How to Install a Stair Handrail & Spindles

Measure your stairs with a measuring tape to see how many spindles and what handrail length you need. .

Tape a thick plastic sheet on the area around your stairs. This will protect the floor from any damage while you work.

Place the railing on the stairs to check the dimensions. Draw cross marks on the places where the spindles will be installed on the stairs with a pencil. Mark the spindle position on the railing, as well. Be very precise. The spindles should be positioned a few inches from the side edge of the stairs.

Measure the circumference of the top of the spindle. Drill a hole in the railing, using the measurement of the spindle. First drill a small hole in the center of the cross mark and then continue to drill in the shape of the top of the spindle around that center hole.

Apply wood glue around the top of the spindle. Insert the spindle into the railing. Check the angle between the spindles and the handrail to see if it's going to fit the stairs perfectly. Use an angle tool to measure the exact angle.

Drill the rest of the holes for the spindles on the railing. Attach the rest of the spindles onto the rail. Constantly check the angles of the spindles. Move the spindles around to achieve a perfect fit and the required angle and let the whole assembly dry for at least 24 hours.

Attach the spindle on the stairs. Drill holes onto the stairs, using the marks you made in Step 4. Insert the spindles into the holes. Ask two friends to help you in the installation. Your friends will hold both ends of the rail as you insert the spindles on the stairs. Attach the spindles with wood glue. Wipe away any excess glue from the sides of the spindles and the stairs. Use a level to check if the spindles are vertically straight.

Attach the rail to the newel (the upright post about which the steps of a staircase wind) with a nail gun.