How To Add a Railing to a Stairway (Easy DIY Project)

In this video Rob the plumber and I add some wooden railings to a stairway that we had built. It's pretty easy to do, and took about 3-4 hours to accomplish.
In a previous project we took out a window in the house and added in a door and a stairway.
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[@HeartTheBodyMovement]

Thank you. This has helped me visualize what I need to do to fix my back stairs

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thank you for watching our video that shows you how to add a railing to a staircase.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Don't forget to like our video and subscribe here: tiny.cc/2zi7ny

[@I_am_Owl]

You can tell Rob know what he doing when he was using that small skill saw to notch out the stepping boards at the end. Had that board leaning on his leg 😅🤣🤘🏽

[@HomeownerRepair]

Rob and I went to high school for plumbing together. You should have seen us in class...lol

[@benmarkus3675]

Looks great! Gonna be installing a railing on my mother's stairway at her cottage in a few weeks and think i'll go with this style!

[@HomeownerRepair]

Check the local codes on the town website to see what they are looking for for supports and space under the spindles. Up here you have to have a maximum of 4" from the stair to bottom of the spindle. Hope this helps you out.

[@Harleyforever20]

I’m building a deck this weekend. I have been looking for a way to add railings. This video gave me some great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@HomeownerRepair]

Glad I could help!

[@karenmcnamara854]

YIKES! This was very entertaining. i'm about to build a set of stairs and railing deck. I also love my Ryobi tools!

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@arqgus2471]

Milwaukee for ever !!! : )

[@ChrisLhamon]

I want to do something VERY similar to this stairway, but I couldn't find much about it. After a few days of searching in my spare time, this is the best thing that I've seen. I like that style.

[@HomeownerRepair]

You can do it!

[@teccmo]

Construction work in sandals lol, gotta love it.

[@HomeownerRepair]

It's hot out c'mon

[@tammygurl64]

You guys are VERY TRUSTING of one another... your friend is wearing sandals while holding the post with his foot while you drill from the opposite side and later you're holding the post while he uses the recip saw to saw the post top off in the direction your head! 🤣😂🤣 Anyway, I was hoping to find an easy way (easy for me anyway) to make one handrail on some porch steps than hang over the stringer several inches so thanks for sharing! 🙂

[@HomeownerRepair]

Rob and I have know each other for over 30 years. Yeah we pretty much know what the other one is going to do at this point. When I nod my head you hit it...lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

For those of you that have asked how to leave a tip to help the channel out. You can do it by clicking on the Super Thanks button under the video. Thanks for checking us out, hope our videos have helped to save you money! Have a great day!

[@davidramey7186]

This is the exact video I needed

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

I can't believe they survived this project. Harbor freight should sponsor this because I trust their tools about the same

[@HomeownerRepair]

you have 10 toes and fingers for a reason

[@bloominflowers6766]

AS a Union carpenter , I can only shake my head and laugh.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Rob and I are in the bird house union.

[@gjclifford8]

This shows everything you shouldn`t do when building steps lol

[@moviemia1893]

Why

[@markderrick1263]

Yeah I’m sure you’d know lmao

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

@@moviemia1893 because every part of the deck has to be built in compliance with local building codes. The dangerous way they used the tools is also not a good idea such as cutting the top of a post at an angle with a reciprocating saw while smoking a cigarette and your helper is on the other side holding it with your blade ultimately expected to cut through the wood directly in the path of your helpers face....he almost got his face cut.

[@davido.newell4566]

As a Safety guy, I agree.

[@406Steven]

I had to look away when they were running the table saw. One kickback away from disaster.

[@mattharrison3029]

This almost turned into an osha safety video

[@HomeownerRepair]

lol.. Rob was over the other day watch our grillin video...lol

[@dioncurtiscurtis3188]

A chill on those Boston jokes kid lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@DwayneCreates]

The lady eating chips in the background makes me laugh and then Rob losing his hat at 9:55.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Yeah, Rob's pretty funny to watch...lol

[@theamerican4609]

Turned out great but I'm wondering what good the blocks inside the base of the posts are doing. They appear to be just screwed into the posts?

[@HomeownerRepair]

This was a temporary stairway. We ripped is down and built a beck where it was.

