How to Install a Handrail on Concrete

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At DIY Handrail, our mission is to provide people with quality iron handrails that they can install on their own. So, whether you’re replacing an old wobbly railing or installing one for the very first time, our complete guide will teach you how to install a handrail on concrete.

  • How to Install a Level Handrail on Concrete
  • How to Install a Handrail on Concrete Steps
  • How to Install a Handrail on a Concrete Wall

How to Install a Level Handrail on Concrete

Quality iron handrails for porches increase a property’s safety and curb appeal. Level handrails are the easiest to install and can be done by a single person with common household tools. If you’re still unsure after reading this guide, check out our more detailed guide on how to install a level handrail on concrete.

  • Order Custom Level Handrail
  • Place Rail in Position
  • Drill Holes in Concrete
  • Fasten Railing
  • Check Plumb & Adjust
  • Install Escutcheons & Post Caps

Order Custom Level Handrail

Purchasing a handrail is the first step in the installation process. Our online store has quality iron handrails in many lengths to meet your needs.

Place Rail in Position

Place the assembled handrail into position, ensuring the mounting brackets are a minimum of two inches away from the edge of the concrete. If the brackets are any less than two inches from the edge, you run the risk of cracking the concrete during the next step.

Drill Holes in Concrete

Once the handrail is in place, you need to use the provided masonry drill bit and hammer drill to drill through the holes on the mounting bracket into the concrete. Masonry bits are specifically made for concrete, brick and pavers. They provide a cleaner cut and go through the concrete much quicker than a regular drill bit.  Be certain to keep your drill bit relatively cool while drilling.  This can be accomplished by dipping it in water while drilling

Fasten Railing

With the holes drilled, you can fasten the railing to the concrete. A kit from DIY Handrail includes the appropriate fasteners. If yours doesn’t come with fasteners and you’re not sure which ones you need, this page can help.  For concrete, 2¼” x 5/16” screw fasteners are recommended.  For brick and pavers it is recommended to use the 5” x 5/16” to reach beyond the brick or paver and into the masonry substrate.  It is advised to use an impact driver to drive the fasteners into the masonry.

Check Plumb & Adjust

After you mount the rail to concrete, use a level on every side to ensure the handrail is plumb. If the handrail isn’t level, you need to loosen the fasteners and slide the appropriate amount of washer under the bracket until it is. Once level, refasten the fasteners.

Install Escutcheons & Post Caps

The final step is purely aesthetic and will leave you with a beautiful seamless handrail. Install the provided escutcheons around the mounting brackets and post caps on the top of the rails.

How to Install a Handrail on Concrete Steps

Handrails for concrete steps improve the look and safety of a property. The installation process is similar to level handrails. For additional help, you can find a more detailed guide here.

  • Order Custom Handrail for Steps
  • Place Rail in Position
  • Drill Holes in Concrete
  • Fasten Railing to Concrete
  • Check Plumb & Adjust
  • Install Escutcheons

Order Custom Handrail for Steps

There are several places to purchase custom handrails for steps, but none of them provide the same level of quality as DIY Handrails. Order yours today.

Place Rail in Position

The first step is to place your handrail in the desired position. Make sure the mounting brackets are a minimum of two inches from the edge of the steps to prevent costly damage to the concrete.

Drill Holes in Concrete

Once the handrail is in the desired position, drill through the holes in the mounting brackets with a drill and masonry bit. Make sure you drill the holes at a depth of three inches for concrete and six inches for brick to ensure a secure fastening.

Fasten Railing to Concrete

Use the fasteners included with your DIY Handrail to fasten it to the steps. If you purchased a handrail from somewhere else and it didn’t come with fasteners, this page will help you find the right ones.

Check Plumb & Adjust

Use a level to check the plumb of the posts. If the handrail is unlevel, loosen the mounting brackets and insert washers until it reads level. Once the railing is level, refasten the brackets to the steps.

Install Escutcheons

Install the escutcheons around the mounting brackets for a completed look that conceals the fasteners.

How to Install a Handrail on a Concrete Wall

Wall-mounted handrails may take a little longer to install than other styles, but many people think they look better. Another benefit is they don’t take up any space, which makes them a great option in limited-space scenarios. Check out our detailed guide for more information on installing wall-mounted handrails.

