How to Add a Railing to Porch Stairs

Check the building codes in your area for the appropriate railing mounting height above stair treads. Although the codes vary within United States, most require rails at a height of 34 to 36 inches.

Position a tape measure flush against the wall at the uppermost stair. Measure 36 inches upward from the stair and mark the spot on the wall with pencil. Remove the tape and hold a level against the wall to ensure the mark is even, or realign if required. Move the assembly to the lowermost tread and repeat the process of marking 36 inches upward from the tread on the wall.

Snap a chalk line on the wall along the stairway, directly over the two pencil marks. This sloping line highlights the location of the stairway railing on the wall.

Align the rail on the chalk line along the wall, with a helper holding each end. Ensure its lower edge falls flush on the line.

Slide the tip of a marker through each screw hole on the lower edge of the rail and form a mark on the corresponding spot on the wall. Do this to all the screw holes. Set the railing aside.

Measure the length of an anchor. Insert a masonry bit that matches its length into a hand drill. Grasp the drill firmly and maintain steady pressure while you drill a hole through each marked spot on the wall for the screw holes.

Insert an anchor into each hole. Tap the opening of the anchor to drive it through the hole so it rests flush with the surrounding brick wall surface.

Assign helpers to prop the railing against the wall. Align the rail so its screw holes rest directly above the wall anchors. Drive an anchor screw through each screw hole and the anchor until its head falls in line with the surrounding wall surface. Turn the screw tight with a screwdriver.