DIY Stair Railing Staircase Makeover

In prep for our addition I built this railing to get the project list started.
Awesome welders here:
yeswelder.com/?ref=uDQs4bv7pZQF3
use coupon code: MECHMASTER
Tool List:
Cordless Drill: amzn.to/3wMYghe
Drill/ Driver Combo: amzn.to/3pe83dP
Miter Saw: amzn.to/34GatZ9
Saw Stand: amzn.to/3idUSIc
Saw Blade: amzn.to/3cd2w1W
Table Saw: amzn.to/3g7r7pN
Circular Saw: amzn.to/34Ic29a
amzn.to/3fHupRI
Blade: amzn.to/3uPl7rc
Cameras Used:
Cannon M50: amzn.to/3ieEeIC
Go Pro: amzn.to/3ihDrXl
If you just getting started in weld and metal working then check out my other video for beginners.
• How to Flux Core Weld ...
Here is a list of things I used.
I picked up all the steel from a local steel yard. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot but it's more expensive. All the wood was from the big box store:
2 x 2 Steel tubing
3/4 sq. tubing
1/8 x 2 bar
1 x 3 pine board
1 x 6 primed board
2 x 4's
a half sheet of drywall
mud and paint.
Thanks for watching.

[@MrTapanes]

Super nice job! I am so copying this style to replace the late 60s twisted metal railing we currently have. Am really enjoying this channel.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks Mr. T.

[@branimal18]

Nice job man!!! In my first DIY project I bought stair posts, stainless steel cable and oak handrails from some fancy company. 3k. Im currently working on a reno where I'm going to weld something similar to what you've made. That's for the motivation and clear, concise and down to earth explanation.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks, glad it helped.

[@TheWhitneyHansen]

Loved this video! I'm planning a stair railing remodel myself and this has been super helpful!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Glad it helped.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@brybrycrivello]

This was exactly what I needed to see. Perfectly explained. I have the skills. Just needed to see it done. Thank you.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on! Have fun and good luck!

[@TheMzladi01]

Loved this and the details. Hopefully mine come out just as nice

[@-DIYPRO-]

I hope so too, good luck!

[@markjames7652]

This IS awesome..thanks for taking the time to show us that it’s possible to DIY

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@Tyler-Dubs]

Wow this turned out really good! I have the exact same plan for my house. This video will be extremely helpful. I don't have any experience welding but this might be a great excuse to learn.

[@genna2586]

Totally can relate on the extension of projects. Looks awesome. Big difference and it really opens up the space. I really like your comments and tips as you do the project. The results are transformational.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yes! Thank you!

[@mannysarmiento8884]

Nice one, this will be my next project.. thank you.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@jenniferl9689]

hahahahaha. OMGOSH I'm laughing! We TOO and CURRENTLY made a weekend project a major main floor remodel . I appreciate your work and commentary.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@tomnq4603]

You got mad skills!!! Wish I had the talent to do this myself

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks, I just started messing around in the garage. Trust me I've gone through a long learning curve and am still going.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@clintathusaz]

This video gave me to confidence and guidance to do this myself. I've always wanted to learn to weld, and this project justified the investment. Took a few weeks but it's done and we are super happy with it! Thank you for the great video!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Awesome!

[@danimordecai7611]

Cool vid. I really would love that railing for our home ..interior and exterior. So clever 👍

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@zanelehonono204]

Perfect, neat and stunning

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thank you! 😊

[@davidpaulmert800]

Buddy you did a great job.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@jquinn8324]

Omg… I love this!!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@Luhman]

Great video, really liked the flow! Really smooth, keep us the great work!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@Pentabacklift]

Woah awesome work!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@NickB-Philly-UI-Guy]

Another fantastic video! I think I’m going to give this welding thing a try now :-)

[@-DIYPRO-]

Go for it!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@rm.builds]

How does this video only have 900 likes? Great job, brother! 🤙🏽

[@-DIYPRO-]

Good question!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@EconomicsDomain]

Love the use of Pythagoras!

[@-DIYPRO-]

You know it!

[@manit77]

Looks great.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@Sandcem]

Turned out great, nice work!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks. If it didn't work out it was going to be my new cemetery fence!

