Handrail Installation Instructions

You don’t need to hire a professional to install your new handrail. Our updated handrail installation instructions allow you to complete this easy DIY project in a matter of hours. Once you’ve ordered your handrail kit, review the directions below – you’ll have your perfect indoor or outdoor accent rail installed in no time.

Handrail Installation Instructions

Equipment You’ll Need

You’ll need the following pieces of equipment before you begin to follow our handrail installation instructions:

• #2 Phillips Head screwdriver or bit
• Electric drill
• 1/8” metal drill bit
• Tape measure
• Bar clamps
• Chop saw or hacksaw
• Blue painter’s tape
• Additional tools and hardware as needed if you are attaching your railing to concrete or brick

AHR Handrail Installation

Our classic AHR handrails offer a clean and timeless look, complementing both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our new instructions will make installing AHR Handrails much easier:

1. If you don’t need a custom length, jump to Step 6.
2. Measure the wall to determine the desired length of your rail.
3. Mark your desired length on the rail with blue painter’s tape.
4. Cut your rail to the desired length with a chop saw or hacksaw.
5. Remove any rough edges from your rail before moving on to Step 6.
6. Insert end caps into both ends of the rail.
7. Measure to the top of the wall mount and add 1 3/8” to get the desired rail height. Mark that position on wall. We recommend positioning the handrail between 34 and 38 inches from the nose of the stair tread. We also recommend that mounts are spaced no more than six feet apart.
8. Insert one 2” screw into the lower mounting hole of the wall mount.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for remaining wall mounts.
10. Use the bar clamps to position the rail onto the wall mounts.
11. With the 1/8” drill bit, drill a pilot hole in every visible screw slot (rail side only).
12. With your #2 Phillips Head, insert 1” screws into all pilot holes drilled in Step 11.
13. Remove bar clamps and repeat Steps 11 and 12 to all remaining slots on the rail.
14. Install the remaining 2”screws to fully attach the rail to your wall.

CHR Handrail Installation

CHR handrail installation looks a lot like AHR handrail installation. However, there are a few key differences to note, particularly involving the wall returns and wall mount:

1. If you don’t need a custom length, jump to Step 6.
2. Measure the wall to determine the desired length of your rail.
3. Mark your desired length on the rail with blue painter’s tape.
4. Cut your rail to the desired length with a chop saw or hacksaw.
5. Remove any rough edges from your rail before moving on to Step 6.
6. Insert wall returns into both ends of the rail.
7. Measure to the top of the wall return to get the desired rail height. Mark that position on wall. We recommend positioning the handrail between 34 and 38 inches from the nose of the stair tread. We also recommend that mounts are spaced no more than six feet apart.
8. Insert one 2” screw into the lower mounting hole on each wall return.
9. Use the bar clamps to position the wall mount onto the rail.
10. >Insert one 2” screw into the lower mounting hole of the wall mount.
11. With the 1/8” drill bit, drill a pilot hole in every visible screw slot (rail side only).
12. With your #2 Phillips Head, insert 1” screws into all pilot holes drilled in Step 11.
13. Remove bar clamps and repeat Steps 11 and 12 to all remaining slots on the rail.
14. Install the remaining 2”screws to fully attach the rail mount to your wall.

OHR Handrail Installation

If the steps to install an AHR look easy to you, you’re in luck: The steps to install OHR handrails are identical. Our OHR handrails feature a classic round design and can be used both inside and outside. A variety of finishes and colors are available.

_____

When installing handrails yourself, keep in mind that you should follow these instructions exactly as they are written. Otherwise, you might have an unsuccessful installation on your hands – which can lead to an unreliable, potentially dangerous handrail. Fortunately, any DIY-er can follow these easy instructions.

Now that you’ve explored handrail installation instructions, are you looking for an expert who can walk you through purchasing and caring for a new aluminum railing? At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we are committed to providing high-quality aluminum handrails that are durable, maintenance free, affordable, and attractive. If you have questions about aluminum handrails or if you are searching for a handrail system that fits your needs, call us at 417-409-3179 or visit Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today. We offer handrails, wall mounts, mounting screws and anchors, touch-up spray paint, and much more. We look forward to hearing from you!