How to instal stair support railings without studs?

[chanakya18]

Hi all,

I am planning to install hand support rails in my parents' garage. They need support to while climbing up the stairs.

I have noticed there are no studs to install on the wall. 

The width on either side of the wall is less than 60 cm.

I have uploaded pics for reference.

What options do I have?

[JacobZ]

Hi @chanakya18,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I can tell you with certainty that there are studs there; you are probably just looking in between them. The way framing works, there will always be a stud at the corners. There's also a good chance there is a nogging between the studs at about halfway up the wall. If you grab a stud finder, and check where I have marked below, I am sure you will find usable studs.

Once located, you can use these Porta 70mm Stainless Steel Handrail Brackets with Porta 42.4 x 42.4mm 2.4m Tasmanian Oak Dowels to create a handrail.

Please remember to take caution when drilling into walls around any electrical outlets and turn the power off at the switchboard before attempting to do so. Cabling will almost always come down from above, so there is less risk of hitting wires if you are drilling below them; however, if you are not comfortable with this, I would suggest you contact an electrician for their assistance.

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

Jacob

[chanakya18]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for your reply.

I can confirm there are studs at the end of the wall. The studs near the door are in line with the door frame. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @chanakya18,

Could you locate a nogging running horizontally at all?

If you could, that would be ideal for your second bracket.

It's really not ideal to use plasterboard anchors, because if someone is to have a fall while holding the railing, there is a chance the anchors could pull through the plasterboard. If there is no other option, then I'd use these Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolts as they are fairly strong compared to others.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob