- 1). Determine and mark the height of the planned handrails on the wall. Handrails should be between 30 and 34 inches above floor level. Mark both ends of the planned handrail and use a chalk line to place a straight line between the marks.
- 2). Locate the wall studs along the marked line. Use a stud finder to mark the point of the line where the wall covering, commonly drywall, covers the wall studs with support the wall.
- 3). Fasten handrail brackets to the walls at each stud mark with two or three 2-inch screws. The number of screws depends on the design of the bracket. The bracket screws must go into the studs. The drywall is not strong enough to support the handrail.
- 4). Fasten the wood or metal handrail to the tops of the brackets installed in the previous step. The handrail material is commonly round and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The bracket holds the handrail at least 1 1/2 inches from the wall to allow clearance for a handhold. The handrail shouldn't extend more than 3 inches from the wall.
- 5). Paint or stain the handrail to match the décor of the home.
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