Stair Railing & Handrail Installation Services

Maintaining a safe home environment is an important responsibility, especially if you share your space with children and older family members or guests. To ensure your home is a safe place for both children and older adults, your local Mr. Handyman^® offers professional hand rail installation services.

Your Stair Railing Resource

Clear Costs, No Surprises

With Mr. Handyman, you'll never wonder what your stair railing installation might cost. We clearly outline pricing before work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

Skilled Professionals at Your Service

Every team of Mr. Handyman service professionals bring roughly a decade of hands-on experience to your home project. Count on their expertise to deliver dependable, high-quality results.

Quality You Can Depend On

Our Neighborly Done Right Promise^® ensures your satisfaction. We take pride in doing our work well, so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

Handrail Installation Services That Deliver Safety & Quality

A secure, well-installed stair railing is all about safety, and that’s where Mr. Handyman delivers. Our experienced service professionals handle every detail, from precise measurements to sturdy installation, ensuring a flawless fit.

We use quality materials and expert techniques to create railings that last. Plus, we take your staircase style and configuration into account to ensure a handrail installation that perfectly meets your needs.

Service You Can Rely On!

Let us know how we can assist.

Request Service

Stair Railing Installation

A well-installed stair railing adds safety and style to your home. Mr. Handyman ensures every railing is secure, durable, and built to last. Our streamlined stair railing installation process makes everything hassle-free, so you get a sturdy, polished result without the stress.

Consultation & Planning

We assess your space, discuss design options, and ensure the railing meets safety standards.

Precise Measurements

Our service professionals take accurate measurements to guarantee a perfect fit for your stairway.

Secure Installation

We carefully anchor the railing, using expert techniques to ensure long-lasting stability.

Final Inspection & Cleanup

We check for safety, make any needed adjustments, and leave your space spotless.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Some Mr. Handyman services vary by location. Contact your local Mr. Handyman franchise for more information.

Expert Tips/Blog Articles

Want to learn more about home repairs and improvements? Check out these related articles for expert tips, project ideas, and helpful advice from Mr. Handyman.

View All Blogs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about stair railing installation.

How do you attach a handrail to a staircase?

Attaching a handrail to a staircase might seem like a big job, but it’s easier than you think with the right steps. Start by measuring the height where the handrail will be installed. Building codes usually recommend placing the top of the handrail 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosing (the edge of each step). Mark this height along the staircase wall, making sure to use a level so the handrail will be straight.

Next, locate the wall studs using a stud finder, as you’ll want to secure the brackets into the studs for maximum stability. Once the studs are marked, position the handrail brackets along your marked height, aligning them with the studs. Attach the brackets to the wall with screws, ensuring they’re firmly secured. Finally, mount the handrail onto the brackets, tighten the screws or fasteners provided, and check that everything is sturdy.

Where should a stair handrail start and stop?

Ideally, your stair handrail should start a little before the first step and extend slightly beyond the last one. This extra length ensures that anyone using the stairs has support before they start climbing and after they finish descending, which is especially helpful for added stability.

Building codes usually recommend extending the handrail about 12 inches past the top and bottom of the staircase, if possible. However, if space is tight, just make sure the handrail fully covers the steps. And don’t forget—your stair handrail should be mounted at a consistent height, typically between 34 and 38 inches from the stair nosing, for both comfort and code compliance.

Do handrails need to be in stud?

Studs provide the strength and stability needed to support the stairs handrail, which is crucial for safety—especially if it needs to bear weight in case someone stumbles. If you skip the studs and attach the brackets directly to drywall, the handrail might not hold up over time and could pull away from the wall, which is the last thing you want.

If the studs don’t line up exactly where you need the handrail brackets, don’t worry! You can use heavy-duty wall anchors designed for this type of installation. While anchors can provide extra support, it’s always best to attach at least some of the brackets into studs for maximum stability.

How do you remove a wall-mounted handrail?

Start by locating the screws that attach the handrail brackets to the wall. Use a screwdriver or drill to carefully remove these screws, making sure to hold the handrail steady so it doesn’t fall once it’s loose. Once the brackets are detached, you can lift the handrail off the wall. If the brackets were mounted into studs, there might be small holes left behind, which you can fill with spackle, sand, and paint for a smooth finish.

What holds up a handrail?

A staircase handrail is held up by brackets that are securely attached to the wall. These brackets are typically mounted into wall studs to provide the strength needed to support the handrail and anyone using it. If studs aren’t available in the proper spots, heavy-duty wall anchors can be used as a backup. The handrail is then screwed onto the brackets, creating a sturdy and reliable support system for safe and easy use.

Service You Can Trust!

Tell us what we can do.

Schedule an Appointment