Handrails are essential safety components on our staircases that help to prevent accidental falls on the stairs. However, to ensure that they’re stable and can securely support stair users, they need to be fixed correctly.
This blog explores how to effectively install both wall-mounted and bannister oak handrails, so you can provide stability on your stairs.
Table of Contents
How do You Attach an Oak Handrail to the Wall?
Instaling a wall-mounted oak handrail is fairly simple!
What you’ll need:
- Handrail with brackets and fixings
- A metal tape measure
- Spirit level
- Low tack tape
- String
- Pencil
- Magnetic stud finder
- Drill
- Screwdriver, or screwdriver drill bit
Installation:
To fix your oak handrail, all you need to do is follow these easy steps:
- Measure where your oak handrail will be installed
Measure how high your handrail needs to be installed from the corner of your first tread using a tape measure – in the UK, this should be between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line (the line connecting the edges of all treads) to the top surface of your oak handrail.
Mark this position on the wall with tape, and use a spirit level to ensure it’s straight.
Repeat this step for the tread at the top of your flight of stairs.
Then, cut a piece of string slightly longer than your handrail – this will be a guide for where your handrail will be positioned. Stick it in place between the two pencil markings using tape – again, use your spirit level to ensure it’s straight.
- Find your wall studs
If you don’t have a solid brick wall, use a magnetic stud finder to determine where the studded sections of your wall are – these areas are the best foundations to drill your handrail brackets into.
The amount of studs needed depends on how many brackets you have.
Also, be sure to avoid pipes and wires behind your wall! You can see whether any are present with a digital pipe and wire scanner tool.
- Measure your handrail’s height
You’ll need this measurement to plan where your brackets will be fitted. For example, if your brackets are 1 inch in height, you’ll install the bracket 1 inch beneath the line of string.
- Installing the brackets
Line up your first bracket with the tape you placed earlier, then pencil where your first pilot hole will be.
Next, drill and insert the correct screw (see your handrail instructions). Repeat this process for the amount of brackets you have. You’ll only drill one hole per bracket initially as the bracket needs to swivel – this way we can be sure that our handrail is in the best position.
- Secure your oak handrail
Mount your oak handrail over the brackets.
Now, use each bracket to mark the drill holes underneath your handrail – these holes will be where your brackets screw into the handrail.
Next, place the handrail on a flat surface and drill the holes into the rail.
After this, line the handrail on the wall brackets and screw it into place securely.
Finally, fix the rest of the bracket we left unfinished earlier to the wall. Then, your oak handrail should be ready for use!
Fixing Oak Handrails to a Bannister
In this section, we’ll explain how to install all the oak stair parts that make up your balustrade, including the handrail, baserail, spindles and infills.
What you’ll need:
- Metal tape measurer
- Angle finder
- Drill
- Saw – we recommend using an electric saw for extra precision and a clean finish
- A clamp
- Wood glue
The fixings/screws you’ll need should be included with your new handrail.
Installation:
- Measure the dimensions between the top and bottom newel post on your stairs using a metal tape measure – this gives you the length your baserail should be.
- Calculate the angle of your stairs using an angle finder – simply position the finder between your floor newel post and the side of your staircase.
- Mark this angle on your base rail (top and bottom) and cut using your saw.
- Position the oak baserail to your staircase and ensure that it’s central to your newel posts – using a drill, fix around 5 screws spread equally across the rail.
- Cut a single spindle/baluster to the same angles you used for your baserail, and clamp it in position next to your newel post. Spindles come in various lengths, so be sure to trim them down if needed.
- Then, position your handrail above the baluster. Here, you can see what your handrail dimensions should be, and you can cut it down to size. After doing this, you can screw this stair part into your newel post securely. Then, remove the clamped baluster.
- Measure the spacing between your spindles and cut your wooden infills, which are installed between your spindles, above the baserail. The spacing depends on your preferences and how many oak balusters you want to include.
- Finally, cut the rest of your oak spindles to match the one you used earlier and apply wood glue on each end. After this, slot the spindles into the grooves of your hand and baserail – you can fix the wooden infills this way too.
Buy Oak Handrails From a Trusted Supplier
Only a well-built oak handrail will stand the test of time and help to keep your staircase as safe as possible. This is why it’s vital to buy your stair parts from an established provider with an excellent track record of supplying exceptional products.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety and stability of your staircase is paramount, and correctly installing oak handrails is a crucial step in this process. By following the detailed steps provided in this blog, you can confidently attach both wall-mounted and bannister oak handrails. Proper installation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your staircase but also guarantees the safety of its users.
If you’re looking to further improve the look and functionality of your stairs, consider refurbishing and updating your bannister. For a comprehensive guide on how to do this, check out our article on how to refurbish and update your bannister. By combining these techniques, you can ensure your staircase remains both beautiful and secure for years to come.
Remember, investing in high-quality oak handrails from a trusted supplier is essential to ensure durability and safety. With the right materials and proper installation, your staircase will be a safe and stylish feature in your home.