[@Sandcem]

@@-DIYPRO- LOL that would make a fantastic cemetery fence as well.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@CommunityToursAustralia]

Great tips thankyou for showing

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@jphoffman1]

Really nice job! It’s nice to show you can create something nice and useful without having to break the bank! If This Old House and other diy type shows did this similar project they’d use exotic woods, and metals mined by dwarves to do the same thing for ten times the cost! And don’t forget the 12th generation artisan who’s the last person on earth able to build them! 😁 Again, great job!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@debbydhill]

lol..you forgot the full moon sacrifice

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@AP-lh1bq]

Damn that's cool. Nicely done.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@diamondtech3131]

amazing u guys really good at DIY.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thank you! 😊

[@bepvidz]

Awesome work!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks a lot!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@mg1297]

ARE YOU FOR HIRE? THIS LOOKS PERFECT... GREAT JOB...

[@80snova72]

Tfs!! Wish I could do this myself 😉

[@-DIYPRO-]

Try it out. Start with an outside railing. It's a lot more forgiving on the mistakes!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@alexisbenavides5384]

I like your work man👍

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@MaikasCooking]

Love your videos ❤️

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nice job on the railing. It might be a good project to learn to weld with. Thanks. BTW, the term is Vice-Versa.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Cool, thanks

[@icarus0823]

Great job, lucky wife!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thank you!

[@chamferreyes6747]

Looks great! Just a side note. The rail on the right should jog around the wall and go past the last riser nosing on top by 1” per code. You must have 1 rail go from top to bottom continuously. But overall awesome job!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep, i agree. I just finished my final inspection and thought the railing was going to come up for sure but he didn't mention that. Since the city didn't say anything looks like I'll a lot more time to fix it!

[@jimreitenbach6023]

Nice job

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@shamrock4500]

Really nice look, and quite an effort, now I need to go buy a welder, lol

[@-DIYPRO-]

Go for it!

[@19nolo80]

Very nice buddy

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks 👍

[@vegardjohannessen3009]

You did a beautiful job. Love it! Protip for all the people in the comments. Do not clean metal you are welding with brake cleaner, it has chlorine in it and creates a poisonous gas. Use acetone like described in the video.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Good tip!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@hemi202]

You’ve inspired me. This is now my plan of action!What size we’re the little cross beams? Also what size flat stock was that? And what gauge where the little foot plates? Thanks a ton loved the video!!

[@-DIYPRO-]

3/4" cross members. flat bar was 2" x 1/8" and the foot pads were 1/4" thick. Have fun!

[@bmbc6391]

Wow, that makes a big difference. Sure opens it up. Where did you get the steel from?

[@-DIYPRO-]

From a local steel supply shop. Much cheaper than your big box store. More major cities have them.

[@bmbc6391]

@@-DIYPRO- I looked it up. Had no clue those places were around.

[@alaskantactical115]

Always fun to see The Family Proclamation on the wall in the background.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Good eye!

[@damiang6892]

How did you find the angel to cut on the parallel pickets?

[@aliceolsen1718]

Wow, what a great difference the railing made about letting in more light. Just an idea, how come you didn’t paint the Long nails on the railing black? I Think it would have completed an already great design :)

[@-DIYPRO-]

Kept them that way for design! Just kidding, no reason.

[@RVGuyss]

Great video I’m trying to understand approximately how much it cost you to do it

[@shawonnoor6286]

Hi Mech master...thanks a lot for your detailed video. I have to do a DIY stair project just like this one. One question - You attached the angled wooden bar then the white wood board with screws with the wooden post underneath. Then when you have screw the metal post on top of that wooden board, what if you hit the metal screws that is holding the wooden board by the screws of the metal post? How to avoid that? Please let me know.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Honestly I think it was dumb luck that it didn't hit any. If you know the spacing of the metal flanges then you can measure it out but I didn't at that point so just got lucky that it didn't hit any of the previous screws.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@emilyklein8552]

How far apart were your bars that go horizontal? Looking to do this project soon! Thanks!

[@-DIYPRO-]

They were about three and a half inches. Most code is no more than four. I just took the height and divided it equally with the number of rails I wanted. And made little wood block template so it was the same.

[@jacobshort2468]

Was that THE Pythagorean Theorem? by Pythagoras himself? You should feel honored to possess such a mathematical superpower.

[@-DIYPRO-]

haha, thanks!

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@TexasRedneck]

I know this is an old video and just found your channel. Thank you for your awesome videos. I have a question on this video, excuse me if you explain this in another video, My biggest issue is finding the angles and knowing how to find the angle. So your uprights are straight up and down but I didn't see how you know what angle to cut them at. Also your 1" square tubing also looks like it is at an angle as well. Hopefully this makes sense lol Thank you!

