How to Assemble a Stair Railing

First, one must completely remove old stair railings, posts, and balusters if any are in place.

To begin installing a new staircase railing, prepare the top and bottom Newel posts by using a miter-saw and your measurements to make sure they will be angled properly for the railing.

Begin with the bottom Newel post by installing it to the bottom of the staircase. This can be done by securing it with lag screws into the bottom of the stairway frame.

Next, install the top Newel post by using the same procedure as in the last step, except that this post will be secured to the top of the stairway frame, usually at the top of the landing place.

With the miter saw, cut the board runner to fit over the top of your stairway frame that runs the length of the staircase on the side that the stair rail will be placed.

Install the board or wood over the stairway frame by placing it over the frame and securing it with screws to the staircase frame.

Place and install the shoe rails to the bottom and top Newel Posts by placing them over the stairway board that was just laid. These can be secured by using screws that go into the bottom of the Newel Posts through the shoe rails.

It is now time to install the railing. This should be done by attaching it to the top and bottom Newel Posts, making sure that it is secured several inches from the end of the posts.

Begin installing the railing by drilling about 1" in depth with a paddle bit into the ends of each of the Newel Posts so that a brad nail can be used to attach the railing to the Newel Posts.

Using a pneumatic nailer, nail brad nails into the railing through the Newel Posts.

Using the miter with the angle measurements, cut all the necessary balusters so that they will fit the railing. Enough balusters should be prepared so that no less than about 3" to 4" will be spaced between them.

Finally, secure the balusters to the top railing that's been installed and to the bottom of the staircase frame by again using brad nails with a pneumatic nailer. If desired, glue can also be used before the nails to hold them in place even more. At the end of this Step you should have successfully installed your staircase railing.