Building a Handrail for Concrete Stairs
For homeowners lucky enough to have an expansive backyard yard and garden space, it's common to build concrete stairs to connect uneven sections of the land for easy walking. Simple and inexpensive to build, concrete staircases are a convenient option that also delivers a universal look that can work with any outdoor style.
No matter how few stairs there are in your backyard area, it's always a good idea to build a handrail for concrete stairs.
Why Build a Handrail on Concrete Stairs?
Outdoor concrete staircases can become slippery when wet, can easily have a thin layer of ice in the colder months, and can have loose gravel that can lead to a trip or fall. Installing a railing section or bulding a handrail for concrete stairs will protect family, friends, and guests from future accidents.
On top of the increased safety factor, building a handrail for your outdoor staircase allows DIY deck builders and homeowners the opportunity to add a touch of detail to their landscaping!
From a simple post and handrail setup to a complete metal railing section or vinyl railing kit; installing a handrail on concrete stairs can give your backyard and garden space an extra dash of detail!
How Do You Build a Handrail for Concrete Stairs?
Measure the Distance and Angle of Your Concrete Steps
Use a tape measure to find the overall height and length of your outdoor staircase. With these measurements on hand, find the distance and angle of your concrete stairs. You may use the Pythagorean Theorum, a2+b2=c2, to find "c" or the angled side of the staircase.
You can also use an online calculator such as The Right Triangle Calculator. Simply enter in your measurements to find your staircase length and stair angle.
Select Your Deck Railing Style
Now that you know the length of deck railing you need as well as confirmed the staircase angle, the fun part comes! Shopping for a staircase handrail that you like the best!
Do you want a modest and minimalistic look for your garden space? Choose a basic metal deck posts such as the Fortress FE26 Post or the Westbury Tuscany 3 Piece Post Kit. These stair railing posts have coordinating secondary handrails that will create a clean line along your concrete stairs.
Would a complete deck railing section add the missing element to your backyard space? Choose from vinyl stair railing kits, metal stair railing kits, or cable stair railing kits to create the look your landscaping need.
Mount Rail Posts
One of the most important factors in building a handrail for concrete steps is ensuring that you mount and anchor the posts down correctly. Be sure to use concrete or masonry screws to anchor your handrail posts in place along the concrete stairs.
If installing a metal stair railing or cable stair railing, choose Caliburn XL Concrete Screws to anchor the post in place through the pre-welded base plate bottom.
If installing a vinyl stair railing, wood stair railing, or composite stair railing system, you'll need to anchor your wooden deck posts in place. Use a post anchor or post base kit to secure your wooden post in place on the concrete surface. Similar to metal railings, use Caliburn XL Concrete Screws to anchor the post securely down.
Attach Handrail or Railing Section
If installing the simple, straightforward post to single handrail setup; choose the appropriate brackets to support your handrail. Brackets such as the Wall Mount Handrail Support, the FE26 Handrail Bracket, or the AL13 Home Handrail Bracket should be fastened to the posts and will include installation hardware.
Depending upon the angle of your concrete staircase, if you're installing a deck railing section for your handrail, you'll need to shop between a level rail section or stair rail section. This will depend all upon the angle that the mounting brackets will allow for.
Add Outdoor Lighting
With your handrail installed and ready to keep family, friends, and guests safe; consider installing deck lighting to enhance the safety! Convenient and beautiful post cap lights, handrail lighting, or recessed stair lights can provide a secure glow that will prevent trips or falls in the night!
Are you concrete steps too far from your home to connect to the electricity? Consider installing solar lighting! Solar rail lights and solar post cap lights can help illuminate your outdoor staircase without the hassle of wiring and electrical work!
Learn more about the basics of deck framing and building in the Deck Framing Guide and learn the specific deck part names in the Glossary of Deck Terms and Lingo.
Browse more deck design and railing style notes to upgrade your backyard space and deck in the DecksDirect Railing Style Guide. The quickest way to learn if your home is more suited for a classic aluminum deck railing or a strong, composite railing line.