The difficulty level of installing an assembled railing (guardrail) for stairs will depend on whether you are ordering a pre-assembled railing or a railing that will require assembly.
At Optimum Works, all of our assembled railings save you the time and hassle of having to put the railing together. They come pre-assembled and ready to install.
This guide will show you how to install one of our assembled railings on wood surface stairs.
Full Video Guide: How to Install An Assembled Railing on Wooden Steps (5 minute watch)
Before Your Start
- Know whether you must meet handrail code requirements
- Please reference our Railing Code Compliance Guide
- Know your options before you buy a railing or handrail
- Check out our guide to the 3 Main Types of Railings & Handrails
- If you know you need an assembled railing (guardrail), ensure you buy the right one for your project
- Check out our guide to Buying An Assembled Railing
Tools Needed for Installation
- Tape measurer
- A small level
- An electric drill
- An impact drill
- Drill bit (1/4" drill bit or less recommended)
- A 9/16 socket (to fit bolts)
- Pencil
What Your Assembled Railing (Guardrail) Comes With
- The pre-assembled railing
- All the bolts necessary for installation
- The base shoe cover plates
Step 1: Figure Out the Right Placement for Your Railing
We want to ensure we are not installing the railing too close to the edge of the wood because this could cause the wood to split.
A good rule of thumb is to place the handrail post base plate at least 1.5" away from the edge. Be mindful of any edges that hang off (extend past) the drilling surface (see video for example).
- Squaring Off Your Railing
- Place the base plates of the railing 2" away from the edge of the steps
- Use a tape measure to ensure that both corners of each base plate is 2" away from the edge of the steps
Step 2: Mark The Hole Locations of the Base Plates
Now that you have your railing placement in the right position and squared off from step 1, mark the locations of the holes in the base plates that you will be drilling the bolts into.
Quick Tip: If you have a wall bracket as a part of your railing, you'll want to level out the railing and mark the hole/s of your railing bracket as well so you can ensure it is level when fastened to the wall. See video at 1m18s for this step.
Step 3: Drill Your Pilot Holes
Drilling a pilot hole will help ensure we do not split the wood.
A 3/8" bolt, so we use a 1/4" drill bit or less (the drill bit needs to be smaller than the bolt).
- Drill Your Pilot Holes for the Base Plates
- Use your electric drill and a 1/4 drill bit or smaller, to pre-drill a pilot holes into all the pencil-marked locations.
- For Railings with Brackets
- If you have a railing with a wall bracket, drill a pilot hole then drill your screw into the wall and dry fit it then take it out.
- It is easier to do this now before the railing is in the way.
- Set Your Railing Into Position
- Place the railing on your steps and align the railing with the pilot holes
Step 4: Bolt Down the Railing's Base Plates
You can start bolting down the base plates with your impact drill and 9/16 socket, but do not fully tighten the bolts. Just tighten right to the end of bolt head contacts the surface. Caution: Do not tighten bolt down or the bolt head can break!
Step 5: Level Out Your Railing
After you've installed all your bolts in the base plates (leaving the bolts slightly loose), you will want to use a level to ensure the railing is perfectly level.
Tighten down the bolts on each side and you may need to tighten some bolts slightly more than others to get the railing level. Caution: Do not over tighten bolts!
Step 6: Drill In The Bolt For Your Wall Bracket
If your railing has a wall bracket, now is the time to bolt that in and tighten it to the wall.
Step 7: Install the Base Plate Cover Shoes
The cover shoes will simply snap into place. Just place them over the base plates and push them together until you hear/feel them snap into place.
Enjoy Your Railing (Guardrail)!
If you've made it this far, you either completed the job successfully or you know what your are getting into when you buy a railing if you plan on installing it yourself.
If you're looking for assembled railings, wall handrails or ground-mounted handrails, be sure to check out our products.
If you're looking for more information on railings and handrails, be sure to check out our other DIY guides right here on our Nail Your Rail blog.