  • Order Custom Wall-Mounted Handrail
  • Determine Handrail Height
  • Determine Stud Location
  • Mount Anchors to Studs
  • Mount Handrail

Order Custom Wall-Mounted Handrail

Wall-mounted handrails are a space-saving way to provide safety and improve the look of exterior stairs. We offer small and large wall handrails to fit your specific needs.

Determine Handrail Height

The first step is determining how high you want your handrail. Most wall handrails are mounted at the height of 36”. It is important to note that the handrail will sit a few inches higher than the anchors, so you need to account for that. Measure from the top and bottom stairs and make a mark on the wall. Connect the two marks with a diagonal line using a long straight edge or level.

Determine Stud Location

For a securely mounted handrail, you need to mount the anchors into a stud. Find the studs in the wall and mark where the diagonal line crosses the stud. Make two marks, one close to the top stair and one close to the bottom.

Mount Anchors to Studs

With the studs marked, you need to mount the wall anchors provided in your kit to the wall. It may help to leave them a little loose so you can make any needed adjustments during the next step with ease.

Mount Handrail

With the wall anchors in place, you can mount the handrail with the self-tapping screws provided in your kit. If you purchased your handrail from somewhere else, you might need to purchase self-tapping screws from a local hardware store.

The Benefits of Wrought Iron Railing

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We believe in the benefits of wrought iron railing, which is why we have been in the business for more than 75 years. Wrought iron railing has been used for hundreds of years because it has key advantages over other railing materials, and offers property owners several benefits. We understand the benefits of wrought iron railing better than most people, and after reading this, we hope you will too.

If you have any additional questions about DIY Handrail and our premium wrought iron railing products, please contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.

Wrought Iron Railing Adds Safety and Value to Your Property

Many building codes require installing some type of railing for stairs, decks, and other elevated structures. Even if your particular building code does not require rail installations, installing them may still be a good idea.

Wrought iron railing is a fantastic choice for porch, deck, patio, and stair railing because it keeps you, your family, and guests safe from accidental falls. In addition to the safety aspect, or perhaps because of it, wrought iron railing increases the property’s value and makes it more appealing to potential buyers.

Whether you plan on living in your house for the rest of your life or you’re looking to sell, installing a wrought iron handrail can benefit you and your property.

Wrought Iron is Durable

One of the primary appeals of wrought iron railing is its incredible durability. Our wrought iron handrails feature a stainless steel mounting system.  Stainless steel mounting is far superior to any other mounting material as it is rust proof and exceptionally rigid.

Iron Railing Adds Curb Appeal

Your new wrought iron railing will improve your home’s curb appeal and have all your neighbors looking on with envy. We offer Newel, Arch, and Picket style handrails so you can find the perfect look to compliment the rest of your property.

Wrought Iron is Customizable

Another appeal of wrought iron railing is the customizability factor. Not very many things that are as durable as wrought iron can also be customized. Wrought iron, on the other hand, will last for decades and can be customized to fit the design plans of any property owner.

Wrought Iron Railing is Low Maintenance

Our wrought iron railing requires little to no routine maintenance. We use high-quality materials that make our products resistant to the natural wear and tear inferior products sustain. As long as you wipe or spray your wrought iron handrails from time to time, they will remain in good shape.

After a significant period of time, your wrought iron handrails may become faded or slightly discolored. When this happens, a quick coat of paint will get them looking as good as new.

Get Your DIY Handrail Today

Nobody knows wrought iron railing better than DIY Handrail. We have been making premium wrought iron products for over 75 years and continue to deliver exceptional products to customers across the nation. If you are in the market for a superior wrought iron handrail, DIY Handrail is the easiest and most affordable option out there. Check out our wide selection of made-to-order handrails. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to contact us.

How to Choose the Right Wrought Iron Railing

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One of the best parts about wrought iron railing can also be one of the most frustrating. These extremely customizable railings provide an affordable, stylish, and functional option for quality DIY Handrails that you can install yourself. However, if you’re anything like me, the existence of so many styles and choices can be overwhelming.

The following is a short guide meant to assist you in selecting your next wrought iron handrails. We give several tips and tricks as well as things you should consider so you end up with the perfect iron railing for the exterior of your home.

