How Much Does a Handrail Installation Cost?
A handrail, regardless of the size or amount of your budget, will significantly affect the look and feel of your home.
This article will explain all you must know about the materials prices, cost, and more to help you make an educated decision regarding your handrail.
Prices can vary based on the following variables:
- Railing material is currently being used.
- New material for railings.
- Railing design (spiral, straight, etc. ).
- The length of the railing.
These factors affect the length of time it will take and how costly this process is. To get an accurate estimation, speak to an installer of stairways within your region.
If your staircase is larger than 1m in length, you should install handrails mounted on the wall. This is done by installing either an oblong handrail or a pig’s ear-shaped handrail.
The cost of stair railings is typically priced per linear foot. A standard stairway will require the rail to be 25 feet in length, but higher or more intricate models may require a more extensive rail.
The price of installing a wooden railing for stairs depends on material used as well as the labour required. The price of wood railings differs according to whether you purchase a prefabricated handrail, or wood to begin making your own railing.
In both cases the cost per foot will vary based on the kind of wood that is used. If you buy an already-constructed wood stairway railing, the appearance on the railing can determine the final price.
The majority of carpenters charge per hour. The price of installation will depend on the degree of complexity. If the carpenter has made a custom railing of lumber in the raw, expect to spend more.
Talking to several carpenters before you hire to ensure that you pick the best price-quality balance.
The average cost for installing a handrail can range from £80 and £150 in accordance with the number of handrails that are required. Your handyman is typically charged somewhere between £100 and £150 per day.
Stair railings do not come at the same price. Iron railings made of wrought iron, for instance, could be priced between $700-$100 per square ft, similar wooden railings can be priced between £30-£70 per square foot.
Installing a single handrail can cost between £95 and £145. installing double handrails is going to cost between £130 to £270. When you are choosing an upgrade to your railing, keep your budget in your mind.
Stair railings made of wood can be modified provided it is properly maintained and installed. So, unless you’re a skilled carpenter, do not try to install it as DIY work.
There are plenty of easily-to-install railings available but hiring a professional will make sure that the railing is sturdy and your staircase is secure. It will guarantee that you get an original design that complements the interior of your home without making your staircase into a fatal trap.
Even though this is a do-it yourself task, attaching handrails on walls could cause harm. If you don’t install them properly, you could end up paying not only for someone else to properly attach them, but also for a person to fix the damage you’ve caused.
The quality of the handrail that you purchase is the most costly element in the total cost. Therefore, budget alternatives should be considered to lower your overall expenses.
Handrail Prices
The table below will break down the costs to install a handrail:
| Job title | Cost |
| Handrail installation | £80 – £150 |
| Wrought iron railings | £100 – £700 per linear foot |
| Wooden railings | £30 – £70 per linear foot |
| Single handrail | £95 – £140 |
| Double handrail | £130 – £270 |
What are the Supply Costs for a Handrail Installation?
A handrail is usually placed at a range of 34 to 38 inches. It should be strong enough to support 200 pounds or more to ensure security.
Handrails mounted to walls are the cheapest alternative, however open stairwells might require a rail to be mounted at the open end, with spindles or balusters to comply with building codes. However, each city has their own set of regulations.
More importantly handrails can enhance the look of your stairwell and come in many designs and styles to pick from. A good handrail can be a part of your interior decor or become an accent piece.
In this article, we will review the different materials and the costs associated with installing a handrail. So, should you decide to do the job, here’s the items you’ll require!
Before you shop for stair handrails, take a measurement from the top of the landing’s nosing to the floor near the base of the stairs. increase it by 2 feet.
This is the dimension of the stair railing material you’ll need. Home and garden centres as well as lumber yards provide a code-approved handrail as well as other components you’ll require.
You’ll require a 4-foot level, and it will cost in the range of £7 or £20 depending on level’s quality and the brand.
An entire drill set is likely to be priced approximately £30 and £35 A cordless drill can be found for about £35 and £60 and you can hire a drill for £25 as well as £30.
A hammer can cost somewhere between £4 and £20 and a yard saw can cost anywhere between £10 and £60 in accordance with the quality.