[@Mastermike102105]

That looks good

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks, Was a temporary project. We torn it down and built a deck.

[@HON3YGlRL]

Good job

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks

[@Myles1134]

soon as you guys finished and sat down i automatically said its time for beer. and then you said it lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

lol...This was a quick temporary stairway. Rob and I tore it down and build a huge deck in it's place which is compliant with local building codes. I still worked in sandals while we built it...lol

[@FranciscoGonzalez-ro7ht]

I've seen a lot of videos about stairs. Can someone answer if the first step should be 5.5" (riser) and the rest 7"?

[@HomeownerRepair]

not sure, this was a temporary stairway. We build a deck where these stairs were.

[@oscarbarber4395]

Great job

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicoparra4744]

love the sandals lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

That's the best part

[@yeshiremechanical6249]

Great work

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for checking out the video.

[@paulretzbach9583]

Should of used a couple carriage bolts through that stringer and post but looks good guys

[@HomeownerRepair]

We kind of through this together as a temporary stairway. We just ripped it out and build this 12'X16' deck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJDCk2agqJqHp5Y

[@Stahodad]

Nice job!

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks!

[@bobdimartino6738]

from Dedham here watching

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@carlospalooza]

I know this is 2 years old but I really enjoyed watching this and it will help me with a project I’m planning out now. A couple of real guys working on a DIY project for sure. All the mistakes and safety concerns really makes this a DIY project and I don’t mean that in a negative way. I’ll supplement my video sources with a couple of This Old House episodes to get more of a professional approach but again this is how most things get done when a couple of guys are willing to go at it.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching Carlos. This was a temporary stairway we just ripped it out to build a deck. If it's permanent make sure the spindles on the staircase go lower so you can't get a 4" pipe under it. That's code over here.

[@sonsabiscuiteaters5913]

@4:44 hey Rob, I'm gonna shove the post in with my big toe back here. Go ahead and run that screw through my flip flop, boss. Rob: got you fam.

[@tracytracy1030]

Hey, those are OSHA approved flip-flops! 😂 Jesus is coming back real soon! Get ready y'all 🙏🏻

[@HomeownerRepair]

Bwaahh.. Everything you can do at work...lmao

[@ninjaabcde]

i am thinking of doing something similar. but with steel and welding

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching.

[@billythejack1428]

Great techniques and very helpful. But for you younger folks, use ear and eye protection. Mistakes on a build are easy to overcome; not so much a damaged ear or eye. Also, for something as important as a railing (esp for older folks who really lean on those things), use screws vs nails (esp from a nail gun). They'll hold way longer.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@mikechamplain2425]

Not criticizing you guys working, but that rail will not pass code at least here on the west coast...all stairs must be anchored to concrete at the bottom, the 2x6 top cap must be changed to allow a person to grab a hold in case of falling...the ballasts, will only stay in position for about two years only using one nail. That deck will only last about 5 years until it needs quite a bit of repair work....I'm a deck builder I guarantee our decks to last 75 years.

[@HomeownerRepair]

This was a temporary stairway that has been ripped down because we built a deck.

[@brandonangers2882]

I was thinking the same stuff like what the hell no screws!!!

[@TheeRocker]

Correct,,, if a person over 300lbs grabs the front rail and needs support, or leans from the inside, that thing will show instability. At least it is not an issue now ;) I am repairing the stepdaughters stairs and was looking for some reminders. I started laughing when watching this, I actually finish watching lol... On to another lol.

[@victoriajohnnyrodriguez1369]

Glad you showed the stair rail. Wanted to see it over the post

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

To anyone watching: Dont EVER support the opposite side of anything that is having a screw or drill bit ripping through it while wearing sandles with your foot pressed firmly against the side the sharp point is traveling. It would be horrible to have your toe screwed into the wood. I can't believe they would not edit that out or at least put a disclaimer saying that the method used to support the post while being screwed was extremely careless and bad practice that should never ever be copied. (And just so I don't look like an idiot: I didn't read the description or other comments so I dont know if this video was intended as a spoof or parody of someone doing a job haphazard or if it was made with the intention of pissing OSHA off. If so just ignore my comment....actually don't ignore it because either way it is smart to keep your body out of the path of sharp objects traveling at high RPMs

[@HomeownerRepair]

Rob and I were not injured in the creation of this video. we're trained professionals..we all need to laugh a little these days. Thanks for watching bud.

