How To Replace a Stair Railing in a Weekend

Use a screwdriver or power drill to remove any screws or bolts connecting the railing to the wall or newel posts. If the railing is nailed in or glued, carefully pry it away using a pry bar, being careful not to damage the wall or surrounding trim. Remove mounting brackets, repair drywall or plaster, and clean up debris. If you plan to reuse any materials, label them with masking tape to keep things organized. Finally, if you’re not swapping in a new railing immediately, clearly mark and block off any open stairways to prevent falls.

Accurate measurements are key to a snug, secure fit. Use a tape measure to get the full length between the two anchor points—usually a wall and a newel post or two newel posts. Measure the rake angle (the diagonal angle of the stairs) with a level and angle finder, or calculate the rise and run using a square. Also, measure the desired railing height from the stair tread to the top of the handrail (typically 34 to 38 inches). Reference local building and railing height codes to stay compliant.

Place your new railing on a flat surface and mark the cut lines using your earlier measurements. If your railing has decorative ends, account for those before cutting. Cut it to length using a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade to avoid splintering. Sand both ends until smooth.

If the railing includes pre-drilled holes for balusters or mounting brackets, double-check their spacing against your stairs before installation. If there are none, drill pilot holes where needed.

Using a level, mark the bracket placement along the wall or newel posts. Most installations require brackets at the top, bottom, and midway along the railing. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs (or anchor into a solid newel post) and pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.

Attach the brackets using long wood screws or bolts, and tighten them firmly so they don’t wobble. If installing on drywall without studs, use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for at least 250 pounds of pull force.

Set the railing in place on the installed brackets. Make sure it sits flush and follows the correct angle along the stair slope. Have a buddy hold it steady while you drill and fasten screws through the brackets into the railing.

Double-check that the railing feels solid and doesn’t flex when pushed or pulled. If it’s loose, remove and reinforce the bracket connections or add shims for better support.

For wooden railings, sand lightly and apply a wood stain or paint to match your decor. Allow it to dry completely before use. This step isn’t just about looks—it also helps protect the wood from moisture and wear.