How to Install a Handrail in a Split Foyer

Place the end of a tape measure on the top edge of a stair tread. Measure vertically upward between 32 and 34 inches. This is the standard measurement for the height of an interior handrail in most areas. Mark the wall. Move to a stair tread several steps away and repeat.

Draw the string out of the chalk box so that it is coated in chalk. Line the string up over the two marks. Hold the string taut. Pull on the string and snap it. The bouncing string will mark the wall.

Measure 6 inches horizontally from the corner of the wall to the line. Mark the wall. Repeat for the other end of the same wall. These are the length limits of the handrail. Place a level on the wall vertically. Measure down 6 inches from the line and make a mark. This is the thickness of the railing and bracket support of standard railings and brackets.

Snap a chalk line along the marks you made in Step 3 for the lower measurement. Move a stud finder along the line and mark the locations of every stud with a small X. Your stud finder should find the side of each stud, so you will have two X marks about an inch apart for each stud, and the next stud set will be approximately 16 inches further down the wall. Mark both Xs in each set.

Drill a 7/16-inch pilot hole between two stud marks on the lower line. Place the handrail bracket with the center bottom hole aligned with the pilot hole approximately 12 to 18 inches from the top wall corner. Screw the bracket to the wall. Keep the bracket vertically straight. Screw the two top screws through the wall and into the stud. Repeat for the second bracket near the bottom wall corner. If your railing is longer than 6 feet, add a middle bracket.

Measure the length of your railing from the two marks on the top chalk line. Transfer your measurement to the railing, allowing 6 inches of extra wood beyond your length mark on each end. Set the miter saw to 45-degrees on the right side of the saw. Place your railing in the miter saw with the top side up. Your cut mark should be on the top and front face. The cut will be to a sharp point at the front face. Cut the railing. Set your end piece aside.

Set the miter saw to 45-degrees on the left side of the saw. Slide your railing to the right. Align the saw blade with your cutting mark. Your cut mark should be on the top and front face. The cut will be to a sharp point at the front face. Cut the railing. Place your railing on the brackets. Measure from the point of the cut to the wall.

Transfer your measurement to the two end pieces. Measure from the point using your return measurement. Subtract 1/16 inch. Cut the end pieces at a 90-degree angle. The end piece from your first cut will match the cut end of your second cut. The end piece from your second cut will match the cut end of your first cut.

Apply carpenter's glue to both sides of the miter cut. Match up the cut ends and nail through the ends into the hand railing with three or four finish nails. Repeat for the second end. Center the railing over the brackets to fit the wall. Drill pilot holes through the band part of the bracket into the underside of the handrail. Screw the band part of the bracket to the handrail. Repeat for each bracket.