How to Install Pre-Fabricated Stair Rails

Look up the building codes for your county at the courthouse to determine the required height for the rail. Most codes require a height of between 32 and 36 inches above the stair treads.

Place a tape measure on the lowest stair tread and measure up to the proper height, for example 32 inches. Then, subtract the height of the rail and the mounting bracket under it so that the actual rail will be at the 32-inch height.

Mark the proper location above the lowest stair tread with a pencil. Climb the stairs to reach the uppermost tread and measure up to the same height with the tape measure. Mark this location with the pencil as well.

Hold the end of a chalk line at the uppermost pencil line and ask another person to stretch the other end of the chalk line to the lower pencil line. Pull the line away from the wall and let it fall to create the diagonal line for the rail.

Hold a stud finder up to the two marked locations and slide it sideways until the light indicates a wall stud. Erase the first pencil lines and move them so they are over the studs.

Hold a mounting bracket over each area and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Insert a 7/64-inch bit into a power drill and create 1-inch deep holes in each marked wall location.

Hold the mounting bracket back up and insert the provided screws through each hole until secure.

Position the pre-fabricated rail on top of the mounting brackets and ask the other person to hold them. Place a mounting collar over each bracket and secure them into the rail with a power drill.