How to Build a Simple Handrail
Handrails are an important feature on stairs, providing support for those traveling up or down the stairway. If your stairs don't have a handrail, you will need to install one. Handrails are mounted to the wall using metal brackets, and the brackets are fastened into the wall framing boards or studs. Select a hardwood railing stock so that it will be durable and will complement your stairs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Chalk line
- Handrail stock, 96-inches long
- Miter saw
- Fine-grit sanding pad
- Tack cloth
- Wood finish
- Paintbrush
- Stud finder
- Handrail brackets, with screws
- Screw gun
Instructions
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1
Measure up from the bottom, then the top, stair tread to the height desired for your railing using a tape measure. Mark the measurements with a pencil.
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2
Pull a chalk line from the bottom measurement mark to the top mark with the help of someone else. Snap the chalk line in the center to transfer the line of the handrail onto the wall.
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3
Measure the length of the chalk line on the wall. This is the length required for the handrail. Lay the handrail stock with the bottom side flat on the table of a miter saw. Measure the length required for the handrail and mark it onto the handrail stock.
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4
Slide the handrail along the miter saw so that the pencil mark lines up with the blade. Pull the saw down as you squeeze the trigger and cut through the wood in an even motion, then lift the saw back up. Release the trigger once the blade has cleared the wood.
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5
Sand the cut handrail with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth. Brush on two even coats of wood finish with a paintbrush. Allow at least four hours between coats. Allow the final coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
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6
Run a stud finder along the chalk line and mark the location of each stud onto the wall with a pencil. Position one bracket onto the wall at each stud location. Drive the included screws through the mounting holes into the studs using a screw gun.
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7
Position the handrail over the brackets and center it. Drive the included screws through the mounting holes in the bracket into the bottom of the handrail.
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Tips & Warnings
Finish the handrail to match the stair trim or treads.
Wear eye protection when working with wood.
