How to Make Wooden Porch Handrails

Measure the distance between each porch post to know how much lumber you will need. Write down the measurements and purchase enough 2-by-2-inch lumber to fabricate the tops and bottoms of the rail along with 1-by-2-inch lumber to make the slats.

Put on safety glasses and measure and cut 2-by-2-inch lumber to form the top and bottom of the handrail. Cut enough 2-by-2-inch lumber to fill each gap between porch posts.

Measure and cut 1-by-2-inch lumber to make the slats. You can space the slats about 6 inches apart.

Lay two cut 2-by-2-inch lumber pieces between each porch post to make sure each one fits.

Fasten the slats to the bottom of the handrail with a nail gun, and then fasten the top of the rail to the slats to make complete section panels.

Connect the fabricated section panels to the porch posts with metal corner braces using a screw gun and screws.

Sand the handrail to smooth, and then apply a coat of primer. Let the primer dry for about three hours or as long as recommended by the manufacturer, and then paint to match the porch. Brush a coat of deck sealant onto the wooden handrails thereafter.