How to Install a Railing for Stairs Indoors

Remove the old railing by backing out the mounting screws in the wall brackets using a manual or power screwdriver. Remove the screws holding on the U-shaped metal straps underneath the handrail, which lock the handrail to the hanging brackets.

Use a ruler to measure up 1 inch from the existing holes to create new holes to hang the railing brackets. If this is the first railing installed in the stairway, use a stud finder to locate the 2-by-4-inch wall studs on the stairway wall. Measure 34 to 38 inches up from the top of the bottom step and the same distance from the top of the second step from the top of the stairway. Hold a bracket at the height of the marked spot directly over the wall stud, and mark the location of the mounting screw holes with a pencil. Drill new holes at the marked locations.

Fill the old holes with patching compound. Use a putty knife to scoop out some of the compound and push it into the old screw holes. Use the flat end of the knife to scrape off excess patching compound, leaving a flat surface.

Position the bracket so its screw holes line up with the holes in the wall. Drive the screws into the holes with a screwdriver. Install the brackets at the top and bottom of the stairs first; the center bracket, if necessary, will be installed later.

Lay the railing on top of the installed brackets. Place a U-shaped bracket holding strap on the underside of the railing, directly beneath the hanging bracket. Attach the U-shaped bracket to the handrail with wood screws. Tighten the screws thoroughly, so the railing does not wiggle. Install U-shaped brackets beneath the remaining hanging brackets, securing them with wood screws.

Install the bracket and U-shaped hanging strap to the center of the railing.