Plan Placement and Mark Handrail Height

What happens in this clip

Begin by deciding which side of the staircase the handrail will be installed on. Using a level and a pencil, mark the desired height for the handrail on the wall. Building code requirements typically mandate a handrail height between a 34-inch minimum and a 38-inch maximum, measured from the tread nosing to the top of the rail. For this project, a height of 36 inches is chosen as it falls within the acceptable range. When marking, account for the height of the mounting brackets and the thickness of the handrail itself to ensure the top surface of the finished rail is at the intended height.

Goal: Determine and mark the correct handrail height and placement on the wall

What's used

Tools

• Level ECOTECH
• Long straightedge
• level line for the handrail height along the staircase.
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil

About the full video

This DIY project provides step-by-step instructions for installing a wall-mounted handrail along a staircase. The process covers determining the correct height based on building codes, preparing the handrail by cutting and adding returns, securely installing mounting brackets into wall studs, and finally attaching the handrail to the brackets.

Step 1 of 5: Determine Handrail Height and Placement

Measure 34 inches from the nosing of each stair tread. Mark this height on the wall at the top and bottom of the staircase, and at several points in between. Ensure the marks create a consistent, straight line. Verify local building codes for specific height requirements, as they can vary.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Add a Second Handrail to Stairs for Seniors

1. Step 1: Determine Handrail Height and Placement

   • 0:23–0:47 Plan Placement and Mark Handrail Height (this video)
   • 0:13–1:16 Measure and Mark Handrail Height
   • 0:40–1:07 Measure Handrail Height

2. Step 2: Select and Cut Handrail Material

   • 0:11–0:13 Cutting Handrail Sections
   • 2:44–3:05 Cut and Fit Handrail
   • 0:00–0:43 Measure and Cut Handrail

3. Step 3: Install Handrail Brackets

   • 1:25–2:44 Install Handrail Brackets (Wood Studs)
   • 1:13–1:22 Install End Rail Brackets
   • 2:28–2:44 Install Brackets and Mount Handrail

4. Step 4: Attach Handrail to Brackets

   • 1:22–1:36 Mount the Handrail to Brackets
   • 0:35–0:46 Secure Handrail to Brackets
   • 3:35–3:56 Mount Handrail to Brackets

5. Step 5: Test for Stability and Safety

   • 5:36–5:45 Final Check
   • 0:46–0:52 Verify Installation
   • 4:24–5:10 Final Handrail Installation and Stability Check