Plan and Measure Stair Railing Components

What happens in this clip

Start by counting the number of steps in your staircase. For most residential staircases, you can approximate the required handrail length by counting each step as 1 foot and adding an additional foot. You'll need one newel post for the bottom, another for each turn or landing, and a half-newel where the railing meets the wall. Also, identify if you need short balusters (for the front of the step) and long balusters (for the rear of the step). Finally, measure the distance of any straight sections of railing. If your old stair treads are worn, this is a good opportunity to replace them with new stair treads and risers.

Goal: Determine the quantity and dimensions of all necessary railing components.

What's used

Tools

• Half-newel Colonial Elegance
• Handrail Colonial Elegance
• Long baluster Colonial Elegance
• Measuring tape
• railing length
• and distances.
• Newel post Colonial Elegance
• Short baluster Colonial Elegance
• Stair risers Colonial Elegance
• Stair treads Colonial Elegance

About the full video

This project provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for installing a new wooden stair railing system. It covers the entire process from initial measurement and planning to securing newel posts, cutting and attaching handrails, drilling and installing balusters, and adding finishing touches like fillet pieces, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing result.

Step 1 of 6: Measure Stair Railing Length

Begin by measuring the horizontal length of each section of the stair railing that requires netting. For angled sections, measure along the slope of the railing. Record these measurements accurately to ensure you purchase sufficient netting and fastening materials.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Banister Safety Netting to Childproof Stair Railings

1. Step 1: Measure Stair Railing Length

   • 0:25–0:43 Measure Total Railing Length
   • 0:37–1:14 Plan and Measure Stair Railing Components (this video)
   • 0:07–0:51 Measure Staircase Length and Angle

2. Step 2: Cut Netting to Size

   • 2:25–2:36 Prepare Netting
   • 0:15–0:29 Secure Net to Balcony Railing

3. Step 3: Attach Netting to Top Railing

   • 1:49–2:42 Attach the Safety Netting
   • 2:05–2:20 Attach Netting with Plastic Ties
   • 0:13–0:15 Position the Safety Net

4. Step 4: Attach Netting to Bottom Railing and Balusters

   • 0:15–0:29 Secure Net to Balcony Railing
   • 0:13–0:15 Position the Safety Net
   • 1:49–2:42 Attach the Safety Netting

5. Step 5: Trim Excess Netting and Secure Loose Ends

   • 3:15–3:34 Trim Excess Netting
   • 3:46–5:37 Secure Netting to All T-posts
   • 5:02–5:36 Final Trimming and Access

6. Step 6: Perform a Final Safety Check

   • 0:29–0:34 Final Inspection and Adjustment
   • 0:15–0:29 Secure Net to Balcony Railing
   • 2:42–3:23 Final Inspection and Cleanup