The staircase is often the first thing people see when they walk in. In many Riverside homes built in the 1980s through the 2000s, it still has the original oak handrail and white or wood spindles. A new stair railing is one of the quickest ways to make a home feel updated.
Interior stair railing options
- Iron balusters with the existing wood handrail. This is the most popular and budget-friendly update.
- Full custom steel railings with a steel or wood top rail, built to fit your stair and landing exactly
- Modern horizontal-bar railings in flat bar or square tube. These need careful design to meet the 4-inch opening rule.
- Cable or glass staircase railings for an open, modern look (see cable and glass railings)
Exterior handrails
Front steps, garage steps and backyard stairs often need a handrail for safety, especially for older family members. A simple powder-coated steel handrail, set into the concrete or mounted on the wall, is affordable and quick to install.
Code basics for stairs
- Stairways with 4 or more risers need a handrail.
- Handrail height is 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings.
- Where the side of a stair or landing is open and more than 30 inches above the floor below, a guard is required: 42 inches tall on landings and lofts, and openings a 4-inch sphere can’t pass through.
- Handrails must be graspable: round rails between 1¼ and 2 inches.
Read the full California railing code guide.
What affects the price
The number of balusters or linear feet, the number of landings and turns, whether the handrail is kept or replaced, and the material and finish. Curved stairs cost more to fabricate. See the cost guide, then request a free quote.
Common questions
Can you keep my wood handrail and replace only the spindles?
Often, yes. Replacing wood balusters with iron balusters while keeping the existing handrail and newel posts is one of the most popular staircase updates. The fabricator will check that the handrail and posts are solid first.
How high should a stair handrail be?
Under the California Residential Code, handrails are 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings, and stairways with four or more risers need a handrail.
How long does a staircase railing replacement take?
Installation is usually one to two days for a typical two-story staircase once parts are fabricated. Fabrication and finishing come first and often take a few weeks.