Size chart
| Size (Variant) | Total run (in) |
Total run (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 Steps (CRHR1) | 12” | 1' |
| 3 Steps (CRHR2) | 12.01” - 24” | 1.01’ - 2’ |
| 4 Steps (CRHR3) | 24.01” - 36” | 2.01’ - 3’ |
| 5 Steps (CRHR4) | 36.01” - 48” | 3.01’ - 4’ |
| 6 Steps (CRHR5) | 48.01” - 60” | 4.01’ - 5’ |
This chart outlines which variant of our Stair Handrail Kit you should purchase depending on the measurement of your stairs.
If your stairs are longer than 60 inches or 5 feet, you will need to combine two or more Handrail Kits to cover the entire run. Our Instant Quote feature can recommend you the exact products and parts you’ll need for your layout.
If you are connecting the Stair Handrail Kit to a Flat Rail Kit on a turn, purchase and use one size up for the top rail to reach the Flat Rail.
In addition to this, you also need to ensure that your stairs have enough clearance for our rails to fit.
Measuring your stairs
For any type of staircase, you need to get the distance between the edge of the first step landing and the edge of the top landing. It is possible that you are able to measure the total distance in one go using your tape, however, you can measure each step individually for precision.
Below, we illustrate how you can do this for the most common types of stairs:
Without nosing
With nosing
Step 1: Measure the run or tread depth of each step beginning with the first step landing until the last step landing
Step 2: Add each measurement to get the sum or distance of your stairs
In this example, each step has a run of 11 inches and we have 4 steps. The total distance is 44 inches or 3.67 feet.
For stairs with nosing, the tread depth is equal to the run of each step plus the nosing depth.
We will need to get the tread depth of the first landing, and then get the sum of the runs for all succeeding step landings.
Our instructions assume uniform measurements for each step.
Step 1: Measure the nosing of the first step landing
Step 2: Get the tread depth of the first step landing (include the nosing in the measurement)
Step 3: Measure the tread depth of the second step landing
Step 4: Subtract the nosing from Step 1 from the measurement you got in Step 3. This is the run for this step landing.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have the run for each succeeding step landing
Step 6: Add the tread depth of the first step landing (from Step 2) to the sum of the runs of the second step landing onwards (Step 4 and 5)
In this example, the first step is 12 inches deep and the succeeding steps are 11 inches deep. Together, the total distance is 45 inches or 3.75 feet.
Resolving clearance issues
Your top landing needs to have at least 8 inches of free space in order for the top rail to comfortably fit end-to-end without further adjustments.
If your top landing does not have enough clearance, the next section outlines some possible solutions for you.
Clearance workarounds
Option 1
Size down to a shorter variant (e.g., the 4 Step Kit).
Look
Function
Time & Effort
Pros
Easy. No modifications
Cons
Doesn’t cover entire length of stairs
Post baseplate potentially too close to step’s edge
Option 2
Move the whole rail kit down one step to bottom landing
Look
Function
Time & Effort
Pros
Easy. No modifications
Cons
Lower post extrudes
Doesn’t cover entire length of stairs
Option 3
Position top rail further down instead of centered
Look
Function
Time & Effort
Pros
Top rail covers entire length until door
No cutting needed
Cons
Top rail extrudes at bottom
Requires self-drill holes
Option 4
Move upper post down and cut top & middle rail.
Look
Function
Time & Effort
Pros
Perfect fit
Cons
2 cuts necessary
Requires self-drill holes
Convenient railing system setup approach
Each kit builds one section
Extend your handrails easily
Engineered to perfection
Reliable, High-Quality Railings Every Time
Resistant To Weather and Rust
Elegant Design & Visibility
Install on Any Staircase
Made by CR Fence & Rail, America’s #1 selling handrail
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
12-3/64"
Top rail dimensions
26-1/2" L x 2" W x 1" H
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-7/8" H
Hole distance
2-5/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Hole shape
Oval
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/16" L x 3-1/16" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
24-1/16"
Top rail dimensions
40-3/8" L x 2" W x 1" H
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-7/8" H
Hole distance
2-5/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Hole shape
Oval
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/16" L x 3-1/16" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
36"
Top rail dimensions
54-1/4" L x 2" W x 1" H
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-7/8" H
Hole distance
2-5/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Hole shape
Oval
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/16" L x 3-1/16" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
48-5/64"
Top rail dimensions
68-1/8" L x 2" W x 1" H
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-7/8" H
Hole distance
2-5/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Hole shape
Oval
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/16" L x 3-1/16" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
59-5/16"
Top rail dimensions
75-9/16" L x 2" W x 1" H
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-7/8" H
Hole distance
2-5/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Hole shape
Oval
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/16" L x 3-1/16" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Protect your loved ones in a matter of hours
Our Cable Handrail Kits are designed for simple and quick assembly, with each component and tool clearly labeled and accompanied by detailed instructions. If you need assistance, our support team can help via phone or chat to ensure you secure your space effectively and efficiently.
