How to install a Staircase Handrail

What you’ll need

Aside from the Handrail itself, you will need:

·         Wall Brackets

·         Connector Brackets – you can shop our range of Handrail Brackets here

·         Drill

·         Pencil

·         Spirit Level

·         Wall Plugs – ensure that you have the correct Wall Plugs for the type of wall you are installing the Handrail to

·         Screws

If you have purchased a Handrail Kit, some of these components will be included, such as Connector Brackets, Screws and Wall Plugs (checking the Wall Plugs are suitable for the type of wall you’re installing on to still applies in this case).

Step 1

The first step is to perform the necessary checks to ensure that the installation is executed safely.

These checks include that the wall you are installing the Handrail on to is in solid condition, and in the case of a cavity wall, using a Stud Finder, scan the area to check if there are any pipes or wires in the immediate area.

Step 2

The next step involves measuring and marking where the Handrail will go in relation to the staircase.

Before you can figure out where the Handrail will sit on the wall, you must first measure the pitch line of the staircase. This will ensure that the finished Handrail will sit at the perfect angle.

Once you have measured the pitch of the staircase, you can then get started measuring and marking the wall. The wall must be marked at regular intervals, making sure that the markings are 805mm from the pitch line.

When making these markings, we advise that a spirit level be used to make sure the markings are as accurate as possible. This spirit level can also be used to the draw a straight line connecting the marked points.

Step 3

On the line you have just drawn, mark the centre point of the stairs, measure 600mm downwards, then mark this point too.

Then take your Connector Bracket and place it in a central position to the 600mm, then mark the position of the two top screw holes to the pencil line.

After this, mark the position of the screw holes of the Connector Bracket.

Step 4

Now it’s time to drill the holes in the positions you have marked, making sure that the hole size is compatible with the Wall Plugs you’re using, once this is completed, you can then proceed to screw in the Connector Bracket to the wall.

Then working towards the bottom of the staircase, attach a Connector Bracket to one end of a section of the Handrail itself, which end is dependent on which side of the stairs the Handrail is being installed on.

Tighten any retaining screws on the Connector Brackets but be careful not to overtighten.

Step 5

Again, working towards the bottom of the staircase, feed the section of Handrail through the Connector Bracket that was fixed to the wall previously, making sure it is fully inserted.

Position the screw holes of the unfixed Connector Bracket to line up with the pencil line drawn on the wall that measured the pitch of the staircase, then proceed to fix this Connector Bracket to the wall in the same fashion as the first bracket.

This includes tightening the retaining screws, continuing to be careful not to overtighten.

Step 6

Now it is time to turn your attention to the Wall Brackets, these must be attached to the second section of the handrail using the same process as the Connector Brackets, making sure they are positioned 200mm from the end of the Handrail that is already in place on the wall.

Just like with the other brackets, remember to tighten the retaining screws.

Step 7

Using the same process as the Connector Brackets, you can now attach the Wall Bracket and second section of Handrail to the wall. This process can then be repeated with the final section of Handrail, but this time working towards the top of the stairs.

 

Once these steps have been completed, you should be left with a practical but elegant Handrail that is perfectly suited to any domestic or commercial setting. You can shop our range of Handrails here, including individual Brackets as well as Handrail Kits for a convenient all-in-one solution.