A stud finder can be purchased for approximately £20 and £25 A tape measure is priced from £1.50 to £7.
To make the materials, you’ll require sandpaper, which costs between £1 and £7. Finish nails that are 4D usually cost between £9 and £15 depending on the quantity you require. Epoxy costs £10 between £10 and £30 Masking tape costs about £1 or £3.
In the end the cost of wood glue is £6 or £20.
Handrail brackets cost £11 between £20 You will generally require around three brackets. White oak handrails cost £11 – £200, pine handrails cost £8 – £62, and primed wood handrails cost £9 – £53.
Glass handrail brackets begin at £7 and go up to £20 for an unique handrail that will bring in more light.
Handrails for stairways must be put in place to provide the most suitable level to your stairwell. For determining the size of your handrail measure the length of your staircase to the point of your angle.
If your landing requires balustrades, decide on what length handrail is needed to allow for this additional length.
Handrails are usually offered in predetermined lengths of 1.8m, 2.4m, 3.6m and 4.2m. Pick the length that matches your needs. In certain cases you may be able to make your landing and stairway handrail on the same section of lumber.
The table below will breakdown the cost of supplies when installing a handrail:
| Supply | Cost |
| 4-foot level | £7 – £20 |
| Drill bit set | £30 – £35 |
| Cordless drill | £35 – £60 |
| Cordless drill rent | £25 – £30 |
| Hammer | £4 – £20 |
| Meter saw | £10 – £60 |
| Stud finder | £20 – £25 |
| Tape measure | £1.50 – £7 |
| Sandpaper | £1 – £7 |
| 4D finish nails | £9 – £15 |
| Epoxy | £10 – £30 |
| Masking tape | £1 – £3 |
| Wood glue | £6 – £20 |
| Handrail brackets | £11 – £20 |
| White oak handrail | £11 – £200 |
| Pine handrail | £8 – £62 |
| Primed wood handrail | £9 – £53 |
| Glass handrail | £7 – £20 |
What are the Additional Costs of Installing a Handrail?
Each home and stairwell is different, however four key factors affect the price of a railing installation cost. Certain of these aspects make it more time-consuming and laborious, while others increase the price of the materials.
In any case, asking for an estimate in detail prior to signing a contract is crucial.
In this article we will discuss the extra costs associated with installing a handrail, so you are aware of what you can expect.
New Flooring
If you are installing the new handrail, it is possible to choose to bring an expert carpenter come in to alter the look of the new handrail.
If you’re considering the smart decision of putting in a new staircase to the home you live in, it might be beneficial to look at your flooring particularly if the staircase is going to be a particular type of flooring.
The latest flooring options now include many options including laminates, carpets, and everything between. A 15 sqm area can cost between £400 and £1,500.
Vinyl and carpets are on the lower end of the spectrum. tiles and Karndean floors are considered to be at the top of the range.
If you decide to go with a hard or staircase made of softwood, it’s best to have wood flooring below the stairs so that it matches the design.
The wooden flooring, similar to staircases have a wide price range, with choices starting between £20 for a square metre up to about £50 per square metre.
In all cases the flooring you choose to install is a great investment therefore why not upgrade your whole home in one go If you have the money?
In the UK The average hourly pay for a carpenter ranges from £20 between £20 and £40. The cost of joining and carpentry generally are similar.
The residents of the London area are likely to pay a higher price for this kind of work as compared to those who live located in northwestern North or other regions of the UK.
It is also important to consider the price of wood needed for the project. It will depend on the type of wood that you choose, the grade of the wood and the location where you purchase the wood.
In the event that you’re working on an even bigger project, you could save money by buying your wood.
Painting a House
Painting a home differs based on how big the house as well as the type of paint employed, and the amount of rooms and walls being painted.
The result is that the cost of painting your home could increase in ways that will catch you by surprise.
As an example, an additional container of paint might be needed for a room that isn’t large enough to require more than one container, which could double the price.
A house with two bedrooms is priced approximately £380 to £1,100. The 3 Bedroom House will cost between £500 and £1,800. Five Bedroom House will cost between £500 and £1,800. The cost ranges between £700 to £2,300.
