The 5 Best Handrails for Concrete Steps [For Your Home]

Handrails are a necessary part of building concrete steps. Some handrails work better than others, especially when fastening them to concrete. There are many styles, colors, and designs when it comes to handrails. We are going to go over what makes the best handrails for concrete steps.

The best handrails for concrete steps, are ones that can be bolted onto the concrete, or bolted onto the side of a building, making them secure and accessible. They should be strong enough to take light traffic, or heavy-duty enough for heavy foot traffic.

First, you will need to measure and make sure that the handrails you choose, will work for the number of steps that you have. You will also need to measure, to make sure that the bottom of the handrail will clear the slope of the steps.

Now that you know what you’re working with, let’s look at some of the absolute best handrails for concrete steps!

This handrail is for a 3-step, concrete step layout. Since they are adjustable, you can accommodate multiple stair heights. It includes all of the fasteners, plates, Allen wrench, and more for installation. These handrails come in both black and white colors.

The aluminum is powder-coated, and the style of the handrails is attractive. They are great for steps leading up to the front door, our out to the backyard, and have great looking curb appeal.

We like these handrails because of their functionality, they adjust to fit, and they are sturdy. You can’t go wrong with that!

This rail is easy to assemble and comes with most of the parts for installation. You only need the mason bit, for pre-drilling the holes into the concrete. It has two posts, that attach to the concrete, as well as a horizontal top piece, and lower piece that curls inward on each end.

Since they are made from powder-coated aluminum, they are sturdy, while still being easy enough to carry and install.

Some states or city codes may require you to put up a handrail, if the grade of your stairs, from the base to the top, is more than 30 degrees. Or if the steps are uneven heights.

A rule of thumb to go by; any steps that are 2 or more, could use a handrail if there will be foot traffic open to the public. Another reason to put in a handrail is in case someone in the home needs extra physical support, going up or down the steps

If there are no code requirements, you may not need to have a handrail at all, but you may want one for aesthetic purposes.

If you think you, or anyone else, may have trouble using steps in the future, you may consider putting in handrails. Falling on concrete can be a devastating blow.

When measuring your concrete steps, to find out what handrails will work with your layout, you want to start at the top of the steps. Here, you want the handrail to be around 36 inches tall, and no less than 30 inches tall.

Use a note pad and a pencil, to write down any measurements that you plan on taking. You need the dimensions of the stairwell so that you can order the right kind of handrails. Count the number of steps and write them down.

Measure from the bottom step, to the top step, to get the length of your handrailing. Next, measure from the bottom to the top tread height, going straight up, to get the total height of the handrailing.

With this information, you should be able to decide what handrails, will fit your stairwell, and you will know what to order. Do your research first, so you do not make any mistakes with the ordering process.

When ordering, consider the number of steps, the length, and the height of the stairwell. As well as the height at the top of the stairs, for the handrail (30-36 inches.)

You will want to consider what style goes best with the rest of your home, or business. Some people may prefer a basic, modern-looking handrail, while others may want to have something a little fancier or decorative.

Most basic designs come in a straight style, with just a top rail and posts. Decorative designs incorporate styles, such as twisted metal, curved pieces, and even floral designs. Wrought iron pieces have a ton of potential for decoration.

The sky is the limit for how decorative you want your handrails to be. We suggest going with something sturdy, and good looking.

An alternative to attaching a handrail to the concrete steps is to attach it to a stairwell wall. This can be a wall made of wood, or concrete. These designs, usually have just one rail on the side of the wall, that you can hold onto while going down the steps.

You may find that this style is easier to install if you have the right layout for it. These handrails can be made from the same materials as the others.

The same steps for installation apply, for wood or concrete. You will need to have the right hardware and tools. Most handrail sets come with all of the hardware, plates, screws, and sometimes even a drill bit for predrilling holes.

The costs for handrails depends on the style, material of the handrails, and the size of the handrails. You can get a basic 2-3 step handrail for just a couple hundred dollars.

Other larger sets, or ones with more detail, can range from $300-$800. The cheapest option is hard plastic or thin metal handrails. Aluminum handrails are usually priced in the middle, at around $200-$400.

You will pay more for things like wrought iron, and solid metal. These will oftentimes have designs with decorative options. Wrought iron, with decorative metal pieces, can make for a great handrail piece.

Regardless of your budget, you will be able to find something that works for your situation. Some of the hard plastic, and thin metal designs, have decorative pieces, and can still be sturdy enough for light traffic.

Measure the top platform, so that the height of the handrail is between 30 and 36 inches. Some handrails are adjustable, and others need to be ordered to this height.

Dry fit the handrailing, by setting it down where it goes. So you can mark the holes in the bottom bracket to be drilled. Use a pencil.

Using the hammer drill, install the concrete anchors into the concrete, at the locations that you marked.

Put the handrailing into place, lining up the holes in the bottom brackets, with the concrete anchors that you installed. Place a nut and washer on the anchors, to keep the handrail and anchor in place.

That’s it. You can install your own set of handrails for concrete steps, with just a few tools, and a little bit of elbow grease. If you do not own a hammer drill or masonry drill, you can rent one at one of the big box stores.

You may want to consider adding a handrail if someone at your home is handicapped, or you own a commercial building with stairs. The handrails may even be required by code.

Makes sure to look up any of the building codes in your location, to comply with their requirements, concerning handrails, at home, and a business location.

Even if you have a concrete or wooden ramp, for wheelchairs, you will most likely need to also add a handrail for the handicapped, at locations that require it.