How to Choose and Install an Outdoor Metal Stair Railing

Choosing and installing an outdoor metal stair railing can be overwhelming with all the choices available. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up with an ugly or unsafe railing. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to choose and install the perfect metal stair railing for your outdoor space.

To choose and install an outdoor metal stair railing, measure your stairs to figure out how long and tall the railing needs to be. Pick a material like aluminum, steel, or wrought iron that will last and looks good with your house. When you install it, put the railing posts the same distance from the edges of the steps. Drill holes and put in anchors. Attach the railings to the posts with the right hardware. Make sure they’re level and strong. Keep an eye on the railings and take care of them so they last a long time.

Now, let’s go through each step in more detail.

INSTALL THE OUTDOOR STAIR RAILING

1. Put the outdoor railings in place: Start by putting the railings for your outdoor steps where you want them. Make sure all the plates are the same distance from the edges of the steps so it looks good and is strong.
2. Drill the holes: Move the railing out of the way and drill 2-1/2-inch-deep holes into the steps where you marked the spots.
3. Put in the anchors: Put sleeve anchors into the holes you drilled. Make sure they’re in there good and straight.
4. Attach the railing: Put the railing on the anchors and tighten the screws to hold it in place. Make sure everything is level and strong so nobody gets hurt.

MEASURING FOR METAL STAIR RAILINGS

1. Clip the tape measure: Start by clipping a tape measure to the first step at the bottom of the stairs.
2. Measure to the landing: Measure all the way up to the last step where the stairs meet the landing. This measurement is important because it tells you how long your handrail needs to be.
3. Figure out the handrail height: Use this measurement to make sure your handrail is the right height for safety and to meet the building codes in your area.

PICKING THE RIGHT STAIR RAILING

1. Safety first: When choosing a stair railing, safety should be your number one concern. Make sure the railing meets all local building codes and provides the support you need.
2. Design matters: Think about the design that fits your home’s style and your budget. You want the railing to look good on the outside of your house and do its job.
3. Material matters: Pick a material that’s going to last and can handle the weather. Aluminum, steel, and wrought iron are popular choices because they all have different looks and benefits.
4. Cost and style: Make sure the railing fits your budget and is good quality. You want to balance cost and style to get what you need.

BEST MATERIAL FOR OUTDOOR RAILINGS

1. Aluminum: Aluminum railings are lightweight, don’t rust, and require very little maintenance. They work well in all kinds of weather.
2. Steel: Steel railings are strong and durable. They give you great support. You can get them galvanized or powder-coated to keep them from rusting and make them last longer.
3. Wrought Iron: Wrought iron railings look great and last a long time. They do require regular maintenance to keep them from rusting, but they give your outdoor space a timeless look.

Summary:

Choosing and installing an outdoor metal stair railing doesn’t have to be hard. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a safe, good-looking, long-lasting addition to your home. If you need more help or want a great stair solution, email Glenn at glenn@grtstair.com or go to www.grtstair.com.