How to Install Handrails on Concrete Steps?
Installing handrails on concrete steps is a great way to make your home or business safer. Handrails are especially important for people with disabilities and seniors. Install handrails on concrete steps is not complicated and can be done by any homeowner with basic DIY skills. It’s also a project that will give you some peace of mind, knowing you have installed something to prevent accidents from happening at the bottom of your stairs.
Even though it seems like a difficult task, you can easily attach handrails to concrete steps with the right information. First, there are tools you will need. These include a tape measure, a carpenter’s pencil, and either a drill or hammer.
You also need to know the spacing of your risers before you begin. This is important because it will help determine how many handrails are needed for each side of the steps. If you don’t already have this information, just make a few measurements and note them down somewhere.
Here’s How to Install Handrails on Concrete Steps
- The first step includes attaching the handrail to the top of your stairs. This is done by marking where all of the holes will be drilled for each piece and using a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than what you will actually use in installation. Once this has been attached, make sure it’s level with a torpedo level on both sides before screwing in the screws.
- Next, you will want to make the cut on the inside of where your handrail is supposed to go so that it fits correctly against the side of your stairs and can be attached appropriately. This should be done with a circular saw or, if needed, by using a reciprocating tool (only if necessary).
- Now, you want to fit the handrails into the holes you made. Screw down the hardware and tighten where necessary. You want to ensure that the handrails are completely safe to use. Trim any bolt ends sticking out, leaving just enough to keep the handrail in place.
- Last, you will want to make a level line between each side of your stairs and then mark all screw holes on both sides so that they are lined up properly. The drill should be used again, but if needed, a hammer can also work well depending on the material being drilled.
- To protect the railing, you should use a soft end mallet or rubber hammer to pound on the railing, using a piece of scrap wood underneath so that you do not damage your stairs.
- Finally, attach both sides securely and then drill into place with the screws provided or any other size screw if necessary for more support in certain areas.
To make sure that these steps are safe, they should be inspected by a professional. They will determine whether your installation is safe to use. If you don’t know where to start, some stores have DIY installation kits you can purchase that come with all the necessary tools you may need. If you’re interested in buying handrails, here’s the guide to the best handrails for outdoor steps on today’s market.