Tips for Installing a Handrail

Installing a handrail doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’re here to help you see that the process of planning, buying, and installing a handrail can be simple.

In this article, we’ll discuss a few tips and tricks to know before and during installation.

What to Look for When Buying a Handrail

Before we get to installing, we’re going to look at a couple considerations when planning and buying your handrail like the right material for your handrail and the correct length and height for you.

The Right Material for Your Handrail

Finding the “right” material for your handrail is going to depend on a few factors like budget, location, and ultimately what vision you have. So, we’re just going to stick with a simple pros and cons for different types of handrail material.

Galvanized Steel

• Pros: They last a long time, corrosion-resistant, can be powder coated which is more effective than painting.
• Cons: Requires a metal blade to cut to size. However, this can be avoided with the proper measuring and purchasing a pre-sized handrail kit.

Aluminum

• Pros: Naturally rust-resistant, great for all types of weather and locations.
• Cons: Can be expensive, limited pipe fittings availability, harder to weld if you plan on welding, also requires a metal blade to cut, but can also be avoided with measuring and purchasing a handrail kit

Wood

• Pros: Doesn’t get as cold as metal and is cheaper.
• Cons: Weak material that is prone to rotting and needs consistent maintenance like staining. Harder to grab onto and could lead to splinters.

How to Choose the Right Length Handrail

You don’t need a degree in engineering or math to get a simple and accurate measurement of the handrail you need. Let’s go over a few tips for measuring handrail length.

Calculate the Right Length of Handrail

You can do this yourself by using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Using this simple formula, you can determine the MINIMUM length of handrail you need. We say minimum because if you want a safe and easily accessed handrail, it is best to extend your railing one stair tread or 6 inches beyond the top and bottom of your handrail.  

Measure Handrail Length with a Tape Measure

This measuring system is simple but is best when done by two people. We again recommend extending the length that you measure by one stair tread or 6 inches at the top and bottom. 

Using String to Measure Your Handrail Length

This method is basic but can be done by yourself. You would tape the string to the top or bottom of your stairs where you want the railing to end/begin and then lay out the string the length you want your eventual railing to be. Afterward, you measure the string to find the length of railing you need. 

How to Choose the Right Height for Your Handrail

The “right” height handrail depends on personal preference or the location you are installing it.

A normal height for a handrail is 36” or 3 feet. This height works for a vast majority of handrail projects and is measured from the ground to the top of the handrail.  

With a steel or aluminum system using pipe fittings, you will want the height of the pipe slightly shorter, around 32”, this will give room for any top mount fittings to help you reach the 36” mark. We have a number of handrail kits that are already pre-measured to the exact lengths you’ll need for your new handrail.

The height of 3 feet also applies to wood or welded systems.

Tips and Tricks for Installing a Handrail

A handrail doesn’t have to be a complex installation. Any level of DIY-er can do it, especially with the help of a Simple Rail Kit.

What Tools Do You Need to Install a Handrail?

Installing a handrail doesn’t require a wide range of tools but here are some important ones:

• Standard drill
• Hammer drill (if you are installing into concrete)
• Hex key
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet

If installing in concrete, YOU NEED A HAMMER DRILL. A standard drill will not be effective enough to drill the proper anchor holes into concrete.

Organize and Plan Your Handrail Parts

Laying out all your materials before you begin will ensure you have everything you need. This will also help when you need a part or screw so that you don’t have to go searching for it.  

If you bought your pipe separately, it’s best to cut your pipe before installing so that you aren’t dealing with long lengths while installing and having to cut them after you’ve connected to base flanges.

The Order of Assembly

When assembling your handrail, it’s best to go from the ground up; flange/base, post, then handrail.

If you are installing a wall-mounted system, it’s best to mount the wall flange first. Then, dry fit the post or other wall flange to find the correct placement for a handrail.  

If using a Simple Rail kit, when tightening down the set screws with your hex key, do not tighten them down all the way so that you can adjust during installation without having to undo all previous set screws.

Painting or Sealing Your Handrail

When looking to change the look of your handrail, here are a few things to note.

You only have to seal or paint your railing if you are using wood or doing it for looks. A galvanized steel railing does not require any painting or sealing but can be powder-coated to a color of your choice which is far superior to painting.  

If you are going to paint a metal railing, ensure that it is wiped down to remove residue or oils, use multiple coats of paint, and inspect it/touch it up every year or two to reduce the likelihood of chips or rust.  

Wear PPE While Installing a Handrail

The proper personal protective equipment that you should be wearing while installing a handrail are:

• Glasses or goggles
• Work gloves
• Steel toe boots

We don’t want to sound like overbearing parents making sure you’re wearing the right clothing for the weather, we’re just trying to look out for your best interest.

During installation, personal protective equipment is critical to ensuring a safe and easy installation. No one wants to go to the emergency room and have to say, “I dropped a metal pipe on my toe.” Or “I accidentally slammed my finger with a full-powered hammer swing.”

In Review

These are just a handful of tips to help you with planning and installing your handrail.  

If you have any questions or additional tips that helped you with your installation, please contact our project specialists!