Focus: https://staircrazy.co.uk/products/oak-classic-handrail

Keyword: oak handrails

Knowing how to make your staircase more stylish can seem like a job for a professional.

However, with just a little DIY experience, anyone with a keen eye for design can take their staircase from boring to beautiful.

Read our easy guide on installing a classic oak handrail in your home – you’ll be amazed by the results you can achieve.

What you’ll need

While you might worry you’ll need lots of bits and bobs to replace such an essential safety feature, you’ll actually only need a few basics you likely already have at home – plus your chosen oak handrail with brackets and fixings.

When fixing your bannister to the wall, you’ll need:

· A metal tape measure

· Spirit level

· Low tack tape

· String – cut just longer than your new handrail

· Pencil

· Magnetic stud finder – and a digital pipe and wire scanner would be helpful, too.

· Drill

· Screwdriver or screwdriver drill bit

Fix your oak handrail to the wall

1. Measure where the handrail will be fitted to the wall

Using your tape measure and tape, you’ll need to measure how high your handrail needs to be positioned from the corner of your first tread.

· In the UK, this should be 900-1000mm from the pitch line (the line that connects the edge of all treads).

Then, repeat this step from the tread at the top of your stairs – your last tread – remembering to mark it with tape.

You’ll then use the tape you just added to the wall to stick up your pre-cut string. You should be sure to use your spirit level to check the tape and string are straight all the way along – a wonky handrail isn’t much use!

2. Find your wall studs

If you have a solid brick wall, you can skip this step!

If installing on plasterboard, use a magnetic stud finder to find the studded sections of your wall so you can drill your handrail brackets into these – they give a solid, firm foundation for extra stability.

Don’t forget to check for wires and pipes, too, a digital pipe and wine scanner will help with this.

3. Check your handrail height

To plan where your brackets will be fitted – along that string we hung earlier – you’ll need to measure your handrail.

If your oak handrail is an inch and a half, you’ll need to install the brackets an inch and a half below the string. You should mark this on the wall in pencil.

4. Fit the brackets

Take one of the handrail brackets, line it up with the pencil mark you just made (below the string), and add a small mark for the pilot hole. Repeat this for the number of brackets you have.

Then, pre-drill this pilot hole 1/8” smaller than your screw, add the bracket, and fix it loosely in place using the screws that come with your handrail. Repeat on all brackets.

The brackets should be installed far enough that they will remain in place if turned but not so tightly that you can’t turn them to an angle.

5. Add your beautiful oak handrail

Now you can top your brackets with your handrail – you may need another pair of hands to hold the handrail in place while you attach it to each bracket. Notice how it lines up with your tape?

Simply add the remaining screws on the underside of the handrail, connecting it firmly to each bracket.

Finally, tighten the screw holding the brackets into the wall and you are done! Ta-da!

Add an oak handrail to make your staircase pop!

Whether you choose to only replace your oak handrail or pair it with new paint, flooring, or focal lighting, the grain and colouring of the wood are sure to make an impression.

With its timeless elegance and hardwearing nature, you’ll wonder why you didn’t choose an oak handrail years ago.