How to Measure for Outside Handrails

Walkway Handrails

• 1

  Stand next to the area where you will install the handrails. Lift your arm to pantomime resting it on the handrail. Rest your arm at a height that feels comfortable.

• 2

  Ask an assistant to measure the distance between your hand and the ground below. Hold one end of a measuring tape in your hand while your assistant pulls the other end straight down towards the ground. Record the distance (in inches) between your hand and the ground.

• 3

  Measure the length of the walkway where you will install the handrail. Measure along the ground to achieve the most accurate measurement instead of recording your measurement at the height your arm will rest.

• 4

  Subtract the thickness of the handrail (once you choose a handrail) from the height measurement. If you raise the handrail to the measurement without subtracting the width, the handrail will sit taller than you expected.

Stairway Handrails

• 5

  Measure from the top of the first step to where your hand will rest comfortably when you hold the handrail and record the measurement.

• 6

  Place a wooden pole the height of your recorded measurement at the top of the stairway and one on the bottom step. Hold the pole at the top of the stairs ready while an assistant holds the bottom pole steady.

• 7

  Stretch a measuring tape taut between the two poles. Record the distance between the two poles to accurately show the minimum length of handrail you need for that stairway. Your handrail may exceed that measurement, though, if you want the sides of the rail to overlap the poles that support it.