Making Cellar Railings

Locate and mark the wall studs closest to the top, bottom and center stair tread. Thump lightly on the wall with a hammer. Studs are located where the wall makes a solid sound instead of a hollow sound. Alternatively, use an electronic stud finder device.

Measure from the top of top stair tread with a measuring tape, measuring along the wall stud location. Mark the wall at 36 inches above the top tread. Repeat the measurement on the bottom and center tread studs, marking the wall at 36 inches.

Attach a handrail bracket at the three marked locations on the wall. Screw the bracket into the wall stud using the screws included with the bracket.

Measure the length of the stairwell from the top tread to the bottom to determine the length of railing required. Cut a 2-inch-diameter wooden dowel to the correct length with a handsaw.

Sand the cut end of the dowel until it's smooth. Begin with a coarse-grit paper and gradually decrease to a finer grit to create a perfectly smooth finish. Smooth any other rough patches on the dowel with the same method.

Paint the dowel with a clear sealer or a color latex paint, as desired. Apply two coats, allowing each coat to dry completely.

Mount the dowel on top the brackets. Screw the dowel onto the brackets with wood screws. Attach the center bracket first so it can support the weight of the dowel while you attach the end brackets.