How to replace a staircase handrail safely

Replacing a staircase handrail can improve safety, refresh a tired staircase and add real value to any property. This guide explains how to replace a staircase handrail step by step. It also highlights the times when a project needs a specialist handrail manufacturer.

Handrail Creations designs, manufactures and installs bespoke timber handrails for homes and commercial spaces across the UK. This guide has been written by our technical team to give you clear and reliable advice.

Before you start: Should you replace or repair?

A handrail may need replacing if you notice:

Movement or looseness
Visible cracks
Damage from age or moisture
A style that no longer suits the space

Minor cosmetic issues can sometimes be repaired. Structural issues or curved staircases almost always need a new handrail. Our process explains how we create safe and accurate replacements using digital scanning and CNC manufacturing.

Step 1: Measure the existing handrail

Accurate measurement is vital when replacing a staircase handrail. Any small mistake can lead to gaps, twisting, or poor alignment.

Check the following:

Length of the current rail
Height from the pitch line
Position of spindles or glass panels
Any changes in direction along the staircase

For complex layouts, curved designs or missing drawings, a digital survey may be the safest approach. Our survey teams use 3D scanning tools to capture measurements to within a millimetre. Take a look at our survey process and digital surveys to learn more.

Step 2: Remove the old handrail

Once you are confident with your measurements, remove the existing handrail carefully. Protect the surrounding area with dust sheets. Work slowly to avoid damaging the balustrade.

Typical steps include:

Loosening fixings
Removing brackets
Lifting the rail clear of spindles or panels

If the rail is glued or painted into the staircase, removal can be difficult. In these situations, it is often safer to use a specialist installer. Our fitting teams work across the UK and handle everything from standard replacements to advanced glass and steel balustrades.

Step 3: Choose your new handrail

When choosing your new handrail, you will likely want it to match both the staircase design and the wider interior. Think about:

Timber type
Profile shape
Colour and finish
Whether you want spindles, glass or metalwork

For a perfect fit, a bespoke timber handrail is often a great option. Our design studio can create custom shapes and smooth transitions that suit any staircase. This includes spiral and helical designs. See our Bespoke Handrail Design page for examples.

Step 4: Manufacture the new rail

If you are replacing like for like, an off the shelf handrail may be suitable. However, any staircase that curves, twists or changes direction will need accurate manufacturer support.

Handrail Creations uses 5 axis CNC technology for a clean and dependable finish. Each piece is cut from prime grade timber, then hand finished by our craftsmen. This ensures a smooth result and reduces installation time. Take a look at what we do to learn more about our handrail and balustrade manufacturing.

Step 5: Install the new handrail

To install the new rail:

Position the rail to check the fit
Fix brackets securely
Align the rail with spindles or panels
Check that the rail height meets current building regulations

A replacement should feel solid, smooth and comfortable to hold. For homeowners or contractors who need support, our services include installation teams that can complete the work quickly and safely.

When to call a specialist

If you want a result that fits perfectly and looks refined throughout, it’s often easier to involve a specialist from the start. Curved staircases, mixed materials, heritage features and complex layouts all benefit from expert support. Handrail Creations handles every stage with care and precision. Our digital surveys remove guesswork, our design team creates a bespoke solution that suits your space and our craftsmen produce a flawless finish. Our installers then fit the handrail with accuracy and efficiency.

Contact our team to take the stress out of replacing your staircase handrail and enjoy a smooth process with a dependable result every time.