Problem: The concrete steps going up to your porch don't have any rails, leaving the house with an unfinished appearance.
Solution: Do-it-yourself steel railing is available at many home improvement centers. It's lightweight, requires no welding, and can be cut with a hacksaw.
Equipment list:
Hammer
Nail set or center punch
Slip-joint pliers
Slotted screwdriver
Level
Measuring tape
Hacksaw
Wrench or socket set
Allen wrench
Drill with masonry bits
Safety goggles
Lead anchors and/or concrete expanding anchors
The materials to be installed include newel posts, post bases, connectors, and railing.
- If you need to shorten your rail, be sure that the distance between the end baluster and the newel post is the same as the distance between the balusters.
- Accent pieces are available to enhance the appearance of your railing.
- If you need to repaint your railing, you don't have to dismantle it. Simply loosen the setscrews and lift the whole assembly out of the post bases.
Bend the railing to fit the steps
Most steel railing comes only in straight sections. However, you can bend it easily to fit your steps. After you bend it, you can check the angle by placing the railing on the steps and using a level to make sure the balusters are plumb.
Install the top newel posts
- Determine where you want to place your newel posts. They should be at least 2-1/2" from any edges.
- Position the post base and mark one of the holes. Drill a hole using a 1/2" masonry bit.
- Place a lead anchor in the hole, position your post base, and mark and drill the remaining holes. This will help you make sure the holes line up correctly.
- Secure the post base to the concrete with lag bolts.
- Place the newel post in the base and lock it in place by tightening the setscrew.
Install the bottom newel posts and attach the rail
You can determine the placement of the bottom posts by temporarily attaching the rail to the top post.
- Use a hacksaw to cut the end of the rail at an angle so it fits against the post.
- Fasten an "L" connector to the top post, and use your pliers to bend it to the appropriate angle.
- Drill a 1/4" hole about one inch from each end of the rail. Then fasten it to the "L" connector with a 1/4" bolt.
- Position the bottom post, and mark the rails for angle cuts.
- Remove the rail, cut it at the appropriate angle, and replace it on the top post.
- Position and install the bottom post base, repeating the procedure used for the top base. Then lock the bottom post in place.
- Attach and bend the "L" connector, and attach the rail.
- Go back and make sure all bolts are securely tightened.
Resources steel railing kit - Gilpin
Gilpin Ironworks Inc.
1819 Patterson Street
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: 219-724-9155
Toll Free Phone: 800-348-0746
Fax: 219-724-9849
Email:
sales@gilpinironworks.com
URL:
www.gilpinironworks.com
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