How to Cut a Handrail on an L Stair
Handrails are one of the most overlooked parts of a modern staircase. A handrail lacks the sheer pizazz that the old-fashioned banisters had and are impossible to use to slide down the staircase. However, a handrail does provide a safe hand-hold for people venturing up and down and is one of the few elements of a modern staircase with decorative potential. Fortunately, installing a handrail is a simple procedure even on a staircase with a 90-degree turn. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Power screwdriver
- Handrail brackets
- Compound miter saw
- Three-quarter round handrail stock
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails
- Clamp
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the wall where the handrail will be installed using a tape measure. Most handrail stock comes in 12-foot lengths. It is unlikely either wall on a staircase with a 90-degree turn will need more stock than this per section. If the handrail is to be more than 12 feet long, plan for a joint near the middle where it will be less obvious.
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2
Locate the studs with the stud finder and mark the studs with a pencil on the wall of the staircase where the handrail is to be installed. The top of the handrail should be 34 to 38 inches above the level of the stair nosing. Place the handrail bracket so the top of the handrail will be at this level and mark the screw locations.
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3
Screw a handrail bracket on every stud at the location you marked using the enclosed hardware and screws and a screwdriver. The longer screws will be used for attaching the bracket to the studs. A staircase with a 90-degree turn will have its handrail installed in two distinct pieces. They do not need to join or run across the landing.
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4
Verify your handrail measurements and add up to 6 inches to each end to give a balanced look. Depending on stud location you may not need a bracket at either end stud. The handrail should fit neatly inside the staircase and not protrude into the landing area or beyond the top or bottom of the staircase.
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5
Cut the handrail stock by placing the flat side against the guard on the compound miter saw's table with the flat side perpendicular to the direction of the blade. Bring the blade through the material in a single move. If you wish to have a mitered end, set your miter table to 45 degrees and line the stock so that your 45-degree cut will be at least 1/2 inch beyond the location of the first of last handrail bracket.
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6
Cut an extra-long handrail using the same method as in step 5 but turn the lumber so the two miters will fit together creating one continuous handrail. Cut the 45-degree miters at the point where they will land near the center of the handrail on a bracket. Join the two pieces with wood glue and a few finishing nails driven through the bottom. Clamp and set aside until the glue dries.
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7
Install the handrail by placing it on the top of the handrail brackets and screwing through the holes in the bracket and in to the stock from underneath.
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Tips & Warnings
Prior to installation you can finish the handrail stock by staining or painting.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
