How to Replace a Stair Railing

If you’ve noticed your stair banister is shaky or looks outdated, it might be time for a new one. Replacing a stair railing is a manageable task for a DIY enthusiast, but you will need some carpentry skills to get it right. In this video and guide, we’ll tell you how to replace a stair railing to help you transform the look and safety of your staircase in just a few hours. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva will walk you through the steps.

Preparing for Stair Railing Installation

There are a few things you’ll need to do before building and installing your new stair railing. First, you’ll need to gather the right tools and then remove the old railing. We’ve included some tips below.

Tools You’ll Need

Most of these are basic carpentry essentials.

Removing the Old Railing

Be careful as you remove the old railing so that you avoid damaging the surrounding areas. To help you save some time and money, collect any parts that are in good condition and put them in a safe place, so you can use them again. You’ll want to follow the steps we’ve outlined below:

1. Unscrew or pry off any decorative elements
2. Remove the balusters (spindles) from the treads and handrail
3. Detach the handrail from the wall or newel posts
4. Remove any remaining hardware or fasteners

Patching Old Baluster Holes

The old balusters will leave holes in the stair treads where they were attached. You can repair those holes to make them virtually invisible so that the new railing installation looks seamless. Choose a 1-inch plug that matches the wood type of your stairs, so they have the same grain and appearance. For example, if your staircase is oak, find oak plugs.

Once you’ve found the correct wood plug and size for your stairs, follow the steps below:

1. Create a guide block with a hole slightly larger than the plug diameter
2. Make a gauge block to add to your drill before you attach the bit to stop the bit from going too deep
3. Place the guide block directly over the hole in the stair and drill a shallow recess for the new plug
4. Apply wood glue, line the plug with the grain and tap it into place
5. Sand the plug flush with the tread surface once the glue has dried

Preparing the New Handrail

Your next step is to cut and fit the handrail. You’ll need precise cuts, so we recommend you use a miter saw. Also, consider any returns or terminations that may be required by building codes or your specific design.

To prepare your new handrail:

1. Measure the length of your staircase carefully
2. Cut the handrail to the appropriate length, allowing for any end treatments
3. Test-fit the handrail to ensure proper alignment and angle

Attaching the Turnout

Some banisters are straight the whole way through, while others have a turnout — a curved end that provides a decorative transition at the bottom of the stairs. You can reuse your old turnout or cut a new one to match the handrail profile. Follow the steps below to attach a turnout:

1. Lay the turnout on an even block of wood on the stairs to make sure it’s at the proper angle.
2. Place the handrail onto the nosing on the stairs and slowly slide the turnout until it matches up with the handrail.
3. Mark where they meet to transfer the correct angle and cut with a saw.
4. Drill holes on the ends of the turnout and handrail, which need to be positioned so they match up.
5. Take the handrail and turn it over to drill a hole into the bottom so that you can tighten the railing bolt’s nut.
6. Use the railing bolt to join the turnout to the main handrail and slip the nut in, tightening with your finger.
7. Apply wood glue to the joint for added strength.
8. Sand the joint smooth for a seamless transition.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to make sure the turnout is level in both directions, so you may need to use clamps to hold the turnout in place while you’re fitting it and as the glue dries once you’ve attached it.

Installing the Balusters for the Handrail

Balusters, or spindles, are the vertical supports that connect the handrail to the stair treads. You have to install these properly so that the railing is safe and visually appealing. To do this, you can mark where the balusters will go before drilling holes for them. 

Use our method below to space your balusters evenly:

1. Use painter’s tape on each tread to mark baluster positions.
2. Measure the space between balusters so that it doesn’t exceed 4 inches.
3. Use a framing square to transfer these marks to the underside of the handrail.
4. Double-check your measurements to prevent having to redo work later on.

In the video above, Silva demonstrates a clever technique for drilling angled holes in the handrail, so the balusters are in the correct position. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a piece of scrap handrail as a drilling guide
2. Hold the guide piece at the correct angle against the handrail
3. Start the hole with the drill bit perpendicular to the guide
4. As you drill deeper, align the drill with the angle of the guide

You can use a drill press to make this process easier, but it isn’t necessary.

Assembling the Railing System

Now it’s time to put all the pieces together. Make sure you place the balusters firmly into the tread and handrail so that they’re sturdy. To do this:

1. Drill 1-inch diameter holes in the stair treads at each marked location.
2. Insert balusters into the tread holes, tapping gently with a dead-blow mallet.
3. Align the top of each baluster with its corresponding hole in the handrail.
4. Carefully lower the handrail onto the balusters, ensuring each one fits into its designated hole.
5. Use a dead-blow mallet to tap the handrail fully into place.
6. Secure the upper end of the handrail to a wall-mounted spacer block using countersunk screws.
7. Conceal screw holes with wood plugs for a finished look.

Countersunk screws will hide the wood plugs and give the handrail’s attachment points some more strength. 

Ensuring Handrail Stability and Safety

Before adding the finishing touches, do a safety check.  Look for loose balusters or handrail sections and make sure all screws and bolts are tight. You can walk up and down the stairs while using the banister to make sure it feels secure. If it feels a little wobbly, address it immediately so that it doesn’t cause more significant issues down the road.

Finishing Touches for Your Stair Railing

After your new railing passes its safety test, you can take the following steps for a polished look: 

1. Sand any rough spots or joints for a smooth finish.
2. Apply wood filler to any small gaps or imperfections.
3. Stain or paint the new railing to match your home’s decor.
4. Consider adding a clear protective finish for durability.

Our Conclusion

Installing a new stair railing is an achievable task for homeowners who have some DIY experience. If you decide to take it on, remember to gather all the necessary tools so that you can take precise measurements and accurate cuts. Prioritize safety, and contact your municipality to make sure you’re meeting all their building requirements and obtaining the right permits.