These are not set-in-stone rules but rather a set of key components to consider that will inevitably narrow down your possible choices. The good news is that no matter your choice, you can expect a better-looking exterior and increased property value.

Determine the Installation Spot

If you’re looking for the right wrought iron railing, there’s a good chance you already know where it will go. However, this step requires you to take a closer look at the spot so you can have a better idea of the size of the railing and the type of mount you need when ordering your handrail.

We offer handrail models perfect for just about every scenario, but first, you have to know what type of mount you need. Our handrails come in floor-mounted, side mounted, direct burial, wall-mounted, and floor and wall-mounted options. Each one has its purpose, and to narrow it down, you should consider the desired installation spot.

Porch handrails are typically mounted directly to the steps. This goes for handrails along concrete steps and those surrounding the porch’s perimeter. Porch handrails are the most common type of wrought iron railing we sell.

Wall-mounted handrails provide stability while walking upstairs or close to a wall; many think they look better than ground-mounted rails. However, you wouldn’t be able to install one of these around a porch or down the outside of a staircase because there wouldn’t be a wall to mount it to.

Wall and floor-mounted handrails are typically found along the side of cement stairs that have a wall near the top. The railing is secured into the concrete at the base of the steps and into the wall at the top of the stairs. This handrail looks great, and the two different anchor points make for a sturdier railing.  Wall and floor mounted handrails are very common in garage entryways.

Determine a Budget

Before making any home improvement purchase, you should have a budget in mind. How much you are looking to spend and how much you are willing to spend are two important numbers to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect wrought iron railing.

Fortunately, our manufacturing process allows us to offer our customers an affordable and high-quality product. Our wrought iron railing is far more affordable than other railing types, and it will last longer!

Assess the Community or HOA Rules

If you live in a gated community or property regulated by a homeowner’s association, there may be rules against certain types of railing. Our handrails comply with most regulations; however, we highly recommend you clear it with yours before you commit to installing a new handrail.

Determine the Model & Style Right for You

Once you know what you are allowed to install and where you plan on installing it, you can decide on the model and style that’s right for you. At DIY Handrail, we offer a picketed and arched style wrought iron railing. Both styles will work with any exterior because the difference is strictly one of appearance.

Contact us for additional questions about our wrought iron railing or tips on choosing the right iron railing for your home. Our knowledgeable team members will be happy to help you find the perfect railing for you. Once you know what you want, request a mockup, and our team will show you what your new railing will look like before installing it.

Why You Should Install a Wrought Iron Handrail

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Homeowners have a lot of responsibilities, including but not limited to maintaining a safe and visually appealing home. One of the most effective things you can do as a property owner is install wrought iron handrails on your property.

For hundreds of years, wrought iron handrails have been used to decorate, improve security, and increase safety. We personally have three generations worth of experience in this industry and can attest to the many advantages of installing an iron handrail on your property.

DIY Handrail has been in the ironworks business for more than seventy five years. We have extensive first-hand experience designing, manufacturing, and installing wrought iron handrails for steps, porches, patios, and more. Our mission is to provide the necessary resources so people across the nation can experience all the benefits of installing an iron handrail on their property.

The Benefits of Wrought Iron Handrails

Iron handrails have been around for so long because they are one of the most beneficial solutions for securing a perimeter, minimizing accidents, and improving the visual appeal of a property.

Wrought Iron Handrails Increase Safety

Even before looks, the primary function of any handrail or guardrail is to protect people from falling over the edge into an area where they could get hurt. Iron handrails form an excellent barrier, prevent people from falling, and increase the safety of your home, porch, patio, or steps.

Iron Handrails Come in a Range of Styles

Wrought iron handrails come in various colors, styles, finishes, and shapes. Since iron is easier to work with than other metals, we can craft unique shapes and design styles to fit the specific look each customer is trying to achieve. We carry everything from Picket and Arch handrails to Newel and Level handrails for steps, porches, and patios.

Durable and Easy to Maintain

One of the main reasons you should install iron handrails on your property is because we make them from durable, easy-to-maintain metal. Iron is susceptible to rust, but each DIY Handrail comes with a durable rust-resistant coating to minimize future maintenance requirements.

