Materials Used for Staircase Handrails

Railing

• Wood is the most common material used to create the rail itself. Rounded railings available at home improvement stores make the construction simple. For a custom railing, purchase a piece of lumber to make your own piece. Add detailing in the wood as desired. Unless the railing is prefinished, you also may want paint or stain to finish the piece. Wrought-iron railings are often found on outdoor staircases, but you have the option of using them indoors if you don't like the look of wood.

Brackets

• Brackets hold the handrail to the wall on an enclosed staircase. In some homes, one side of the stairwell is open to the room below while the other side is surrounded by a wall. In this situation, you likely have a handrail attached with brackets on the wall and a handrail with spindles and posts on the open side. The brackets are screwed directly into the studs in the wall. Metal brackets come in variety of finishes and styles.

Spindles and Posts

• On an open staircase, the handrail is supported by posts at the top and bottom of the stairs and by spindles down the length of the rail. Premade spindles are available at home improvement stores in wood and wrought iron. If you choose wood for these components, you may desire to paint or stain the wood to integrate the railing into the rest of the home decor.

Tools

• A number of tools allow you to properly prepare and install the handrails and their components. A miter saw works well for creating angled ends of the railings. For a wall-mounted railing, you need a stud finder to locate the studs for installing the brackets. You'll also need a drill and screws to secure the brackets to the wall and the handrail.