Handrail Installation

All of us tend to be confused between the staircase and a handrail. Handrail, that is also known as stair rail, is drilled into the wall on one side of the staircase and the other side of the staircase carries another rail that is fastened directly to the staircase. Many of us presume that installing a handrail is a very difficult and costly affair, and is hence procrastinated. However, this is not the case as it is one of the cheapest and also simplest home improvement methods. This is because, it does not require elaborate plans, expensive material or heavy machinery. A simple installation of stair rails definitely changes the whole look of the staircase. Before we proceed to the implementation of the actual method of installation of the handrail, it is important to get acquainted with some terminologies and designs related to handrails.

Important Terminology and Concepts

• Newel Post: The newel post is the bottom-most post or pillar of the handrail. Many of us tend to hang our coats and jackets on this post as soon as we come into the house. It must also be noted that this is the most important support pillar of the stair rail.
• Spindle: The spindle is the set of rods that support the handrail and are situated between the staircase and the handrail.
• Dowel: The dowel is the round pin that is used to insert the spindle into the staircase.
• Stair Stringer: The stair stringer is a piece of timber that is used horizontally to support the rails.

How to Install Handrails

The process of installing a stair rail, is pretty straight forward if the steps are methodically followed. However, the process is pretty tiring so, arm yourself with an assistant.

Requirements

For installing new stair rails, you will need the following:

• Railing system kit or individual pieces of a stair banister like the spindle, or a newel post. It is however advisable to purchase a whole kit.
• You will also require a huge variety of tools like, drills, bolts, and a set of screws that are of the appropriate sizes.
• Since a lot of wood work is involved in the process of installation, gorilla glue, and carpenters glue is required.

Procedure

• Step 1: The first step in installing hand rails is to remove the existing ones. For this you can use a chisel and a hammer. Be careful and do not damage the staircase, while removing the spindles and Newel post. If the handrail has been screwed on to the wall then be careful while removing it, as there is a very good chance that the plaster or paint would get disturbed while removing it.
• Step 2: You can also reuse the spindles, if they are in a very good shape. You have to just find an appropriate newel post and the rail post that is of the right size. Before using the same spindles, ensure whether they are in a reliable shape or not. In the same manner you can also reuse the newel post.
• Step 3: Place the newel post first on the first step of the staircase. Secure the post with the help of the gorilla glue, screws and the dowels. In the same manner, secure the other spindles of the whole handrail. You might also need to put in some other newel posts on the other floors.
• Step 4: After you have finished installing the newel posts and spindles, check if they are secure or not. The first step is extremely crucial as it involves the actual positioning of the handrail. Place the entire handrail over the spindles and the newel posts. Screw down the handrail to the newel posts. Once the handrail is secured to the newel posts, you can fix the spindles.
• Step 5: The best way to secure the handrail to the spindles, is to drill a totally vertical hole through the rail and the spindles. Put in long screws into these holes and seal them up with glue.

Though this process of handrail installation sounds very easy, theoretically, it can be time and energy-consuming. Following the manual and instructions systematically, proves to be very beneficial during the entire process.