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

@@HomeownerRepair I see that you weren't injured but the person watching that imitates it might not be so lucky. This is the age of being offended and you have to watch out for us like we are babies because we don't know no better......My original comment was a knee jerk reaction after an irritating day. You guys obviously know what you are doing so I thank you for sharing your project

[@kevinmcgill4865]

We shouldn't have to watch out for you as if your a baby. I'm guessing your an adult. People need to use common sense. Common sense prevents a lot of injuries. Good video.

[@TheeRocker]

@@u.sonomabeach6528 Well,,, there are definitely some issues with the building of those stair railings lol. That's not how you add railing. Close lol, but a little shy here and there.

[@bradk3670]

What kinda cigarettes does rob smoke... slowest burning cigarette ever lol. Nice work guys

[@HomeownerRepair]

Bwaaaahhh...Not really sure..lol

[@markseibert454]

Suggestion. When using treated wood, retreat any cuts with wood preservative. This prevents rot at the cut points…

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for the added tip

[@robertalewandowski5887]

The IRC requires that handrails be grippable. Not sure this qualifies?

[@HomeownerRepair]

These hand rails are within perfect code for Andre The Giant...lol

[@robertalewandowski5887]

@@HomeownerRepair Yes, me too. The IRC expects me to have tiny old lady friends.

[@paypatay1]

Best part @ 9:55.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Ha..ha.lol Forgot that happened...lol

[@kennethbeecher7327]

A top hand rail must be small enough so an average hand can grab, and hold onto. This flat, wide top hand rail looks nice, but would fail a Buildings Dept insp. Key is to keep D of B out of your backyard. Good job anyway!!

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching. This was a temporary stairway that we just ripped out and replaced with a deck. The new deck has this smaller railing for safety.

[@davido.newell4566]

Mr. Beecher is absolutely correct. The "graspability" of the handrail is a critical issue which is totally overlooked in this otherwise handsome design.

[@bigsidable]

That’s crazy. I have the same nail gun. And drill and saw.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣. Need to put new railing up.

[@HomeownerRepair]

It's a pretty good gun.

[@andrewjbasso1000]

How many takes did you lag your foot to the stairs?

[@HomeownerRepair]

Two

[@Lyrics_And_Harmony]

Dont you require blocking for the posts?

[@HomeownerRepair]

This was a temporary stairway, we ripped it our and built a deck in it's place.

[@dkemp1337]

It’s ya cousin from bouston”

[@HomeownerRepair]

Bwaaaaahhh!

[@Eger118877]

Bro as soon as I watched this I thought to myself, I need to go get me a nice juicy grilled burger.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Don't forget the Sam Adams

[@robertkat]

I see he is wearing safety sandals.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Yah have 10 toes for a reason...lol

[@nunyabisnis1448]

I had a boss ask me one time if I had steal toes I said if I had steal toes I wouldn't need boots!

[@jefmise2520]

I understand the money part and maybe that answers my question But why make the deck 6" wider then the door? Couple feet wider makes all the diff

[@HomeownerRepair]

We were just making a quick temporary stairway. We just ripped this down and built a deck.

[@janicekingsmill5150]

looks like Rob done all the work LOL

[@HomeownerRepair]

Yeah he's good like that...lol

[@beezushimby8558]

Raymond Ramono has a brother on youtube!😁😁😁

[@HomeownerRepair]

lol..Thanks for watching

[@emchannel4160]

amateur hour but fun to watch. thought one would nail/screw the other one to the stairs anytime....lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@tjkennedy9917]

What angle did you cut the stair railings? 45 degrees or that looks more like 22.5 degrees

[@HomeownerRepair]

I think they were 45s

[@jmac79ers]

I know this is months old, but alot of guys do the plumb cut of the stair angle which is rise÷run 2nd function tan on a scientific calculator. Usually around 32 to 35 degrees

[@bobdimartino6738]

this is an accident waiting to happen that dude is a real winger

[@HomeownerRepair]

Winger...Excellent rock group!

