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How to Make a DIY Staircase Handrail

Safety, comfort and style are what a great staircase rail delivers. If you've never made one on your own before, it can seem like a daunting prospect. But it doesn't have to be. Use this quick guide to learn the basics you need to know before tackling this DIY project.

Common Handrail Materials

Depending on the look you're going for and the budget you're working with, you could keep your stair handrail installation as simple or extravagant as you need it to be. Popular materials used for handrails include the following:

Wood, which can look rustic or ornate, depending on the finish, cut and additional features like carvings.
Metal, including elegant wrought iron, sleek, contemporary aluminum and stainless steel, provides optimal durability with minimal necessary maintenance, making it particularly popular for outside step handrails.
Stone, including marble and granite, provides a classic look outdoors and an ornate touch inside. As DoItYourself points out, these handrails typically need professional installation to make sure they're safely in place.

Popular Stair Handrail Styles

Although handrails provide undeniable function, they're also a clever way to add style to your steps. If you consult with experts, you'll likely hear that your handrail style should echo the overall architectural style of your home or landscape. A few examples of popular options include:

Paneled posts and a matching handrail with white balusters, which provide Victorian flair.
High-gloss black paint provides drama and a contemporary touch to wooden handrails.
Black metal handrails provide a sleek, industrial, farmhouse look.
Natural wood handrails paired with metal branch panels provide a whimsical, organic look.

Before You Start Stairway Handrail Installation

Before you do anything, the DIY Network recommends checking local building codes for the correct handrail height. The last thing you want is to complete your project only to have to redo it to comply with local rules. Once you have that information, you can start preparing for the project by choosing your handrail.

Next, measure the length of your stairs from the top stair nose to the bottom. Construction Pro Tips recommends adding three inches on both ends to give yourself an extra buffer.

Then mark the wall to note the required height and the stud locations. Finally, snap a chalk line along the wall and use a level to mark where your handrail brackets will go.

Tools and Materials Needed for Stair Handrail Installation

This DIY project requires a moderate skill level, and can typically be completed within a few hours. The type of handrail you choose dictates the precise installation process, but for the basics, you'll need the following tools and materials:

Miter box
Miter saw
Screwdriver
Combination square
Drill
Awl
Safety glasses
L brackets
Screws

Stair Handrail Installation: The Basics

Once you've prepped your staircase, all that's left to do is the actual installation. For a basic, two-piece, interior, wood handrail, first install the brackets, using an awl to create mounting holes in them before drilling into the wall and mounting the brackets securely. Then clamp the long part of the rail to the brackets you've installed. Using a level, position the shorter piece. Note where the two pieces of railing meet, mark the ends and cut the ends at the perfect angle so they fit neatly together. Finally, attach the returns and secure them in place with L-brackets before attaching the rail to your brackets and securing them in place with screws.

Skene Thathed