Railing

A staircase railing is a protective barrier along your interior stairs that keeps your family safe while adding style to your home. Whether you're installing a new wrought iron handrail, replacing worn wooden balusters, or updating a banister to match your décor, the right design makes a difference. Angi helps you find local pros and project inspiration to get the job done right.
Railing Service Articles and Advice
Melissa Graham  •  Apr 10, 2026
Baluster Calculator: How Many Balusters Do I Need?
How many balusters do I need? Whether you're building a deck or interior stairs, our free calculator helps you get the right number.
Angi  •  Apr 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install Stair Railings? [2026 Data]
Discover the cost to install a stair railing, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on your project.
Kristin Luna  •  Apr 6, 2026
How to Build a Stair Railing in 7 Steps
If you’re renovating your house—whether adding a floor inside or a deck out—you may need to install a new stair railing. Here’s how to build a stair railing from scratch.
Amy Freeman  •  Apr 6, 2026
How to Refinish Stair Railings in 5 Easy Steps
Is it time to give your home a little makeover? Start with the stairs. Here's how to refinish stair railings and refresh your interior.
Angi  •  Apr 6, 2026
How Much Does a Wrought Iron Railing Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover how much a wrought iron railing costs. Get detailed price breakdowns, installation factors, and tips to save on your new railing project.
Angi  •  Apr 5, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardwood Stairs? [2026 Data]
Discover the cost to install hardwood stairs. Learn about material, labor, and additional factors to budget for your stair installation project.
Mitchell Grant  •  Apr 5, 2026
How to Measure the Railing Height of Stairs
Stair railing heights can be adjusted somewhat, but building and safety codes have parameters to obey. Read on and learn how to arrive at precise, usable measurements.
Mitchell Grant  •  Apr 5, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Installing or Replacing Wood Stairs and Railings
If you’re preparing to install or replace stairs or railings made of wood, here are the stair and railing questions you should be asking a pro about the project.
Find Carpenters near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
Common Railing Service Questions

Always begin by researching your local building codes and, when in doubt, speak with a local staircase company for confirmation. If you're estimating your handrail measurements, find the length of the nosing line of your steps—the horizontal line that touches the top of the tread of your steps. Measure between 34 and 38 inches up the walls for placement. The length of the handrail will then run the length of your nosing line or beyond, depending on local codes.

Whether you paint or stain stair railings depends on your aesthetic goals and preferences. Some people prefer to stain because it highlights wood's natural beauty. But you may want to paint your railings if you're going for a particular color scheme. Paint may cost less than wood stain and is usually available in a wider range of options.

Railing height codes do not differ for indoor and outdoor structures. Instead, what will have the biggest impact is the type of rail (hand versus guard rail), what your local building codes dictate, and the scope or height of your stairs, deck, or balcony to begin with. 

You have a little flexibility when installing a handrail against a wall. The minimum distance between the two must be at least 1.5 inches, and commercially available handrail bracket hardware accounts for that minimum. The maximum distance a handrail can be from a wall is 4.5 inches, provided it doesn't impede the walking area. 

Regularly inspect for signs of wear, apply protective finishes, and address moisture exposure to prevent rot. These practices extend the life of stairs and railings.