairs. The handrail provides support to young children and those who have trouble using stairs. Stairway handrails can be made of wood, or a finished metal to match your style. Metal handrails include polished brass, nickle and stainless steel. These instructions on how to install a stair handrail will also help you fix a loose or weakened handrail.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Railing
• Brackets
• Pencil
• Electric stud finder
• Miter Saw
• Cordless drill
• Hammer
• Nails
• Screws
• Wood glue
• Level

Instructions

1. Measure the stairway to determine the length of railing you will need to purchase. The railing should extend just beyond the top step and the bottom step.

2. Locate the studs in the wall along the stairs using the stud finder. Mark the studs on the wall about 36 inches above the stairs with the pencil.

3. Cut the handrail using the miter saw on a 45 degree angle. This will give you a clean way to connect the short piece that will be parallel to the floor at the top of the stairs.

4. Glue the long piece of railing to the short piece of railing using wood glue or epoxy. Allow the glue to dry before moving.

5. Hold the railing up to the wall along the lines where you marked the studs. Mark again on the wall just under the railing along each stud marking to determine where each bracket needs to be located.

6. Screw the brackets into the wall. Two brackets need to be screwed in at the top, one at the bottom and one every 48 inches along the studs in between. Screw the brackets into the railing.

7. Measure and cut the small piece of railing for the return from the horizontal piece of railing at the top of the stairs to the wall. The end that connects to the horizontal piece of railing needs to be cut at a 45 degree angle while the other side is cut straight. Secure the return piece of railing to the horizontal piece with wood glue and nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape around the edges of the railing that you are gluing to protect the wood from any glue or epoxy that may ooze out.

• Be sure to not wear baggy clothing or long sleeves when handling the miter saw.

References

• Family Handyman: Install a New Stair Handrail
• Popular Mechanics: How to Install a Stair Handrail
• Ron Hazelton: How to Make and Install a Wood Stair Railing