How to Build a Wooden Handrail on a Wall

Measure the height of the handrail on the opposite wall, then make a small mark on the wall where you're installing the handrail at the same height. Make one mark every 12 inches along the wall. If the other wall doesn't have a handrail, set it to the height required by your local building codes.

Drive a small nail partway into the wall at both ends of the staircase along the marks. Hook the end of a chalk line over the nail, and pull the chalk line to the other nail and wrap it around the nail. Snap the chalk line to provide a guide on the wall when installing the handrail. Remove the nails.

Mark the location of the studs in the wall by finding them with a stud finder and making a small mark at each stud.

Place the brackets on the wall over the studs. Mark the screw holes onto the wall.

Drill pilot holes through the wall and into the studs at the marks for the screw holes.

Measure and cut the handrail to fit the desired length. Cut off the ends of the handrail in a miter box at a 45-degree angle.

Cut a return for each end of the handrail out of the leftover material. Make a 45-degree cut into one end of the returns. The returns are the end pieces of the handrail that run between the handrail and the wall.

Attach the returns to the handrail by applying carpenter's glue to the ends of the handrail and placing the 45-degree end of the return against it to form a 90-degree angle. Drive two finishing nails through the return and into the handrail at the joint. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp rag, and allow the glue to set for the time stated on the packaging.

Apply stain to the handrail, or coat it with primer and then paint it, and allow it to dry.

Place the mounting brackets into position on the wall, and screw them into place.

Place the handrail on top of the brackets and attach it with the provided hardware.