How to Installl a stair handrail with This Old House

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to install a handrail.

Steps:

1 Stand 4-foot level on first step and hold it plumb.

2 Mark the level where it meets top of second step.

3 Calculate height of handrail and mounting brackets; mark bracket height on level.

4 Use level to mark bracket height on wall at top and bottom of staircase.

5 Snap chalk line to connect the two wall marks.

6 Using electronic stud finder, mark wall studs at top, middle and bottom of staircase.

7 Drill 7/64 inch-diameter screw pilot holes on chalk line and into studs.

8 Screw the mounting brackets to the wall studs.

9 Cut handrail to length, mitering the ends to 45 degrees.

10 Glue and nail a mitered return to each end of the handrail.

11 Prime and paint, or stain and/or varnish the handrail.

12 Once dry, screw handrail to mounting brackets.