Extend Your Railing Past the Tricky Last Step

More accidents happen on the stairs than anywhere else in the house. A strong stair rail goes a long way toward making stairs safer. In this blog, we provide some tips on improving the safety of your stairs, including a solution to stair handrails that won’t stretch all the way past the last step.

Option 1

The first option to extend your railing is adding a small handrail (horizontal or vertical), also known as a grab bar, that can be placed at the bottom of the stairs. There are several options to choose from. (Check out some of these small handrail options on Amazon.) From there, it’s all about measuring and securing the rail/extension firmly to a stud. It is also extremely important to test to make sure it can withstand the force/pull of an adult. If you are unsure of what railing to choose, you may want to contact your home builder or local home inspection office for further instructions.

Option 2

A second option is adding an additional handrail on the opposite side for added steadiness. One of the main reasons people have trouble getting downstairs is a lack of balance. This problem is magnified in older adults, who may have hip, back, and/or knee ailments. Having an additional rail on the opposite side provides the ability to maintain balance by holding onto two handrails as opposed to one. It is also common for those falling down stairs to reach on the opposite side for support. Having a secondary handrail can provide emergency support if needed.

Looking for even more ideas for the handrails in your home? You can count on Pinterest for that! There are several pins for custom DIY handrail ideas. As always, you can count on Mr. Handyman for all of your home repair needs. (Including handrails!) Contact your local Mr. Handyman today for a free estimate!