How to Terminate a Hand Rail Against a Wall

Decorative Wood Plate

• 1

  Set a decorative plate up against the end of the railing. You will need to attach the plate to the end of the railing before the rail is installed. Drill flathead screws through the wood plate and into the butt end of the railing.

• 2

  Install the railing so that the attached decorative plate is resting against the wall.

• 3

  Drill counter-sink holes using a counter-sink bit. Drill into the plate so that the screw heads will go below the surface of the wood, then drill 3-inch screws through the holes and into the wall to anchor the plate.

• 4

  Fill the recess on top of the screws with wood putty and let it dry. Sand it smooth once the putty is dry.

Bracket

• 5

  Position the railing where it will be installed and slide a fence U bracket between the wall and the end of the railing. Hold it there or mark where it goes with a pencil, and move the railing out of the way.

• 6

  Drill 3-inch screws through the bracket holes and into the wall to attach it. If you are drilling into a brick or rock surface, you will have to use masonry screws. Slide the railing into the U bracket once it is connected to the wall.

• 7

  Drill 1-inch screws through the side holes in the bracket and into the railing once it is in place. There should be holes in the bracket on both sides of the railing.