Iron railing accent exterior steps.
Installing a freestanding iron railing to existing concrete steps is something you can do yourself. Because railing kits come in a variety of styles and designs, survey the market and choose a railing that matches an exterior element in the landscape. In compliance wit local building codes, most railings come in heights of 30 to 38 inches, allowing homeowners to select the ones that meets personal preference. The ideal railing height is 34 to 36 inches. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Assemble the iron railing according to the manufacturer's directions. Assign a helper to hold one end of the railing while you hold the other and set it along the stairway, at least 2 inches inwards from the edge. Measure this spacing along the stairway to ensure it is uniform, or reposition any part of the railing if necessary.
2. Insert the tip of a marker in the bracket holes along the base of a railing baluster to form a mark on the corresponding stair tread. Repeat this process along the concrete stairway to mark the locations for screw holes. Remove the railing and set it aside.
3. Drill a pilot hole through each marked spot on the stair tread using a hand drill and masonry drill bit. Maintain steady pressure as you drill a clean hole through the tread. Repeat the process of drilling holes through the remaining marked spots on the treads along the stairway.
4. Position the tip of a masonry anchor into a pilot hole on the stair tread and tap it gently until it falls flush with the surrounding surface. Set a bracket over the tread, with its screw hole aligned with the anchor. Tap a screw through the bracket screw hole and into the anchor. Continue the process of securing the brackets for the railing along the marked spots on the treads.
5. Set the iron railing over the concrete stairway, with the balusters positioned directly above the brackets secured into the treads. Slide the balusters through the brackets. Tighten the screws at the lower end of the balusters using a wrench.
6. Secure the upper and lower rails to the balusters according to the assembly instructions on the iron railing kit, since these vary. Use the provided screws to secure the pieces to the railing, tightening these with a screwdriver to anchor the freestanding iron railing securely to the stairway.
Tags: iron railing, along stairway, stair tread, concrete stairway, freestanding iron, freestanding iron railing
