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
FULLY COVERED
See what others have assembled
Engineered to perfection
Built to last
Thoughtfully designed to last longer
High-quality, safe railings all the time
Weather and rust resistant
Made by CR Fence & Rail, America’s #1 selling handrail
The kit comes with all the required tools and clear instructions, making it a hassle-free DIY project.
Specifications
Center-to-center post distance
12"
Top rail dimensions
2" L x 26-1/2" W x 1" H
Middle rail dimensions
1-1/4" L x 11-3/8" W x 1-1/4" H
Post dimensions
1-1/8" L x 1-1/8" W x 34-7/8" H
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/8" L x 3-1/8" 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"
Top rail dimensions
2" L x 40-3/8" W x 1" H
Middle rail dimensions
1-1/4" L x 25-1/4" W x 1-1/4" H
Post dimensions
1-1/8" L x 1-1/8" W x 34-7/8" H
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/8" L x 3-1/8" 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
2" L x 54-1/4" W x 1" H
Middle rail dimensions
1-1/4" L x 39-1/4" W x 1-1/4" H
Post dimensions
1-1/8" L x 1-1/8" W x 34-7/8" H
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/8" L x 3-1/8" 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"
Top rail dimensions
2" L x 68-1/8" W x 1" H
Middle rail dimensions
1-1/4" L x 53" W x 1-1/4" H
Post dimensions
1-1/8" L x 1-1/8" W x 34-7/8" H
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/8" L x 3-1/8" 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
60"
Top rail dimensions
2" L x 75-5/8" W x 1" H
Middle rail dimensions
1-1/4" L x 66" W x 1-1/4" H
Post dimensions
1-1/8" L x 1-1/8" W x 34-7/8" H
Baseplate dimensions
3-1/8" L x 3-1/8" W
Adjustable slope
Yes
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Top rail shape
Rectangular
Designed for DIY use
Our kits come with complete instructions, with each part and tool labeled. If anything is unclear, our industry-leading support team is ready to answer any questions via call or chat.
MODULAR & CUSTOMIZABLE
This Stair Handrail Kit is compatible with the following products for the perfect fit:
- Another Stair Handrail Kit
- Horizontal Handrail Kit
- Plain Post with Top Rail
As demonstrated by our CEO
From installing the posts to attaching the fence channels, our CEO Richard covers all the steps on how to set-up your system easily and efficiently.
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 & Middle rails
- Posts
- Brackets
- End caps
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
Complete Parts List
Verified easy from happy customers
FAQs
We’ll provide all the fasteners you’ll need, including screws for attaching the post 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. If you need to cut your handrail to size, a cutting tool such as a hacksaw, angle grinder, or die grinder will come in handy.
The most important factor you should consider is to ensure the kit you choose is the right size for your installation scenario. If in doubt, it’s best to err slightly larger as you can always cut down the rail to fit. When selecting a kit, you should also ensure it’s sturdy enough to withstand the weight it’ll have to bear, and can withstand extremes of hot and cold.
All our rail kits are designed to be easy to install in an hour or less. As long as you’re comfortable with using simple power tools, you should be able to handle the job without any special assistance. In fact, more than 3,000 happy customers say their railings were remarkably fast and easy to install!
We have two options for scenarios such as this:
Stair Handrail Kit Wall Extension
This option is recommended for customers who prefer a more cost-effective alternative. However, the extension requires that the gap between your Stair Handrail Kit and the wall be less than 4 feet, and that you have a post or wall with structural integrity to attach it to.
This option involves connecting the Stair Handrail Kit to our Flat Rail Kit via our Top Rail Connector, which you’ll need to purchase separately. We recommend this option for customers whose wall distance from the handrail is more than 4 feet or whose walls have no structural integrity. Depending on your landing depth, you may need to cut the Flat Rail down to size.
Read more about these connections in our installation guide.
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 for you to 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. Repositioning the posts, once installed, will also require more effort. As such, 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.
Building a metal handrail from scratch is a fairly time-intensive process, and requires several professional tools. You’d need to start by measuring the height and depth of your steps, as well as the offset distance between the edge of the steps and the post markers. Then you’d need to determine the angle of the rails, as well as the length of each piece of pipe, and buy correctly angled fittings as well as a sufficient amount of pipe. You’d likely also need to choose the correct flanges, swivel fittings, and malleable plugs, as well as fasteners for wood or concrete. After placing the flanges to mark the position of each fitting, you’d secure the fittings to the wood or concrete surface using a power drill, insert the vertical posts, then attach the fittings to the horizontal post and secure it in place.
Building your own handrail from scratch can be a fun weekend project, but our DIY prefabricated rail kits enable you to complete the installation in an hour or less. We include all the components and fasteners, so all you’ll have to do on your end is saw the lengths of metal down to size (if necessary) and secure the components in place.
- 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.
Like any product made of metal, our rails 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.
Our guide outlines the steps in detail. If you have further questions, feel free to send us a message.
Absolutely! All our rails 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.
Cleaning your rails is easy! Our 5-layer weather-resistant coating already protects against most stains, while dirt is easy to clean off. We recommend following any of the methods below to clean your rails:
- Use a non-abrasive or microfiber cleaning cloth dampened with water to wipe and clear the rails from dust.
- If using cleaning liquids, we recommend water-based cleaners as these do not damage the finish of the rails. Make sure to dry the surface completely after cleaning to avoid staining and rusting.
- If opting for power washing, use the low setting to avoid damage to your rails.
To maintain your railings, we recommend waxing the exposed areas using either commercial car wax or beeswax furniture polish for extra protection and to keep it looking shiny and new. Apply the wax using a soft cloth and rub it gently in circular motions. Allow the wax to dry for at least 20 minutes before buffing it off with a clean, dry cloth.
Yes, however, you will need straight brackets. You may get in touch with us and make a request for them, free of charge.
You can watch the entire process of how to do this here:
CR Fence & Rail offers a diverse selection of handrail kits, suitable for a wide variety of installation scenarios.
Available in 6 different lengths, from 1-2 steps all the way to 6 steps.
Available in 2 different lengths: 4-foot and 6-foot.
Available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths, from 4’ wide / 32” tall to 6’ wide / 36” tall.
Available in straight 36” and 42” sizes, corner 36” and 42” sizes, and a 36” stair size.
We also sell individual posts, fasteners, drill bits and fasteners—though our handrail, guard rail and post kits include all the components you’ll need to install them.
Both the height and the length of the rail can be adjusted by cutting the metal short. Cutting the metal requires an abrasive saw cutter (an abrasive disk can typically be purchased and used on a regular saw). Our brackets, connectors and end caps will cover the rough edges to prevent cuts and reduce the exposure to rust.
The slope is also fully adjustable with the caveat that you will need to use a different set of brackets to use our handrails in a flat configuration. You can contact us and request for these brackets if necessary, but we recommend you use our Horizontal Handrails which are designed specifically for flat applications.
Our railing kits come with the necessary drill bits and wedge anchors to secure the posts onto any surface, be it wood, concrete, or brick. If you are planning on installing the posts on harder surfaces like granite, you will need a diamond drill bit (5/16" x 3.5")—which provide for free. Send us a message if you need one.
To make the installation process seamless, we’ve also included a depth-measuring pencil, washers, and a hex nut driver.
For more instructions on how you can install the railing posts, watch this video:
If you need more information about the types of drills you can use with our parts, refer to this:
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