Two or three steps up to a front door, porch or garage don't look like much, until someone with a bad knee, a toddler or an armful of groceries tries to use them in the rain. A short handrail is one of the cheapest safety upgrades you can make to a home, and it's also one of the most common things we build.
Here's how to pick the right style for a short outdoor run, what length to order and what it costs.
Option 1: Wall-mounted handrail
If your steps run alongside a wall, stucco, brick, siding or a block retaining wall, a wall-mounted rail is the simplest and cleanest choice. It bolts to the wall with brackets, so there's no digging or core-drilling into your steps.
- Best for: steps beside the house, a garage wall or a planter wall
- Typical length: 36" to 60" for 2–3 steps
- Install time: about 30 minutes with a drill
See the wall-mounted handrails.
Option 2: Post-mounted (ground-mounted) handrail
When there's no wall next to the steps, which is common on porch steps and walkways, the rail needs its own posts. Posts are anchored to the concrete with base plates, or set into the ground.
- Best for: freestanding front steps and walkways
- What to know: you'll need to anchor into concrete; we send the right anchors
See the ground-mounted handrails.
Option 3: Decorative entry handrail
For a front entry, a decorative wrought-iron rail adds curb appeal while doing the same job. Our wrought iron handrail for 1–3 steps is built for exactly this.
What length do you need?
Measure along the slope of the steps, from the front edge (nose) of the top step to the front edge of the bottom step. That's your nose-to-nose measurement. For 2–3 outdoor steps this usually lands between 24" and 48". Many people add 6"–12" past the top and bottom steps so there's something to grab before the first step.
Our measuring guide walks through it with pictures. If you're unsure, just send us a photo and we'll work it out with you.
Which metal holds up outside?
- Powder-coated steel: strongest and lowest cost. Handles normal outdoor weather well with occasional touch-up.
- Aluminum: can't rust, and it's lightweight. A great pick for fully exposed steps. See the aluminum handrail.
- Stainless steel: the premium choice, and the best option near the ocean. See the stainless handrail.
What does it cost?
A short wall-mounted steel handrail starts at about $160 for a 12" rail and runs around $320–$400 for the 24"–60" lengths most 2–3 step runs need. Aluminum and stainless cost more. Free shipping is included on every order in the lower 48. For full pricing by length, see how much a metal handrail costs.
Not sure which one fits?
Send us a photo of your steps and a rough measurement. We'll design the rail to your steps before we build it, and we'll get back to you with a price within one business day.
Get a free quote or call/text (805) 394-8984.
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