[@noliberal4873]

Good thing OSHA wasn't looking over the fence

[@HomeownerRepair]

lol this was a temporary stairway

[@williamwatson171]

Never cut 4x4 post down to 4x2 post to attach to stairs.

[@HomeownerRepair]

This was a temporary stairway, it's gone now and a deck has replaced it.

[@020390b]

Took a long time to get to point

[@HomeownerRepair]

so what

[@chrishines7497]

These guys Ben smoking rock since 6am don’t do this

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for checking us out

[@bigsidable]

Years ago when I had my maintenance and painting business. I normally used electrical cord saws,drill,grinders. Hate the battery crap. But know that’s all you can find. Why I invested in Lithium Ion Battery Technology. It freaking took of for power tool. And NO ELECTRICAL CORD TO GET TANGLED, CUT. BROKEN. NO NEED FOR EXTENTION CORDS. VERY HANDY. Shit now you got battery powered everything.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Power tools have come a long way

[@conniecostner9665]

Yep but who the hell can afford them

[@Deekinfrost]

Ooof who else cringed when he was driving the screw in while he was holding the post with his foot

[@HomeownerRepair]

Made it out alive

[@johnkriete2152]

WTF dude!?!? Flip flops? How can anyone take you seriously? Lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

You have 10 toes for a reason..lol

[@imahorsefaceddipshit5300]

Doesn't look very hah'd at awl. When in my back yah'd playing cah'ds with my lau'd ass friend named Nau'm, drinking cauwfee, I can look at my railing and know my parents back on the fau'm would be proud. 👍

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@chuckHart70]

Did some small work on adding stairs, cut for an hour without glasses got crap in my eye. I had them the whole time, but just couldnt fin them and said screw it. Got crud in my eye a pro does it all day nothing! :-)

[@HomeownerRepair]

Yeah, You should always have on safety glasses. I takes a second to put them on.

[@dannypalmer7701]

Rail post should be in the ground

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@teresapickering2888]

Too funny on the hat. Lol

[@HomeownerRepair]

HA>>HA.lol

[@JohnChilton1]

lol!! abbot and costello

[@HomeownerRepair]

Who's on first...lol

[@aaronalquiza9680]

9:13 lol close one

[@HomeownerRepair]

That was nothing..lol

[@jbrown0523]

That is a very very narrow landing.

[@HomeownerRepair]

This was a temporary stairway Rob and I hammered out. It has been removed and replaced with a deck.

[@donhgr]

Top rail on steps is so wide you couldn’t grab it If your life depended on it LOL nothing meets code here

[@HomeownerRepair]

No but it meets beer

[@rcdcnc]

Hello

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@dr.jamesnager1373]

helpful but No safety glasses, dorm shoes? you guys

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to for more videos like this!

[@davidfair2009]

Absolutely zero instruction, but serval minutes of fucking around. Great video.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching.

[@dustindownen216]

With the accent I was hoping for a lot of curse words.

[@HomeownerRepair]

lol... I'll work some in for you next time..lol

[@dustindownen216]

@@HomeownerRepair haha i knew you were holding back

[@jamesrobison6715]

Good notch but there is a lot wrong with this video

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching.

[@stephenmehallo3902]

Flip.flops on a job?

[@HomeownerRepair]

Absolutely ...lo

[@tim8172]

That was rough to watch.

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching.

[@tim8172]

@@HomeownerRepair thanks for the laughs

[@richardballenger9315]

Stair rails not up to code they are not graspable

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@paulzapata8201]

That rail wont last more than a year

[@HomeownerRepair]

Temporary stairway, we just built a really nice deck. You should check that video out.

[@rocket6277]

Amateur hour...

[@HomeownerRepair]

Says the arm chair warrior

[@jo-jo3qr]

Bogus ass install fr who the hell works off the ground like that invest in sawhorses my guy

[@HomeownerRepair]

I have them. They're in the tool shed...lol

[@bigsidable]

Nice job guys. Thanks for the great tips. I love building stuff. I’m a maintenance person. And I’m wondering will KZbin make me more money from what I learn. Or make me loose money,because people are DIY who needs a hHandyman.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HomeownerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to for more videos like this!