Replacing a Stair Railing

Sturdy railings prevent deck mishaps -- and your local code probably requires them if your deck is elevated
more than one step above the ground. To assure structural integrity, the railing posts must be securely
attached to the stairs' stringers or, in the case of bottom railing posts, sunk in concrete.

WHAT
YOU'LL
NEED

SKILL TOOLS
SCALE Hammer
Medium Jigsaw or circular saw
Drill
TIME Screw gun
REQUIRED Torpedo level or
You can combination square with
replace a level
stair Tape measure
railing in Paintbrush
about 2
hours. MATERIALS
Treated 2x4 or 2x6 lumber
Sealer-preservative
Galvanized deck screws

Mark the rail position on the posts and remove the damaged railing. Position the
new rail against the inside of the stairway posts. Align the rail with the top rear
corner of the top post, and with the mark on the lower post. Have a helper attach
the rail temporarily with deck screws.

Mark the outline of the post and the deck rail on the back side of the stairway
rail.

Use a level or combination square to mark a plumb line at the bottom end of the
stairway rail, then remove the rail.
Cut along the marked outlines using a jigsaw or circular saw. Thoroughly seal
the cut ends.

Position the stairway rail flush against the top edges of the posts. Drill 1/8-inch
pilot holes, then attach the rail to the posts with 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

If the deck railing has a cap, measure and cut a cap for the stairway rail. Mark
the outline of the post on the side of the cap, and bevel-cut the ends. Position
the cap over the stairway rail so that the edge of the strip is flush with the inside
edge of the rail. Predrill and fasten with deck screws.