Repairing a Missing Stair Railing

Insert a finish nail into the screw holes where the old stair railing was installed, checking that the holes penetrate wall studs. If the holes are not into the wall studs, use a stud finder to mark the location of the wall studs.

Measure half an inch up or down the wall from the old railing’s screw holes, and then mark a horizontal line using a torpedo level. Mark a vertical line that intersects the horizontal line, as well as the old screw hole, using the torpedo level.

Drill guide holes where each set of intersecting lines sits, drilling until the bit penetrates the wall studs. Hold the rail’s brackets so the mounting holes sit over the guide holes you drilled. Drive screws into the guide holes until they hold the brackets firmly against the wall.

Lay the new stair railing so it sits against the edges of the stair steps, with one end of the railing touching the floor in front of the stairs. Mark on the railing where it sits above the drop-off for the first step at the top of the stairs.

Clamp the stair railing to sawhorses, and then cut the railing along the line you marked, using a circular saw. Sand the cut end of the railing until it is smooth. Place the railing on the bracket pieces and drill guide holes through the mounting holes in the brackets and into the railing. Drive screws through the mounting holes and into the guide holes you drilled, securing the railing to the brackets.