Whether you’re adding a new handrail or replacing an outdated one, a well-chosen handrail brings function and beauty to your staircase, making it a focal point in your home’s design. But knowing what you're doing is essential before diving into the DIY portion of handrail installation. That’s why we’ve written this guide — so the quality of your installation can match that of our handmade handrail kits. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about installing a handrail on stairs — from why handrails are important and how to choose a suitable handrail for your home’s aesthetic to building code requirements and general installation instructions. 

Why Should You Install Stair Handrails? 

Handrails can be a great way to boost your staircase's aesthetic appeal and safety, and in most areas, are even required to meet building codes. In fact, R318.7.8 of the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) states that “Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers.” For those who don’t speak legalese, this means that if you have four steps or more in your set of stairs, you need a handrail on one side at minimum. 

How to Select the Right Handrail

• Choose the Correct Length: Section R320.5 of the IRC requires your handrail to span the entire length of your staircase. To accommodate this, Bold MFG & Supply offers handrails by foot — from 1'-6" to 21’.  And because all our handrails are built to order, we happily offer custom lengths down to the nearest quarter of an inch. 
• Select the Right Material: Metal handrails are durable and low maintenance — ideal for modern and industrial-inspired interiors. Bold MFG & Supply metal handrail kits come in various profiles and include all required hardware for easy installation. Wood handrails are classic and versatile, complement a range of styles, and pair well with any of our handrail brackets. 
• Consider Your Preferred Style: Whether you choose a wooden or metal handrail, aesthetically pleasing brackets are a must. We offer three types of bracket profiles — farmhouse, linear, and minimal to complement your home’s style.  

How Do You Install a Handrail on Stairs? 

Installing a handrail on your staircase doesn’t have to be challenging; a good handrail kit, essential tools, and proper instructions make it a manageable home improvement project for most DIYers. While local building codes may vary, and each installation poses its own unique set of challenges, here are the typical steps of a handrail installation: 

1. Gather Your Tools

When you have your handrails on hand and are ready to start installing them, gather the tools you need. A typical installation will require five items: 

• Stud finder
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Painter’s tape

2. Find and Mark Your Studs

For your handrail to withstand the forces of a person leaning on it, anchoring it to studs (the vertical supports of your house) is crucial. The standard and no-fuss way to locate the studs is to use a stud finder. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a strong magnet wrapped in painter’s tape (so it doesn’t leave marks on your wall) to find the screws that anchor drywall sheets to the studs behind them. Simply pass the magnet up and down the wall until it sticks to a drywall screw. 

As you search for studs, remember that in the United States, studs are spaced 16 inches apart from center to center. So, if you’re marking smaller or larger increments than 16 inches, you may want to double-check your marks. Often, you can tell if you’ve found a stud by knocking on the wall. If your knocks sound hollow, you’re likely just knocking against drywall. If they sound solid, you probably found a stud. 

Once you’ve found your studs, mark their positions at the desired height of your handrail with a pencil or painter’s tape if you don’t want to leave any marks. 

3. Measure and Mark Handrail Height: 

Now that you’ve marked the studs, you’ll need to mark where you will mount your handrail brackets. But how high are handrails on stairs, ideally? The 2024 IRC specifies that “handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing or finish surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).” In simpler terms, this means that handrails are required to be 34–38 inches above each step of your staircase, resulting in an angle that is parallel to the slope of your stairs. 

Once you’ve determined your desired handrail height, mark where the holes in your handrail brackets will screw into the studs you found earlier. How you want to do this is up to you, as there are many ways to accomplish this step, but keep in mind that you’ll need to compensate for the height of the bracket so that the top of the railing aligns with your chosen height. 

4. Screw in the Brackets and Attach the Handrail

Now that you have your screw holes marked, simply hold each bracket up to the marks and drill your screws through the bracket and into the appropriate stud. Once the brackets are secured, you can set the handrail on top of the brackets and finish the assembly. Before wrapping up your project, double-check your alignment and ensure everything is tight and secure. With that done, you have officially completed your handrail installation! 

If you’re more of a visual learner, we have a short and easy-to-follow video that guides you through the handrail installation process.  

Ready to Install Stair Handrails in Your Home? Bold MFG & Supply Has What You Need. 

At Bold MFG & Supply, we pride ourselves on the quality of our handrail kits, which combine stylish, modern design elements with superior craftsmanship. Our kits make it easy for homeowners to install safe, chic, and built-to-last stair handrails. Each kit has the necessary components, including sturdy handrail brackets, which ensure a secure and professional finish. 

Visit our website now to choose a handrail that complements your home’s interior. Orders are available for pickup at our local shop in Austin, but we also ship custom handrails nationwide.