How to Install a Handrail on Concrete

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.