How to Install a New Railing Bolted to a Cement Step

With concrete steps it isn't always a simple matter to attach a railing. This project requires a hammer drill to effectively create the holes in the concrete. All materials to construct the handrail are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Hammer drills are available for rent at tool supply stores if you don't want to purchase one for the project.

36-inch railing poles
Vise
Tape measure
3/8-inch metal drill bit
Power drill
Pencil
Pole mounting brackets
Hammer drill
3/8-inch anchor bolts
Hammer
Mounting screws and nuts
Socket set
Railing holders
Railing
Set screws
Railing end caps

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase two or more 36-inch long metal poles to support the handrail. Plan to have one pole for every five concrete steps.
- 2
  Place one of the poles horizontally into a vise and tighten it completely. Measure 3 inches from the end and drill a 3/8-inch hole through the entire pipe. Get the hole straight through the pipe, and not angled in any way. Place another hole through the other end of the pipe and 2 inches from the edge.
- 3
  Measure the width of one of the steps to find the center point and make a pencil mark. Place a metal mounting bracket 1 inch from the step edge and directly over the center point. Draw the location of the bracket mounting holes with a pencil and remove the bracket.
- 4
  Insert a 3/8-inch masonry bit into a hammer drill and position the bit over one of the concrete hole marks. Drill the holes at least 18 inches deep and perfectly vertical with no angle to either side. Repeat this process for all of the other mounting holes.
- 5
  Fit an anchor bolt into one of the mounting holes and hammer it down into place. Place anchors into each of the other holes and hammer them into place as well.
- 6
  Position the mounting brackets over the anchors and insert bolts through the holes. Tighten them down with a socket set until they are completely secure.
- 7
  Insert the pole ends with the 3-inch high holes into the brackets. Slide a mounting screw into the hole in the bracket and through the pole. Secure it with a nut and tighten it down.
- 8
  Place railing holders over the top of the poles and secure them to the poles with mounting screws like the brackets on the concrete. Slide a railing pole through the railing holders and center it between the poles. Insert set screws into the bottom of the railing holders and tighten them down to secure the pole in place.
- 9
  Screw caps on the ends of the railing to finish off the look.

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