Installation of a Stair Handrail
Installing a stair handrail will improve the safety of your staircase. Stair handrails are independent of the stairs and are installed onto a wall. The handrail is secured to the wall with metal handrail brackets. The brackets are secured to the wall studs. It is important to install the brackets to wall studs to ensure that the handrail is secure. Select a handrail and mounting brackets that match your woodwork and metal hardware so that the project blends well with your existing interior. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Chalk line
- Stud finder
- Handrail brackets, with screws (need as many as the number of wall studs along staircase)
- Screw gun
- Handrail
Instructions
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1
Measure up from the bottom stair tread to the desired height for the handrail to be positioned on the wall using a tape measure. Mark the measurement with a pencil. Do the same from the top stair tread.
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2
Run a chalk line from the bottom pencil mark to the top with the help of another person. Snap the chalk line in the center to transfer the line onto the wall. This line represents the location of the handrail along the wall of the staircase.
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3
Slide a stud finder along the chalk line on the wall. The stud finder will indicate stud locations in the wall. Mark the location of the studs with a pencil.
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4
Position a bracket onto the wall at each pencil mark that indicates a stud along the chalk line. Drive the provided screws through the mounting holes in the brackets into the wall using a screw gun.
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5
Center the handrail on top of the handrail brackets. Drive the provided screws through the holes in the brackets into the bottom of the handrail to secure it in place.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't find brackets to match the metal finish in your home you can paint them to match your trim or wall color.
Wear eye protection when operating power tools.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
