How to Add a Hand Rail to a Front Porch

Measure the width or span of the existing porch surface with a measuring tape. Divide the width into even segments to determine locations for the rail posts. Outline the locations for the 4-by-4 posts on the porch with pencil.

Measure the thickness of the porch surface and the floor joist. Include the sum of the measurements when cutting 4-by-4-inch rail posts, so each stands 36 inches high from the porch surface. Cut as many posts as you need to the required length.

Drill a small hole through a post outline. Use a jigsaw blade to cut along the rectangular pencil outline. Repeat this process of creating holes for the posts along the porch edge. Stand a post in the corner hole so it rests on the paver below.

Drill two or three pilot holes into the porch framing. Work from a position under the porch. Assign a helper to hold the post upright in its hole while you drive a lag screw into each hole to secure the post to the joist. Tighten each screw with a wrench.

Cut lengths of 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber to fit the distance between adjacent posts. These rails form the lower horizontal rails that anchor the vertical spindles.

Cut ready-made spindles for the posts using a hand saw. Make the spindles at least 36 inches long. Set the lower end of a spindle over the rail and mark its outlines. Measure 3 to 4 inches on either side of the spindle and mark the locations. Continue this process until you mark the locations of all the spindles on the horizontal bottom rail.

Drive a screw through the underside of the horizontal rail and into the center of the spindle. Repeat this process to attach the remaining spindles to the horizontal rail.

Stand the bottom rail and spindle assembly upright on the ground. Set the top horizontal rail over the tops of the spindles. Drill two screws through the upper rail and into each spindle.

Hold a porch railing unit between two posts. Align the unit so its lower horizontal rail rests on the porch surface. Drill angled pilot holes from each side of the lower and upper horizontal rail and into their corresponding posts. Drive screws into the holes to secure the railing to the posts. Repeat the process of installing railing units along the span of the porch.