How to Build a Luxury Handrail for Stairs

Remove the existing railing hardware with a screwdriver. Unscrew each screw from the old brackets and discard both the hardware and old railing. Cover the holes in the wall with spackling compound, and after it dries, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

Measure the length of the staircase. Hold the measuring tape at the top of the staircase and determine the angle of the railing. Mark the edge of the measuring tape with a pencil, which shows you the location of the rail. Purchase a new railing board 4 inches wide, 2 inches thick and the length of the wall.

Sand the new railing board with an orbital sander and a fine-grit sanding disc. Sand the wood thoroughly until it feels soft and smooth. Apply wood stain with a foam paintbrush. After the wood absorbs the stain for 60 seconds, wipe a dry cloth across the top.

Run a stud finder across the wall and mark the location of the studs. You must install the railing on studs and not drywall or plaster. The studs provide an accurate hold that keeps the railing and attached hardware from coming loose.

Hold a handrail bracket flat against the wall on an existing stud and along the line you made earlier. Screw a 2-inch wood screw through the bracket and into the wall. Depending on the type of bracket, it might require three or more screws to hold it in place. Repeat this step, lining the brackets along the wall.

Position the new handrail flat on top of the brackets. Adjust the position of the handrail until it sits flush with either end of the staircase. Set a 1 ½-inch wood screw on the top of the bracket and screw into the handrail. Sink a screw through each hole in the bracket and into the rail. Repeat with each bracket.