How to Install a Banister

Last Updated: June 13, 2022 References

Looking to install a new banister railing in your home? A banister not only provides additional safety on your staircase, it also adds visual appeal to your living space. With the use of some wood and a few tools and supplies, you will be able to install a banister. We've put together a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you get started.

1

Purchase a banister.

You can find one at a home improvement store. They're also available on the Internet.

2

Determine the correct height for the banister.

Mark the wall adjacent to the top and bottom stairs with the correct height. Stand a level vertically to ensure the accuracy of your markings. Then, connect the markings with a chalk line.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Contact your local building department for the codes that govern the installation of banisters.

3

Locate the studs in the walls.

Find the studs using a stud finder. Mark the location of each stud on the wall.^{[2]
X
Research source}

4

Cut a piece of wood that fits the bottom of the banister.

This piece of wood will be the mounting strip.^{[3]
X
Research source}

5

Screw the mounting strip onto the wall.

Make sure that the screws are aligned with the studs.^{[4]
X
Research source}

6

Apply painter's tape.

Stick the tape to the areas of the wall that are near the mounting strip.

7

Stain the mounting strip.

The color of the stain should match the banister. Be sure to apply 2 coats of stain.

8

Remove the painter's tape.

Peel away all the painter's tape you applied before.

9

Cut the banister to fit the staircase.

Measure the total amount of wood that you will need to fit the staircase. Use a power saw to cut the banister. Then, miter the ends of the banister.
- Use a miter box to do so and follow the instructions that apply to the brand that you choose.

10

Apply the banister to the mounting strip.

Mark evenly spaced areas on the painter's tape that you will use to screw the banister in. These should not coincide with the holes that you drilled for the mounting strip. Then, screw the banister into place.

11

Miter a cap for each end of the banister.

Use a miter box to do so. Follow the instructions that apply to the brand that you choose. Be sure that the caps fit the ends of the handrails properly, glue them into place, and then screw them into place so they remain sturdy.^{[5]
X
Research source}

12

Install pre-cut wooden pegs into the holes on the banister.

These pegs should have come with your banister. If you don't have any, shop for some at your local hardware or home improvement store. Make sure that they match the color of the banister, and then gently use a hammer to secure the pegs in.^{[6]
X
Research source}