While it may not compromise the material’s structural integrity, iron handrails do get dirty and should be cleaned regularly. Fortunately, cleaning iron rails is easier than it would be cleaning a wooden one or one made from a different material.

Over time the coating or paint may fade and expose the underlying iron surface causing it to rust. A fresh coat of paint can stop this in its tracks and return your wrought iron railing to its former glory.

In the end, wrought iron railing is easier to clean and maintain than wooden or other types of railing. Less maintenance means you can spend less money on your handrails and more time enjoying them.

Wrought Iron Handrails are Cost-Effective

More benefits typically cost more money. However, this is not the case with wrought iron handrails. DIY Handrail may be your solution if you’re in the market for a cost-effective way to install a railing on your porch, patio, or steps. Railings from DIY are easier to clean, maintain, customize, and more affordable to install.

Wrought Iron Handrails for Porches

DIY Handrail has a wide selection of premium wrought iron handrails for porches. If you’re interested in installing iron handrails on your property, you can request a free mockup to see how our product will look on your porch.

Wrought Iron Handrails for Steps

In addition to our wrought iron porch railing, we also offer high-quality iron handrails for steps. We carry everything, including stand-alone, wall and floor mounted, and wall-mounted handrails for steps. Each of our railings comes with an easy-to-install installation guide.

Purchase Easy to Install Handrails from DIY Handrail Today

DIY Handrail has provided premium ironworks and wrought iron handrails in Columbus and across the nation for more than seventy years. Each of our items is handmade in Columbus, Ohio, and tested to ensure the finished product meets our strict quality control standards and exceeds the customers’ expectations.

DIY Handrail has been an industry leader for more than seventy years because we make our products from choice materials that increase the safety, appeal, and value of a property. Request a free mockup today or contact us for more information on our lineup of high-quality wrought iron handrails.

Why Installing a Handrail Should Be Your Next Home Project

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Installing a handrail on your property is a project that keeps on giving. Handrails have a variety of benefits, from increasing curb appeal to making your property safer. Fortunately, they also make the perfect Saturday home improvement project! At Fortin Ironworks’ DIY Handrail, we offer the strongest and most reliable DIY handrail available on the market. Easily installed with minimal assembly, they can be installed on most any stairs, porch or deck on your property in just a few hours. Read more to learn why installing a DIY wrought iron handrail should be your next home improvement project!

Improve your home’s curb appeal- Curb appeal is a huge factor when determining a home’s value. Quite simply, the nicer it looks on the outside, the higher it will be valued. An easy way to improve your home’s curb appeal is to add quality wrought iron handrails leading up to your home. There are few looks that are more classic than a black powder finish wrought iron handrail, which fits well with a variety of different styles of home. From accompanying a classic brick walkway, to pairing with a more modern concrete path, a DIY wrought iron handrail is a perfect addition to any home. 

Make your home safer- Wrought iron handrails not only make your home look better, they also make it significantly safer. Quality, reliable handrails can help make your home safer in a variety of ways. Strong handrails can help children, the elderly and those with disabilities climb stairs with confidence. They act as an anchor point, and can help prevent falls. During the winter, handrails are a necessity when entering or exiting a home. At DIY Handrail, our wrought iron handrails are built to meet or exceed local handrail codes, so they can be trusted to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Wrought iron handrails last- While handrails can be made of a wide variety of different materials, wrought iron is by far the best. Wrought iron is stronger than aluminum, more reliable and lasts significantly longer. DIY Handrail’s wrought iron handrails are made with strong welded construction, and are built to not weaken over time. In addition, DIY Handrails feature rust proof stainless steel base plates and escutcheons.  

Customizable- One of the major benefits of DIY Handrail’s wrought iron handrails is how customizable they are. We offer a variety of models and styles, from beautiful arch handrails to classic picket styles. We provide level handrails to lead up to stairs, and newel styles to accompany them. 

Installing a handrail doesn’t have to be difficult, and at DIY Handrail, we make sure of it. Our wrought iron handrails are ready to install out of the box, and can be at your doorstep in 1-3 days. Featuring a strong and reliable black powder coat finish, they are compatible with outdoor steps, indoor steps, concrete, natural stone and wooden and composite decks. We also offer a free handrail mockup, so you can be confident that your purchase will fit your space. Just send us the measurements, and we’ll fill your cart with exactly what you need. At Fortin Ironworks’ DIY Handrail, we make installing your new wrought iron handrail a breeze, with extensive how-to videos and expert support staff. Call Joe at (614) 715-4766 today to learn more!

