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
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
Complete your railing setup with Stainless Steel Cable Reels and Top Rails.
Specifications
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-1/2" H
Hole distance
3-1/8"
Hole diameter
1/4"
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-5/16" L x 2" W
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Specifications
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 34-1/2" H
Hole distance
3-1/8"
Oval hole diameters
1/4" x 7/16"
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-5/16" L x 2" W
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Specifications
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 35-1/8" H
Hole distance
3-1/8"
Oval hole diameters
1/4" x 7/16"
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-5/16" L x 2" W
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Specifications
Post dimensions
1-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W x 40-1/2" H
Hole distance
3-1/8"
Hole diameter
9/32"
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-5/16" L x 2" W
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
Specifications
Post dimensions
1-1/2" H x 1-1/2" W x 40-1/2" H
Hole distance
3-1/8"
Oval hole diameters
1/4" x 7/16"
Cable wire size compatibility
1/8"
Baseplate dimensions
3-5/16" L x 2" W
Material
Carbon Steel
Finishing
Commercial Powder Coat
Color
10% Matte Black
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.
- Posts
- Top plates
- Sleeve protectors (black plastic)
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
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.
- Posts
- Top plates
- Sleeve protectors (black plastic)
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
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.
- Posts
- Top rail brackets
- Sleeve protectors (black plastic)
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
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.
- Posts
- Top plates
- Sleeve protectors (black plastic)
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
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.
- Posts
- Top plates
- Sleeve protectors (black plastic)
- Post covers
- Screws
- Nuts & Bolts
- Drill Bits
- Anchor & Washer
- Ruler & Pencil
Complete Parts List
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 Top Mount Cable Rail Post is compatible with the following products for the perfect fit:
- Other Top Mount Cable Rail Posts
- Stair Handrail Kit (when used with Top Rail)
- Horizontal Handrail Kit (when used 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.
A secure and seamless aesthetic
Included with these posts are color-matching, plastic cable sleeve protectors. These are custom-made to fit the dimensions of our Cable Rail Posts since standard off-the-shelf sleeve protectors will be too long. They are made with a push clip lock to keep it (and your wires) in place!
CR Fence & Rail Cable Sleeve Protectors are compatible with standard 1/8" thick rail wires.
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.
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:
Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you choose a post height that’s the right size for your installation scenario. If in doubt, it’s best to err taller, because you can always cut down the rail to fit.
Unfortunately, most standard cable sleeve protectors available online will not work for our Cable Rail Posts because the length and width of our posts are different from the usual cable posts.
However, if you can find aftermarket sleeve protectors that are shorter than 1-1/2" inches, then they could possibly work, but the pre-drilled holes will need to be drilled bigger.
Our Cable Rail Posts already include the appropriate sleeve protectors, however you may purchase additional or separate sleeve protectors here.
Generally speaking, these are the use-cases of our posts:
36" - For residential use primarily; on concrete or wood
42" - For commercial use primarily; on concrete or wood
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, the necessary bracket or top plate needed to attach any form of top rails to these posts are included.
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.
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.
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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