What stair railings cost
| Job | Installed |
|---|---|
| Wood handrail Wall-mounted | $20–$60 / linear ft |
| Stairway handrail, typical installed | $40–$60 / linear ft |
| Wrought iron railing | $65–$135 / linear ft |
| Metal railing, general | $50–$250 / linear ft |
| Typical 25-foot railing project | $900–$2,500 |
| Full range | $500–$6,000 |
Handrail or railing?
A handrail is what you hold on to, usually a wood rail on brackets fixed to the wall. A guard, or railing, is the barrier along the open side of a staircase or landing, with posts and balusters or panels. Many staircases need both. A handrail on a wall is a small job; a new guard with posts is carpentry, and more if it is metal or glass.
Code basics
Local codes vary, but the model code most US jurisdictions use calls for a handrail on stairways with four or more risers, mounted 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings, with a shape you can grip. Guards along open sides must be tall enough and closed enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through the openings. Replacing a handrail rarely needs a permit; new stairs or guards may. We confirm what applies to your stairs when we quote.
What moves the price
- Length and number of runs, including landings and turns.
- Material: painted pine and oak are the cheapest; metal and glass cost several times more.
- Walls: brackets must go into studs or solid blocking, so hollow spots need blocking added.
- Returns: the ends of a handrail should turn into the wall so sleeves and bags cannot catch on them.
- Removing an old railing and repairing the holes it leaves.
How a wall handrail is installed
- Mark the height at the top and bottom nosings and snap a line between them.
- Find the studs along the line and plan brackets into them, typically every few feet.
- Fasten the brackets with screws long enough to reach solidly into the studs.
- Cut the rail to length with returns at each end, fasten it to the brackets, and check it takes full body weight without flexing.
Handrails for safer stairs
A second handrail, so there is one on both sides, is one of the most effective and least expensive changes for anyone who is less steady on stairs. It pairs well with grab bars and better lighting; see handyman services for seniors.
Common questions
How high should a stair handrail be?
Under the model code most US jurisdictions use, 34 to 38 inches measured vertically from the stair nosings. Check your local code, which can differ.
Do I need a handrail on both sides of the stairs?
Codes usually require one; two make stairs noticeably safer and are common in homes planning ahead for aging in place.
Do I need a permit to replace a handrail?
Usually not for a like-for-like handrail. New stairs, new guards, or changes to the stair structure often do.
Related guides
Compiled from published 2026 national cost data (Angi, HomeGuide, Homewyse). Code references from the International Residential Code, which local codes may amend. We update these figures as we complete jobs.