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How to install a hand rail?

As age is having a toll on us I need to install a simple hand rail for my partner on three steps entry to the house. I am aware there are pre fabricated products but I really like to build it myself and need some guidance as to the products I could use. I have attached a photo of the the steps. Perhaps one hand rail on one side is enough.

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Jewelleryrescue

Hi @khwajas

I am a little biased towards protecting you here so I hope you can read past that.

Your health and safety must come first if you dont know how to build one I highly recommend you us the prefab versions as a hand rail is there to support a fall first and for most .

Any hand rail will steady you down but it also must catch you and support you in a falling situation. Elderly people often dont get two many second chances in a fall.

@khwajas We all are aging have ever considered a wheel chair ramp in that location the time may come 4 stairs stop your accessing your own home?

I build a ramp to my front door with no steps we plan to live in our house and older age is planned into our future comfort and accessability .

We bought a single story house intentionaly and it payed of as in the past I had every day health issues that would stop me using stairs to get to upstairs bed.

But that is my take on home ownership not yours.

So I recommend building a sturdy hand rail with the rails below.

These hand rails are 1800 long if cut in half they may make a double sided hand rail Just need additional angled post /rail mounting 4x kit if they sell them.

I would mount post 1 on the ground and post 2 on the second top step or to the original fluted top stair post if it is very robust

PEAK 1800mm White Aluminium Deck Balustrade Standard Stair Baluster Kit

I/N: 0453714 $362^.52

PEAK Aluminium Balustrade

PEAK Aluminium Balustrade 1000mm White Deck Stair Post I/N: 0220787 $83^.73

khwajas

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46474#Comment_46474

Thank you kindly for showing rightful concern. I will try to source these materials.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85301#Comment_85301

Hi @khwajas

Thanks for your understand We hear on the news all the time common falls even of a chair are probably the no1 accidents that can lead to broken hips etc. I put a 1 meter pool fence on a raised garden bed just for a freak accidntal trip and fall protection as I see the risk as real and ever present as we age.

If you used a very sturdy ground level post (Like meantioned) with strong mounting bolts to the concrete path you will need to source angled mounting brackets to take a custom rail and still have things sturdy. What rail would you use? There are shaped timber versions that may work.

Doing a custom rail I dont think you could match the Fluted style of your veradah as it is very nice but an older stlye not seen around today in hardward stores. So I think the more plain simple white hardware I meantioned before on my first post wont take away from your existing lovely verandah

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85301#Comment_85301

Hi @khwajas,

I'm in the same boat as @Jewelleryrescue here thinking a prefabricated product is a better option as safety is the most important thing.

You might like to check out the Peak Balustrade Designer for Bunnings as it can help you design a balustrade for your stairs and will direct you towards the correct products.

You may need to custom order parts which the Special Orders team at your local store will be able to assist with.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

khwajas

Thanks all. I am deeply impressed with how everyone is so forthcoming in help others. I will look into this last option you sent.

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