How Handrails Help Promote Mobility For The Elderly

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Stairs provide a unique challenge for the elderly. They’re an everyday mountain to climb and can be difficult to summit over and over again. They can also be surprisingly dangerous. Falls are the leading cause of death in people 65 or older, and 60 percent of those falls involve steps or stairs. It’s been found that over 100,000 elderly require medical attention each year due to a stair related injury. 

While moving to a facility or home without stairs is the best way to lessen the chance of a stair related injury, it isn’t always feasible. Not only is it expensive to move, but many elderly family members also don’t want to move. According to AARP, 90 percent of people age 65 and older want to stay in their current home. So the question becomes, how do we make sure our elderly family members are safe without inconveniencing them or going against their wishes?

One easy way is to install a handrail.  A good handrail isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s also a great, non-intrusive way to improve an elderly loved one’s quality of life while lessening the chance of a fall. 

Stairs often act as a barrier that keeps elderly family members from participating in many activities. Whether it’s going outside to fetch the paper, or going to a family event, stairs can really limit mobility. This is most evident when looking at a loved one’s front door. Even just a few stairs leading up to an elderly family member’s home entrance way can leave them feeling trapped, barring them from doing things they love. Installing a handrail is an excellent way to help make stairs a little easier, and to promote mobility in elderly loved ones.

There are many handrails on the market, so it’s important to be conscious of inferior quality products. Whether it’s in the construction or the installation, not all handrails are created equal. Fortunately, Fortin Ironworks’ DIY Handrails is a name you can trust. We understand how invaluable top quality handrails can truly be to you and your family. Our beautiful wrought iron handrails provide stability, reliability, and security to your home. Our wide variety styled handrails fit many different steps, and meets or exceeds all local handrail codes. They come ready to install with minimal assembly, and their strong welded construction is designed not to weaken over time. Our handrails provide safe mobility you can trust, compatible with outdoor, indoor, concrete, natural stone steps and more.

Warranty

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Fortin Welding & Manufacturing Inc. of Columbus, Ohio warrants all new products manufactured at the Columbus location, against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from substantial completion and agrees to repair or replace any defective product without charge.

IMPORTANT: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, or abuse, lack of reasonable care, the affixing of any attachment not provided with the product or loss of parts. There is no guarantee on primer or paint.

Slate Steps

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Handrail Installation Into Slate Stairs

Slate is a beautiful natural product frequently used as a stair veneer.  Slate is also prone to cracking unless the proper precautions are taken.  When using a masonry screw fastener like the ones shown in our fastener section, you certainly want to get through the slate and into the masonry substrate below.  If you are using a standard hammer drill, there is little risk of cracking it providing it is in good condition, properly attached to the substrate and so long as you stay away from the edges (3″ or more).  If you believe it is at risk of cracking, you can turn off the hammer action until through the slate then engage the hammer action once into the substrate.  I do not suggest using a roto hammer (ie Hilti) as that much hammer action puts the slate at risk.  It is a good idea to enlarge the hole that is through the slate so the fastener threads do not engage the slate.  Do that carefully so you do not enlarge the hole within the substrate.  Try not to put too much lateral force on the slate while doing so.  It is not recommended to use expanding fasteners like wedge anchors or sleeve anchors with any veneered masonry.

Do you offer other colors of iron handrails?

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A wrought iron handrails color has historically been black.  Therefore, we offer our handrails in durable black powder coat finish.  However, the black powder coat that is on the handrail will serve you well as a base coat for any color of your choosing.  You can simply paint directly over the powder coat finish.  It […]

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Can I install my handrail into composite decking material.

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Yes you can.  Composite decking itself is not strong enough alone.  What you will want to do is provide wood blocking under the composite decking so you can screw through the handrail base plate, through the composite decking and into the wood blocking below.  This could be blocking you intentionally place there or into the wood stair stringers.  The other option would be to bolt through the base plate and composite decking and use large washers and nuts below the composite decking.