How to Install a Stair Handrail on Stairs | This Old House

Moments in this video

1. 0:04–1:47 Measure and Mark Railing Height From Stair Handrail Installation, Step 1: Determine Handrail Height and Location

   Begin by understanding the building code requirements for handrail height, which typically falls between 32 and 34 inches off the 'nose' (front edge) of the stair tread. Use a level held plumb against the wall and align it with the top of the stair tread's nose. Mark this point on the level. Then, using a tape measure, mark the desired handrail height (e.g., 32 inches) on the level from the initial tread nose mark. Repeat this process for the bottom and top stairs where the railing will begin and end. Next, measure the combined diagonal thickness of the handrail and the height of the mounting bracket to determine how far below your marked height the bracket's mounting holes should be. Subtract this combined measurement from your initial height mark. In the video, this is 3 inches for the handrail's diagonal measurement and 3 inches for the bracket, totaling 6 inches. So, subtract 6 inches from the 32-inch mark to find the actual mounting point for the bracket. Use a marker and a level to transfer these calculated bracket mounting points onto the wall at both the bottom and top ends of the staircase. Finally, use a chalk line to create a straight line on the wall connecting these two points. This chalk line indicates the exact position where the handrail's top edge will run.

2. 1:51–2:28 Locate Studs and Install Brackets From Stair Handrail Installation, Step 2: Locate and Mark Studs

   Using a stud finder, scan the wall along the chalk line to locate the vertical studs behind the drywall. Mark both edges of each stud that will fall within the length of your handrail. Once both edges are marked, determine the center of the stud and make a clear mark for the pilot hole. These studs provide a strong anchoring point for the handrail brackets. Using a drill with a 7/64-inch drill bit, drill a pilot hole into the center of the first located stud at the appropriate height for a bracket. Mount the first handrail bracket by aligning its top screw hole with the pilot hole and driving a screw to secure it loosely. Drill pilot holes for the remaining screws of that bracket and securely fasten them. Repeat this process for the second bracket at the other end of the handrail's path, ensuring it's also mounted into a stud and aligned with your chalk line.

3. 1:51–2:28 Locate Studs and Install Brackets From Stair Handrail Installation, Step 3: Position and Mark Bracket Locations

   Using a stud finder, scan the wall along the chalk line to locate the vertical studs behind the drywall. Mark both edges of each stud that will fall within the length of your handrail. Once both edges are marked, determine the center of the stud and make a clear mark for the pilot hole. These studs provide a strong anchoring point for the handrail brackets. Using a drill with a 7/64-inch drill bit, drill a pilot hole into the center of the first located stud at the appropriate height for a bracket. Mount the first handrail bracket by aligning its top screw hole with the pilot hole and driving a screw to secure it loosely. Drill pilot holes for the remaining screws of that bracket and securely fasten them. Repeat this process for the second bracket at the other end of the handrail's path, ensuring it's also mounted into a stud and aligned with your chalk line.

4. 3:35–3:56 Mount Handrail to Brackets From How to Add a Second Handrail to Stairs for Seniors, Step 4: Attach Handrail to Brackets

   Carefully lift the assembled handrail and position it onto the installed wall brackets. Ensure it sits snugly and evenly on all brackets. Once in place, use the provided screws and collars to fasten the handrail securely to each bracket. This final step completes the installation, providing a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing handrail for the staircase.

5. 3:37–3:52 Mount Handrail to Brackets From Stair Handrail Installation, Step 6: Attach Handrail to Brackets

   Carefully position the assembled handrail with its attached returns onto the previously installed wall brackets. Ensure the handrail rests securely and evenly on all brackets. The returns should align neatly with the wall. Once the handrail is in place, use the small screws and collars (sometimes provided with the brackets) to fasten the handrail to each bracket from underneath. This secures the handrail firmly to the wall. Test the handrail for stability to ensure it can support weight safely.

Guides that use this video

• Stair Handrail Installation
• How to Add a Second Handrail to Stairs for Seniors