DIY EASY ASSEMBLY
From properly placing the balusters, to attaching the rails to posts or walls, our guides cover all the steps for you to protect your loved ones in no time.
MODULAR AND CUSTOMIZABLE
Our Cable Handrail Kit is compatible with the following product for the perfect fit:
- Another Cable Handrail Kit
- Cable Horizontal Handrail Kit
- Top Mount Cable Rail Post
Everything you need out of the box
All parts and core tools needed to install this kit on any surface come included with your order. No more extra trips to the store, saving you time and money.
- Top rail
- Upper & lower posts
- Stainless steel cable
- Top rail brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Terminals and tensioner
- Cable end sleeve/washer
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
- Gloves
- Clamp
Complete Parts List
Everything you need out of the box
All parts and core tools needed to install this kit on any surface come included with your order. No more extra trips to the store, saving you time and money.
- Top rail
- Upper & lower posts
- Stainless steel cable
- Top rail brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Terminals and tensioner
- Cable end sleeve/washer
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
- Gloves
- Clamp
Complete Parts List
Everything you need out of the box
All parts and core tools needed to install this kit on any surface come included with your order. No more extra trips to the store, saving you time and money.
- Top rail
- Upper & lower posts
- Stainless steel cable
- Top rail brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Terminals and tensioner
- Cable end sleeve/washer
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
- Gloves
- Clamp
Complete Parts List
Everything you need out of the box
All parts and core tools needed to install this kit on any surface come included with your order. No more extra trips to the store, saving you time and money.
- Top rail
- Upper & lower posts
- Stainless steel cable
- Top rail brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Terminals and tensioner
- Cable end sleeve/washer
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
- Gloves
- Clamp
Complete Parts List
Everything you need out of the box
All parts and core tools needed to install this kit on any surface come included with your order. No more extra trips to the store, saving you time and money.
- Top rail
- Upper & lower posts
- Stainless steel cable
- Top rail brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Terminals and tensioner
- Cable end sleeve/washer
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
- Gloves
- Clamp
Complete Parts List
Get exactly what you need for your home
Not sure what’ll need to kit your space? Answer a few questions and get specific product recommendations and detailed instructions for your layout.
Verified easy from happy customers
FAQs
- Wood drill bit: 5/16” (M8) W x 3” (75mm) L
- Masonry drill bit: 5/16” (M8) W x 4-3/4” (120mm) L
- Wedge anchor: 5/16” (M8) W x 3-1/8” (80mm) L
- Lag screws: 5/16” (M8) W x 1.9/16” (40mm) L
When installing our posts on any type of flooring (e.g., composite wood) and it is too thin, you will need to purchase longer screws or anchors elsewhere in order for the products to be mounted properly on the inner floor.
We’ll provide all the fasteners you’ll need, including screws for attaching the posts to wood and plastic, as well as anchors for cement and masonry. The installation process will be easiest with a handheld power drill or hammer drill, and a set of screwdriver bits — but any set of screwdrivers will work in a pinch.
Cleaning your rails is easy! Our 5-layer weather-resistant coating already protects against most stains, and dirt is easy to clean off. Just wet a non-abrasive or microfiber cleaning cloth with water, and wipe the posts down to clear away any dust.
Yes, the necessary bracket or top plate needed to attach any form of top rails to these posts are included.
Unlike the Stair Handrail Kit, we do not have a Wall Extension for our Cable Handrail Kits.
However, you can terminate near a wall–but not attaching it to the wall–by extending the Cable Handrail Kits with our Cable Horizontal Handrail Kits. You may need to adjust the length of the cables depending on the length of your landing.
The different mount orientations are not compatible with each other. That means our Top Mount Posts work best with other Top Mount Posts, while our Side Mount Posts work best with other Side Mount Posts.
Absolutely! All our posts come powder-coated with a 5-layer black finish that’s made to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. This protective layer defends against flaking, chipping, scratches, and color deterioration. Outdoor paint of any color will adhere to the protective layer — in fact, weather-resistant paint can even add an additional layer of defense against the elements, while customizing your rails to look exactly the way you want.
Like any product made of metal, our posts will heat up a bit on sunny and/or hot days. However, our 5-layer protective powder coating is weather-resistant, and will prevent your railing from becoming too hot to touch. In the unusual circumstance that your railing becomes too hot, simply wiping it down with cold water will quickly cool it off again.
Depending on the type of connection and your layout, the distance will vary. However, the tolerance for any discrepancies or errors is only 1/4".
However, we suggest you wait for all parts and rails to arrive before you begin installing the railing system as the top rail positioning will determine where posts will be placed. Once installed, repositioning the posts will require more effort. For the smoothest installation experience, we recommend that you wait for the top rail connectors so you can fit out the top rails and position the posts accordingly.
Get exactly what you need for your home
We’ll provide you with product recommendations, a free custom quote, and designs unique to your layout.
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