If your work requires a permit, make sure to obtain one before adding onto your home in any way. This prevents any issues that may come about with inspections, potential penalties or violations, and issues that could come about if you ever tried selling your home in the future. If you are not required to obtain a permit, move forward with your building project.
The rise of the railing should be measured according to local building authority codes; this is usually between 34–38 inches (86–97 cm). [2] X Expert Source Josh GoldenbergResidential Remodeling Expert Expert Interview. 25 January 2022. Measure the rise at 36 inches from the same place at each step, and mark its position with a pencil or chalk. Use a tape measure to draw a straight line on the wall, connecting the 36-inch marks you placed at the top of the stairs in descending order to the very bottom step. Measure where you intend to place brackets that will later be screwed into the wall. Mark the bracket locations using a level to make sure that the brackets are plumb. [3] X Research source
Wood is the most commonly used material for indoor handrails. It is very strong and is attractive, especially oak handrails. Wood is also an option for an outdoor handrail, but is prone to rotting in all but very dry climates. [4] X Research source Untreated wood used inside the house must be painted, or treated with oil, or stained and covered with polyurethane. If treating it with oil, use tung oil, linseed oil, or a product based in one of those oils. Avoid water-based products because although they make wood water and moisture resistant, with time they peel and degrade. [5] X Research source Metal railings used inside the house are stylish and strong. . [6] X Research source Synthetic railings can be shaped and molded to your style needs and can even be made to look like wood. This option is expensive compared to other handrail options, but also more durable.
If you are installing a wood railing, you can bring home wood samples from your local hardware store to match them to the wood fixtures in your home.
For a wall-mounted installation, the handrail should be 8 in. (20 cm) longer than your measurements if you will mount returns because you will cut off 4 inch (10 cm )on either end. Buy brackets if they were not packaged with the railing. They are normally sold in only two sizes, large and small. Each size has several colors to choose from, e. g. , black, gold, and white.
Reverse the placement of the cuts so that the pieces will be able to face the wall at the top and bottom of the rail.
It’s important to make sure that the brackets are installed securely. If they seem loose in the wall, the handrail may not be sturdy enough to support people’s weight as they use it. You may want to purchase extra brackets to ensure that the handrail will be held securely in place.
Loosely-secured railings are a serious hazard issue, so be sure that the rail can bear the weight that will be imposed on it daily. If the railing is loose, reinforce the railing from below by applying a metal corner bracket there. [9] X Research source
For extra enforcement, hammer in 2-3 nails to connect the returns to the rails. You may need to shorten the returns by an inch or two to ensure that they fit securely against the wall.
The handrail should be a 2"x4" (5 cm x 10 cm) board of cedar or pressure treated pine. Both of these are rot resistant. Cedar can be painted with any type of paint. Pressure treated pine can only be painted with solid stain, but does not need to be painted. Buy handrail boards that are splinter-free, and very straight. Buy two 4"x4" (10 cm x 10 cm) newel posts (posts). They are normally sold in 8 ft. lengths ( 2. 5 m) and longer, and must be cut. Buy one baluster for each stair step. Balusters are the spindles that connect the rail to each step. The height of the balusters should be between 30 and 36 inches, depending on how high you want the railing to be. For secure installation of newel posts, you’ll need a post-hole digger and concrete mix to pour into the holes. [11] X Research source Buy sure-tite fasteners to secure the balusters to the steps. Depending on the style of railing you install, you may need additional reinforcement supplies, such as a finish nail gun and a screwdigger.
To install a post in the ground, dig a hole 18" deep and about 9" wide. You will need a post-hole digger, and if there are rocks you may need a rock bar. Stand the post in the hole and fill the hole almost to the top with concrete. To hold the post vertical while the concrete dries, nail one 1" x 2" strip from its top to the stairway, and another at a right angle, nailed to a small tent post you hammer into the ground. Use a large level to make the post perfectly vertical. Allow 3 days for the concrete to set before installing the handrail. To mount a post to a wooden deck, mount the post to the stringer. Use four Timber Lock screws or two 3/8" galvanized lag bolts with lock washers. Use construction adhesive for extra strength. [12] X Research source
Drill holes into each step, then thread the holes with sure-tite fasteners. If your balusters don’t already have holes, you’ll need to drill them. Drill a standard sized access hole into the bottom of the balusters. Into the side of each baluster, drill another access hole horizontally to intersect the first hole. Set each baluster, or spindle, onto the sure-tite fasteners on each step. Tighten them down with a wrench.
Mount the ends of the handrail to the posts using three 3" or 3 1/2" deck screws. Screw in 2 screws from the top and one from the side. First drill pilot holes through the handrail to prevent it from cracking. Cover over the screws with exterior caulk. Caulk the gaps between the hand rails and the posts.
If you paint the handrail and railing, use an oil based paint because it better withstands dirt and harsh weather. To stain the wood, choose a wood stain that contains a deck sealer to preserve the look and feel of the wood.
