How to Install a Handrail
If you stop to consider how you actually walk up a stairway, you will notice that a handrail is necessary. Installing or replacing a handrail is a simple project, which should provide a more pleasant experience in getting from the bottom to the top of a landing.
Required Materials
Hand rail
Brackets
Crews glue
Metal plate
Required Tools
Miter box
Miter saw
Tape
Measuring tape
Hammer
90 degree square
Stud finder
Chalk line
Drill a drill bit pack
Screw driver
Level
Step One: The Layout
Before beginning the project, speak to your building department for code requirements governing stair railings. Codes will vary from community to community. Mark the top and bottom of the railing height on the wall. Snap a chalk line between the two points. Using a stud finder locate the wall studs and mark their center along the line already made.
Step Two: Installing the Wall Brackets
Use a level to layout the locations of the brackets. Make sure that they are straight and level. With the help of a friend, hold the brackets in place and punch a hole into the wall with an awl. Drill smaller pilot holes and screw the brackets into place.
As you go about buying hardware you may want to consider who will be using the railing the most. If an elderly person or a plus size person is going to be the primary user, a rethink of the hardware may be in order. Where a shorter screw and smaller hardware may be the choice for a regular family situation a beefed up version may be wise if more stress is to be applied to the railing.
Step Three: Painting or Staining the Railing
Before the railing is installed it is wise to consider which finish you are planning on using. In many cases, this may be the first thing you do before beginning the installation of the railing. A day or two of drying time is a good drying period for paint or stain.
Step Four: Installing the Railing
Begin by laying the railing onto the brackets. Check to be sure that all brackets are meeting the railing as laid out. If the railing happens to be warped, return it for a straight railing. Mark the bracket holes on the underside of the railing.
Drill pilot holes into the railing, being careful not to drill too far into the railing. This may split the wood. Screw the railing to the brackets. Do not over tighten at first. Screw to tight in an even fashion along the railing, opposite ends first.
Step Five: Railing Returns
Many railings may require a return to prevent the catching of clothing. Measure the return and cut a 45 degree angle at the end of the corner portion of the return. Dry fit the return to make sure it is angled correctly. Attach a bracket to the wall in the same fashion as the railing. Glue and screw the return to the railing and attach to the wall bracket.