Add safety and style with a custom outdoor stair railing.
Time A full day
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$101–250
Introduction
A new iron handrail on the front steps will enhance your home's curb appeal, but the real benefit is the added safety it provides. Whether you need to replace a wobbly old railing or add an outside railing for steps where there isn't one already, we'll show you how to order and install a new one. Iron handrails for concrete steps range in price from $60 to over $150 per running foot. In addition, most companies charge several hundred dollars to measure for and install the railing. Here's where you can save cash. We'll show you how to measure a simple set of steps so you can order a custom front step railing and how to bolt the completed railing securely to your concrete steps. If your entry step is curved, has jogs or is an unusual shape, ask the railing company to measure for you.
Tools Required
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Hammer drill
- Hearing protection
- Level
- Masonry bit
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
- Wrench set
Materials Required
- Cap nuts
- Polyurethane caulk
- Railing
- Sleeve anchors
- Stainless steel washers
Project step-by-step (3)
Step 1
Order a Custom Outdoor Stair Railing
Measure the depth of the landing
Measure the depth of the landing. If you’re installing railings on both sides, make separate sketches and take separate measurements for each side.
Measure the landing slope
Lay a level on the landing and shim it until the bubble is centered. Then measure the gap between the level and the landing.
Close-up of the slope
Landings usually have slopes to drain off water.
Measure the “run”
Hold a level against the lowest step and adjust it until the bubble reads plumb. Then measure from the edge of the level to the edge of the landing to determine the total “run” of the treads.
Measure the “rise”
Lay a level on the landing and adjust it until the bubble is between the lines. Measure from the bottom of the level to the top of the bottom step to determine the total rise of the two steps.
4 Measurements for a Perfect Fit
Make a simple sketch and jot down four measurements to help the fabricator build a perfect front step railing.
Step 2
Install the Outdoor Stair Railing
Position the outdoor railings for steps
Position the outdoor railings for steps, making sure all the plates are an equal distance from the edges of the steps. Drill one hole at each end and drop in anchors to hold the railing in place. Then mark the remaining holes by drilling 1/2-in.-deep starter holes.
Drill the mounting holes
Set the outdoor stair railing aside and drill 2-1/2-in.-deep holes. Blow the dust away from the holes.
Set the anchors
Tap in the anchors. Then remove the nuts, set the railing in place and snug up the nuts.
Close-up of sleeve anchors
Tightening the nut tightens the anchor in the concrete.
Step 3
Shim the Posts for a Perfect Installation
Plumb the posts
Check the posts for plumb with a level. If a post leans, loosen the nuts and slide a thin washer under the side it leans to. Snug the nuts and recheck with the level.
Trim the bolts
Saw the bolts flush to the top of the hex nuts with a hacksaw. Then remove the hex nuts.
Install cap nuts
Thread cap nuts onto the bolts and tighten them.