The majority of the additional expenses is due to the preparation of walls and any repairs that must be made to ceilings or the woodwork. It could be necessary to take away old wallpaper, thick layers of paint that have faded or fill in cracks.
Repairs to wall and ceiling plasterwork is the most significant additional cost that you can expect to encounter when you paint a home. It can range from simple cleaning to full-on plastering of walls.
Decorators usually employ a caulk, which is also known as decorator’s glue or an all-purpose filler for small jobs such as filling cracks. Caulk tubes cost nothing more than £2 or £4 for about 350ml.
If extensive repairs are needed it is possible to redo the plastering. You should expect to pay £100 for a small amount of work, which can take about 2 to 3 hours.
A wall that is complete of 3 to 4 hours of labour costs around £150. Plastering a room in entirety is around £200 to a tiny space and about £500 for large rooms.
Plastering estimates for hall landings and stairwells vary between £300 and £500.
Instead of directly painting over the surface, decide to paper the walls to give a more uniform finish. The cost of pattern wallpaper for painting is approximately £5-£12 for a 5M2. (5M2).
New Staircase
The majority of us do not give our staircases any thought. We tend to stick with the same staircase that was in place at the time we moved in, perhaps with a splash of paint once or twice to make them look more attractive.
But, if your staircases are rotting away, with alarming bannisters that creak and scratch then it’s time to get them replaced.
A simple staircase is priced between £600 and £1,500. an L-shaped staircase costs between £700 and £1,600. A U-shaped staircase will cost between £1,000 and £2,000 and a winder staircase is expected to cost between £1,100 to £2,250.
A middle landing is priced between £1,100 to £2,500, and a spiral staircase will end at between £1,600 to £6,000.
The cost for labour to construct the staircase you want to use will range from £150 or £250 each day. The task lasted between one and three days.
There are a few steps for constructing a staircase, which shouldn’t be taken lightly and most of them revolve around measuring the space to make sure everything fits when it is installed.
It might appear that the joiner is spending a lot of time double-checking everything, however there should be no errors at this point and even a tiny millimeter can create a massive issue later.
Amount of Tradespeople
The quantity of tradespeople hired could impact the total cost. If the project is massive, you might need to employ more than one tradesperson to complete it for you. The more tradespeople working on this job greater you will be expected to be charged for the job.
Time Extension
In any work certain things can occur that aren’t expected, and lead to more time being added to the project. The more time it takes to finish the job, the higher you will be expected to pay for the task. Additional time is usually paid per hour.
Size
The greater the size of the stairway is, the more materials are required and the process is likely to take longer. All this adds to the price.
Complexity
A variety of curved stairways or curved designs can increase the cost, whereas an easy straight staircase with just one rail is the cheapest.
Handrail Design
The price of the handrail is heavily affected by the material used to create the handrail. Wood is the least expensive alternative then aluminum and steel in the middle, and finally iron wrought on highest.
Preparation or Finishing Work
When an existing handrail requires being removed or the new handrail has to be painted or completed the cost of installation would increase.
Furthermore, preparation can be expensive in the event that it requires getting rid of any debris or repair of damage to walls.
Tradesmen Costs for Installing a Handrail
When you hire a tradesperson to do construction, think about the specific tasks that need to be completed, since there aren’t all tradesmen who can do the same job.
For instance, based on the material used the Carpenter or General Builder are typically hired to construct an stairwell.
The best starting point is with the experts on staircases. However, the steps will differ based on the type of staircase you choose and the level of design complexity and the kind of equipment that is used.
Here is a list of the various tradespeople you might need, and what jobs they’ll be working on.
You’ll have to engage an expert tradesperson to install a handrail and to make sure that it is safe to use.
Carpenters, builders, general labourers, and carpet fitters are all able to offer their services. prices for daytime services ranging between £200 and £300 according to the area you live in.
However, it is to be remembered that the cost of handrails will not be included within the amount.
If you intend to construct your handrails from wood, then you need to engage a carpenter. They are usually in a position to finish the work without the need for other tradesmen, but this could depend on the carpenter you choose.
A carpenter’s daily rate typically ranges from £125 to £150. The experience and skills of the tradesman will decide the amount.
