Banister Hand Rail Installation Instructions

Banister handrails are one of the most overused wood pieces in a home. Unlike other furniture like dressers and tables, banister handrails come into constant contact with hands, and the oils that hands produce. Because of those oils, banister handrails will eventually show wear-and-tear; they will stain and will require replacement.

Tape measure
Drill with screwdriver bits
Replacement handrail
Mitered saw
Hammer
2-inch finishing nails
Random orbital sander
100-, 120-, and 220-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Sponge brush
Stain and varnish
Replacement brackets

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the old banister handrail to determine how much rail you'll need to purchase. Add an extra 3 feet onto the total length for crafting returns on the ends.
- 2
  Remove the old handrail by unscrewing the brackets from the wall.
- 3
  Fashion your returns on the end of the handrail with a mitered saw angled at at 45-degree angle. Cut complementing 45-degree angles into both sides of the banister at the exact measurement for the length and with the scrap wood.
- 4
  Sand the finished banister with a random orbital sander and 100-, 120-, and 220-grit sandpaper. Each sanding will refine and smooth the wood further and will eliminate any scratches or splinters in the wood.
- 5
  Wipe the banister with a tack cloth to remove all sawdust.
- 6
  Apply a stain and varnish to the banister with a sponge brush, following the manufacturer's directions with regard to application and drying times.
- 7
  Re-attach the new handrail to the wall with replacement brackets. In order for the handrail to be up to code, any rails more than 8 feet must use three brackets instead of two.

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