[@-DIYPRO-]

The easiest way is to get an angle finder: www.harborfreight.com/dial-gauge-angle-finder-34214.html Put that on a board or piece of metal that is on the same slope as the stair raise (like the white trim board I connected the railing too). The needle always points up so with the board at the angle the needle will point to the angle you need. You can also do it with a board, level, plum bob, and protractor. As you can imagine that take a little more effort. Hope that makes sense.

[@TexasRedneck]

@@-DIYPRO- thank you!

[@calvinzhu7438]

It would be better to mark where you need to cut off the old railing before started, and it would be better to use black bolts instead. Other than that, you have done a good job!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Agreed, if you wanted to use the existing as a temple that would save some time. I'll disagree with the bolt I specifically chose not to paint them because I like the contrast look. Personal preference, they'd be easy to paint.

[@Kaspian215]

Nice railing, how did you find what angles to cut the 3/4 balusters in between?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I used an angle finder / protractor on the base board.

[@DrHalid]

Beautiful... What was your total cost for the railing materials

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks, total was about $150

[@xaedowulf]

@@-DIYPRO- Wow, that's crazy how inexpensive this is for something that looks so great!

[@tottocol]

Brest and beauty project, any store recommendation for purchase the material?

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@darkomatovina5525]

How did you find the angle needed for the railing?

[@ilovehugecock9]

I'm looking to do something similar but don't want to spend a ton to have it professionally built. My uncle did weld and has all the tools to do this but not longer is physically able to. As somebody that has never welded before how challenging would this be? Is this something I can teach myself over a weekend with some scrap metal or should I rely on somebody with at least moderate experience? My railing is 42" on the top (flat) and 80" on the stairs (angled) so it's not too big of a job.

[@-DIYPRO-]

If you are a handy type person then heck ya go for it. If you've never used a power tool then you might want to start with a smaller project. Just my thoughts.

[@lucchamboroy6787]

Nice work, what gauge did you use for your tubing? 16 ga?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks, yea it was right around 16ga.

[@TeaSizzle]

I just bought my steel for this project: $69... hopefully my new $120 Amazon prime day fcaw mig welder does a good job cuz I don't really know what I'm doing. You don't make it look hard though! Any 1/16 wall welding tips appreciated if you have any

[@-DIYPRO-]

Biggest piece of advice would be to practice on a scrape piece of the same thickness before you do the real deal.

[@dalonstarnes8770]

Nice video, just following up as it’s been 2 years since you’ve done the video, how has the paint held up? I have 3 kids aswell and I’ve built a steel railing, just gotta paint and instal and wondering if the 3 coats was enough or if I should do clear coats etc. thanks

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks! The paint on the railing has held up great, we've had to re paint the baseboard a couple times!

[@joshsymons1643]

was wondering if you used any finish on the pine boards

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep I did, we remodeled our home and I was waiting to see what stain we did our floors with. I ended up going with a Minwax espresso color and a couple top coats of polyurethane to protect it.

[@jdub3039]

The wife found this video and loved the handrail. I just made a trip to the metal supplier near me. The only thing she asked about that I'm not sure. Do you know of some type of post skirt that would cover the bolts?

[@-DIYPRO-]

We like the bolts shown so can't help you on that one. Maybe countersink the holes and use flat/countersunk head fastener.

[@jonklein8308]

Is your vertical plumb? Prob an optic-illusion but it looks off at the end of video.

[@-DIYPRO-]

It's an optical illusion. They are right on.

[@bmbc6391]

Would a stick welder work for this type of project?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Do you know how to stick weld? I would watch some of my welding videos if you are new to the trade and pick up a cheap harbor freight flux core welder to start learning, they have a good budget Titanium Flux core welder for less than $200.

[@bmbc6391]

@@-DIYPRO- Yea i have my dads old Lincoln, i haven't used it much but I'd like to get a mig welder. thanks for the advice.

[@dizzyvaldez1941]

Is there anywhere I can buy a railing just like the first one he installed???

[@-DIYPRO-]

It would most likely be a custom piece since everyone has different dimensions. Start asking metal fabricators or go to a metal supply store and ask for references.

[@14mtaylor]

How long did it take until one of the kids got his head stuck in the railing?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Since I did the spacing to code at 4" max no heads have been caught BUT they were sliding down it on the first day.

[@supabryan83]

What is the wall thickness of each of the tubing?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I should have written it down but didn't. There is not a lot of force being put on the handrail you could really go with pretty thin stuff. I think i mentioned in the video I got the material from the surplus isles at a steel supply yard. I'd get whatever is on sale.