General contractors are often employed to supervise the whole project. In order to complete the project they are able to engage and manage subcontractors, such as carpenters and labourers.
In addition, when it comes to building the design in metal, an experienced builder is often the best option because of the strength of their expertise and the price of labour.
A general builder is likely to cost between £100 to £150 per day to employ according to what kind of job needed and the knowledge they gain and the degree of expertise.
When you are estimating the cost of a task the cheapest kind of tradesman, called a labourer, should not be ignored. Most experts will employ a labourer, but it is important to take note of expenses for hiring labourers.
A typical day’s wage for a labourer typically ranges between £60 to £80 each day. They are employed for the lifting of heavy loads, moving materials and other jobs that don’t require a particular level of skill.
The table below will break down the tradesmen’s costs to install a handrail:
| Labour | Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | £125 – £150 |
| Builder | £100 – £150 |
| Average labourer | £60 – £80 |
How Long Does It Take to Install a Handrail?
There are a variety of factors that can affect the length of time required to put up an entirely new handrail. The most obvious is the level of complexity of the project, magnitude of the construction and the overall quality of the finished product.
In this article, we will review the time required to install handrails and how it could impact the total time.
The construction of a complicated U-shaped handrail can take almost the same amount of time as a single straight one, taking between 3 and 4 days, versus just two.
A spiral handrail can take longer to construct than a straight design; it takes approximately two days to build a straight design and three days to build the spiral.
Handrails must have a minimum space of 2 1/4 inch between the handrails and any other object. Handrails can be between 34 and 38 inches high when measured up from the apex of the treads on the stairs.
Handrails must be made so that people can grasp them securely. When a handrail gets incorporated into the guardrail system’s top railing, it needs to be designed to accommodate gripping.
Furthermore, there must be no dangerous projections on the ends of the handrail.
Two inches from the upper border of the railing, handrails should be able to withstand 200 pounds of force applied downwards or outward.
The plan’s level in complexity and the skills of the tradesperson and the amount of tradesmen working on the project will affect the length of time.
For instance, installing a single handrail could take between 2 and 4 hours.
Similarly, fitting two handrails will require between 4 and 6 hours.
In determining the amount of time you will need to construct a new staircase, think about the following aspects: accessibility as well as the project’s scale and size, as well as the complexity of your design.
Each element can enhance or reduce the total duration of the project. This is why making plans for this is crucial in deciding when to start construction.
Access
In planning the design of a stairwell between floors, the capacity of your workers to gain access to the structure is a crucial element of time.
The ease in the ease of moving materials onto the site through doors and around the corners of halls is not to be missed.
It is also important to take into consideration how well the staircase is being used in designing access.
It is important to consider this when designing the project and can help decide the style of stairs to be used during the planning phase.
Scale
The scale you select will allow you to determine the length of duration it will take to construct your staircase. The scale is referring to the length and size of every step as well as how many steps and the rise that the stairs rise from lower levels.The decision is made in the design phase of the construction works, and it significantly influences the project’s costs.
Complexity
The complexity of a staircase can differ depending on the final design, the materials used, and the expertise of the people who are hired to construct it. The more intricate a staircase’s design is, the longer and effort it’ll take to construct.
Straight staircases are faster to construct than a half-landing, U-shaped or U-shaped staircase. Spiral staircases require more time and effort than a basic curved staircase.
Decoration
Decorations like glass balustrades, tiles or stone floor coverings can greatly improve the build time and construction time overall.
Re-plastering might be necessary in the event that a staircase is placed against an exterior wall. It is typical to try staining or painting the staircase to create the desired design or look.
The table below will break down the duration of to install of a handrail:
| Handrail | Duration |
| Single handrail | 2 – 4 hours |
| Double handrail | 4 – 6 hours |
Types of Handrails
Softwood Handrails
The cost of railings varies greatly based on the type of material. Wood is priced from £30 and £75 for each linear foot on the bottom end. Wood is a natural material which is utilised in traditional and modern decor styles.
In addition you can finish it with any stain colour you want to match with other areas of the house.
