Stair rail on both sides
A pro adds a second handrail so there is a rail to hold on both sides of every stair.
What this job involves
Most stairs have one rail, and a second one on the wall side gives a hand on both sides going up and down. The pro locates the studs, sets brackets at the right height, and mounts a rail that runs past the top and bottom step. Basement stairs often have no rail at all and get one too. Returns at the ends keep sleeves from catching. Old plaster walls need special anchors.
What to have ready
- Photos of the stairs from top and bottom
- Which stairs, like main, basement, or both
- The length of each run
- Whether the rail should be wood or metal
What a fair price looks like
Most homeowners in our area pay between $250 and $650 for this job. Labor per stair run with the rail included. Homes built before 1978 may need lead safe practices.
This is a range to help you judge a quote, not a quote. The pro you are matched with gives you their own price, in writing for anything over $1,000, and you pay them directly. We charge the pro a small flat fee only after the job is done. We never ask you for payment.
What a good pro will ask you first
- How many stairs, and are there turns?
- Is the wall drywall or plaster?
- Wood or metal rail?
- Who is using it, and do they use a cane?