How to Install a Single-post Handrail on Concrete Steps

How to Install a Single-post Handrail on Concrete Steps

This article includes both a written guide and a video guide that will show you how to install a single-post handrail on concrete steps.

If you need to install a single-post handrail into wood steps or you're aiming to install a double-post handrail into concrete steps, you can cross-reference this guide with our DIY guide for Installing a Double-Post Handrail on Wood Steps.

Recommended Tools:

  • Speed Square
  • 4ft Box Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Sharpie / Marker
  • 3/8 Masonary Drill Bit (we provide 3/8 Bolts)
  • Hammer Drill
  • Shop Vacuum
  • 3/8 Wire Tube Brush
  • Hammer

Complete Video Guide: How to Install a Single-Post Handrail on Concrete Steps (16min watch)

Step 1: Configure the Proper Post Location

First, you want to place the single-post handrail on the step in the general location it will be installed.

  • Use a 4ft Box Level to ensure that the bend at the top of the handrail is aligned with the edge/nosing of the top step (0m:21s).
  • If there is a wall nearby, use a Tape Measurer to ensure the handrail is spaced at least 1.5" away from the wall (0m:48s)
  • Keep the base plate of the post a minimum of 2" away from the edge of the step it is being installed on to avoid cracking the concrete (1m:33s)
  • Use your square tool to ensure the base plates are aligned properly, and then mark the holes of the base plates with a Sharpie/marker so you can see where to drill in the upcoming steps (2m:05s)
    • The most important step is to ensure the holes are marked properly for drilling

Step 2: Prepare Tools for Drilling

Two Types of Bolts for Concrete:
For installing a handrail post into concrete, you can use sleeve anchors or wedge anchors for bolting down the handrail post. Sleeve anchors are easier to install, but wedge anchors are a lot stronger than sleeve anchors.

Marking Your Drill Bit:
Hold your 3/8 bolt up to your 3/8 masonry drill bit and mark the depth/length of the 3/8 bolt on the drill bit. Use either tape or a marker to mark where the bolt ends on the drill bit. We do this to identify how far to drill into the concrete so we do not drill a hole deeper than the length of the bolt itself.

Step 3: Start Drilling Holes Into the Concrete

Now the real adrenaline rush begins.

Line your drill bit up with the base plate holes you marked in Step 1, grab your Hammer Drill, and start drilling! (4m:45s)

Avoid using smaller/weaker drills (even if they have a hammering mode). They will take you 2x as long to drill and may even fail. We attempted to show you how to use a smaller drill with a hammering mode in case it was all you had, but we lost patience! Watch our fail at 6m:15s. 😂  Use a hammer drill!!

Cleaning Up the Dust:
Use a shop vacuum to clean up the accumulated concrete dust from drilling the holes.

When installing a masonry bolt, you want to leave as little dust as possible inside the drilled holes (7m:50s). Use a wire tube brush to knock off dust within the holes and use a shop vacuum to suck the dust out of the holes. If you really want to do it the professional way, use a Compressor to blow the dust out (especially if you plan to use epoxy).

Step 4: Installing the Handrail's Post

There are 2 methods you can use for installing the bolts.

  1. Place the post back over the holes and hammer the bolts through the post holes into the concrete holes (9m:20s)
  2. My Preferred Method: Hammer the bolts into the concrete first, then align the post holes with the bolts and mount the post onto the step (10m:31s)

Leveling the Post:
Make sure the post is level (12m:23s). Use your level to see if the post is level. If it is not level, whichever direction the post is leaning toward, you can tighten bolts on the opposing side to level it out.

Attach Base Plate Covers:
This step is simple. Just snap on the base plate covers and you're good to go (14m:14s).

Where to Get The Best Handrails & Stair Railings

If you've made it this far, your single-post handrail installation into concrete is complete!

If you're looking for more DIY guides on handrails and railings, be sure to check out our other posts on our Nail Your Rail Blog.

If you're looking for ground-mounted handrails, wall-mounted handrails, or assembled stair railings, check them out right here on our website, and don't forget, we do Custom Railing Orders for projects needing more customization than what our website allows. Simplify and streamline your railing projects with us!

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