[@carlkenyon4599]

I think you top grab rail is not code 3 inches wide. And I can't find in the code where you need a center newel post ( I must be missing something there)

[@-DIYPRO-]

Since it's a 1x3 the actually width is 2.5". Either way we are doing an addition right now and the inspector hasn't said anything ....yet!

[@carlkenyon4599]

@@-DIYPRO- Good , 2 3/4 is max in USA, for the greater than 6 in diameter . Inspectors never mention it till you are getting the Certificate of Occupancy , then they like to bring it up. Very nice work the, if you max clearance between the horizontal (angled) balusters is 4 inch . There is no requirement for the center newel , the rail just must sustain 50 lbs/ square feet sideways force but of course more newels are good.

[@vaska916]

Looks really good, but I think the code says that you can't have an end that can snag on clothes. Has to be looped or something.

[@-DIYPRO-]

I think that was only on the top, could be wrong.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@theworldaccordingtonevaeh887]

I'm sure if you add some family oriented videos you'll get more subs 😉

[@-DIYPRO-]

What ideas do you have?

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@rsack22]

Is this 2x2x1/8 tubing? Or 1 1/2x 1 1/2 tubing?

[@-DIYPRO-]

It's 2x2x1/8

[@skrillomusic2705]

do you do renovations for others?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I have helped out a couple friends but I don't do it professionally.

[@bmbc6391]

Did you end up staining the hand rail?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep, we did a Minwax Espresso and matched our hardwood floors in our addition. Check out my new video that shows the floors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXu3pX-iZ7mtoKs

[@bmbc6391]

@@-DIYPRO- Nice, looks good.

[@compound00]

Great job, now remove the ugly carpet from the stairs

[@-DIYPRO-]

I love the old carpet! Just kidding we knew we were going to be replacing all of that with our addition. The old brown is all out we have nice new soft carpet! I went back and forth on whether to go Hardwoods all the way up the floor but for now we decided to stick with carpet on the stairs.

[@primproper1955]

How much did cost?

[@-DIYPRO-]

It was around $150 but that included enough steel to do my other railing project which I should be done with here in another week!

[@Alpha-iu2ny]

Are all your cuts 45’ ?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I put an angle finder on it when I started to get the exact angle. I think it was between 40-45 degrees. Yes once I found the angle I kept my saw to that and made the same cut for all.

[@wojciechgniazdowski9757]

What place you bay the metal please

[@-DIYPRO-]

I get it from a local steel supplier. Wasatch Steel to be exact. Just google search steel supplier for places by you.

[@allanhale8665]

Where did you buy the hand rail

[@-DIYPRO-]

at a local steel supply shop. You can typically search steel supply near me in google and depending on where you live (obviously there would be more in a big city) there should be one or two.

[@-DIYPRO-]

much much cheaper than home depot or lowes.

[@Stokersmint88]

how tall are the rails

[@-DIYPRO-]

35" - 36", code is no less than 34"

[@brotherdekaka]

awesome, I hope I did away with those rugy stairs and replace them with tiles laminate woods

[@-DIYPRO-]

Replaced the carpet with our addition. Next project will be to replace with hardwood to match the kitchen.

[@toko-lb9lt]

တစ်ခု​တော့်​ရေးမယ် အမှု​တော့် မ​ပေးနဲ့

[@chrisrizzo5976]

Fantastic video. I’m getting ready to do something similar. Is there a way to connect with you via email or phone? Thanks in advance.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks! What questions do you have? Depending on what you want to no I can try and help out but I'm not a professional so he can't trust everything I say!

[@chrisrizzo5976]

Thanks for the reply. Wanted to send you a few photos of what my current staircase looks like and pick your brain on ideas. Also had questions on cost of the railing. My staircase wraps all the way up and around. Was just gonna swap out my 5 Newell posts but love the look of the metal in your project. I am based in Tampa FL. Not sure where you are. May be easier to do a quick FaceTime call if you have ten minutes. Thanks in advance. Chris

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@chrisrizzo5976 if you go on to my channel page then then click on the about button and they're under details is a link to my email address.

[@FabricationTips]

Stair railing fantastic design kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXYgKiJaZKJnLs

[@heyitsbroski]

You lost me at the math part.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Haha, nice!

[@gswdaniel]

I say this is a love it or hate it job. I hate how it looks after all that nice work. 🫣

[@-DIYPRO-]

What do you hate about it?