Softwood railings are a lot cheaper than wooden railings but they’re also less sturdy. Therefore, if you’re building a deck or outdoor patio made of wood, you must make sure you use pressure-treated, weatherproof wood for your railing.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Less durable
Steel Handrails
Steel rails are priced between £60 or £110 for a linear foot, whereas aluminium is priced in the range of £70 to £80.
Handrails made of metal are stronger and are ideal for busy stairwells. However, they aren’t easy to integrate into woodsy interior designs.
Metal is the ideal choice for exterior handrails due to its strength and weatherproof characteristics.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Ideal for busy stairs
Cons
- It can be difficult to find a decor that matches
Wrought Iron Handrails
Wrought iron is priced at£100 for a linear foot on its highest price, and prices as high as £900 per foot, for some of the intricate hand-crafted rails.
With a bit of thinking, wrought iron can make the most impressive handrails and designs, which can be adapted to both contemporary and classic styles.
Pros
- Unique design
- You can mix modern and classic decor
Cons
- Expensive
Built-In Handrails
They run across the tops of spindles and act as a balustrade. When you are deciding on the right handrail for your balustrade you have the option of choosing between grooved and ungroomed types.
Spindles are commonly used in conjunction with handrails for stairways that have an incline of 32mm or 41mm. Handrails with no groove look better when coupled with metal spindles, glass panels and clamps, or even as a handrail that is mounted to the wall.
In both instances the newel post is used to support the handrail on the other end. They usually cost in the range of £20 and £60 per M2.
Handrails mounted to the wall are a separate part of the balustrade and could be used as an alternative to or in lieu of the balustrade on staircases with narrow spaces. The mop stick and the pig’s ear are two of the most well-known designs of handrails mounted to walls.
Pros
- Most adored
- Good for decor
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Pigs Ear Handrails
Handrails with pigs’ ear designs are a very popular choice for handrails that are wall-mounted because they can be affixed to the wall in a direct manner without brackets.
They offer a solid grip and are near the wall, which makes them perfect for stairs with a thin profile. Cross-grain pellets can be used to cover the screw holes that are left after connecting your handrail onto the wall (a wood that has been tapered). They are priced between £40 to £80 per square meter.
Pros
- Wall-mounted
- Good grip
- Great for stairs that are thin
Cons
- Compact
Mopstick Handrails
Handrail brackets hold mopstick handrails on the wall, giving them a more attractive alternative. End caps for handrails, which come in different styles, from gorgeous filigree to modern Octagonal designs, can be incorporated to complete the appearance. The cost of this handrail is £20 or £40 for each M2.
Pros
- A decorative option
- Come in different styles
Cons
- None
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Handrail?
If you’re replacing the handrail of your staircase, you are able to take it off now. Cutting it through in either direction, or near the posts for the newel, using an abrasive hand saw is all that is required to take out the handrail.
Handrail removal can cost approximately £100 and £150 on the average. However the more heavy handrails found in difficult areas could range somewhere between £200 or £300. Depending on how straightforward removal is and the length of time it takes, it could take between 3 and 4 hours.
FAQs
Q: Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on the stairs in the UK?
A: Stairs must have a handrail on one side, whether they are less than one metre, and on both sides, if they are wider. However, the bottom two steps of stairs do not require a handrail. Handrail height is between 900mm and 1000mm assessed from the top of a handrail to the pitch line in all buildings.
Q: What is the best type of handrail?
A: Steel is a popular material for commercial entry and exit stairs and industrial staircase railings. Steel is also an excellent choice for stair stringers. In addition, Galvanised or stainless steel is frequently used to prevent rusting.
Q: What is an average handrail height?
A: According to current ADA standards, the top of handrail gripping surfaces must be 34 inches minimum and 38 inches maximum assessed vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and slope surfaces with a slope greater than a 1:20 slope.
Q: How do you choose a handrail?
- Define your personality.
- When building or renovating a home, a specific style is usually chosen.
- Always keep safety in mind. Although the style is important, stair rails were designed for safety.
- Style should complement the design.
- Attention to detail is critical.
Q: What is the difference between a handrail and a bannister?
A: A handrail is a rail that can be held on the edge of a staircase, ramp, or another walkway and serves as a support or guard, whereas a bannister is a handrail attached to the side of a staircase.
