How to Change Stair Railings
- 1). Remove the old stair railing from the stairs. Unscrew the railing brackets anchoring the staircase to the wall with a screwdriver. Collect the brackets in a small container and set aside. Assign a helper to grasp one end of the old railing while you hold the other end. Set it aside to clear the area.
- 2). Fix damaged drywall on the wall the railing was attached to. Apply drywall mud into large holes in the wall and allow it to dry for the time specified on the label. Sand the area to remove inconsistencies on the patched section on the wall and apply a coat of paint so it blends with the surrounding area.
- 3). Locate wall studs 3 feet above the stairs using a stud finder. Mark the locations on the wall with lengths of masking tape. Ensure the lengths of tape are level and plumb, or correct them if necessary.
- 4). Cut a length of replacement railing to match the length of the original one. Cut one end of the railing at 45 degrees with a miter saw. Also measure the horizontal top section of the previous railing and cut a length of replacement railing to the length.
- 5). Cut the other end of the railing at 16 degrees using a miter saw. Also make a 16-degree cut along the end of the horizontal rail that will join the railing. Test both the pieces to ensure they form a secure joint. Miter cut the other end of the horizontal piece at 45 degrees.
- 6). Apply a thin layer of epoxy over both ends of the rail sections and press them together until the glue sets. Leave the epoxy to harden for two to three hours.
- 7). Enlist a helper to hold one end of the railing while you hold its other end. Align the top of the railing with the 3-foot marks on the walls. Mark the underside of the rail at each stud location. Also mark on the wall where the railing joins the horizontal rail section.
- 8). Hold a rail bracket upright on the wall, directly above the stud mark. Position its top under the mark you made for the railing joint in the previous step. Mark the locations for the three screw holes on the wall. Repeat the process for the stud at the bottom of the rail.
- 9). Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes over the pencil marks for the bracket screws. Remove the lengths of tape and screw the rail brackets in place.
- 10
Set the rail on the brackets and drill pilot holes into the wood. Insert screws to attach the railing to the brackets. Repeat the process for adding an additional bracket or two along the middle of the railing.
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