Stair Railing & Handrail Installation
Whether you're adding a railing to open stairs, replacing a shaky banister, or upgrading to cable or welded steel, this is where that project starts. We fabricate all three material families in-house.
Railing Materials We Build
Stair railing installation is one of the most common upgrades homeowners make to an otherwise fine staircase. We build in three material families: traditional wood railings and banisters, welded steel and custom metal railings, and cable railing systems. Each has its own look, durability profile, and cost tier, and all three get fabricated in the same shop.
Wood railings and banisters
Wood railings and banister installation are the traditional choice: warm, classic, and available in a range of species and stain options to match existing trim. They're typically the entry point of the three material families on cost, though hardwood species narrow that gap.
Cable railing systems
Cable railing installation is the modern, minimal option: horizontal steel cables strung between posts, with an open sightline that suits contemporary homes. Cable railing cost typically runs above painted wood because of the hardware and tensioning involved, and it's a system we fabricate and install in-house rather than sourcing a prefab kit.
Welded steel and custom metal railings
This is where the in-house welding differentiator is most concrete. Custom metal railings, from simple steel balusters to fully welded architectural designs, get fabricated on-site in our own shop rather than subcontracted to an outside welder. Browse steel & metal stairs for design inspiration before your site visit.
Railing Installation Process
Railing installation follows five steps, whether it's a straight wood banister or a custom welded system.
Site visit & measure
including the height and code check for your specific stairs.
Material and design selection
wood, steel, or cable.
Fabrication
built in the wood shop or weld shop depending on material.
On-site installation
set, secured, and leveled.
Code and safety check
confirmed against current Oregon requirements.
Can you install a railing on stairs I already have?
Retrofitting a railing onto an existing staircase is one of the most common projects we take on, separate from railings bundled into a full new stair installation. We measure and design around what's already there.
Interior vs. exterior railing installation
Interior railing installation and exterior installation share the same fabrication process, but the material considerations differ. Exterior railings need to hold up to weather, which affects material and finish choice. See outdoor stairs for exterior-specific design depth.
What height does Oregon code require for stair railings?
Oregon code sets a specific handrail height range, and a separate, taller range for guards, measured differently depending on which one applies to your stairs. The full breakdown, including permit nuances and commercial/ADA variations, lives in our stair railing height code guide.
What Railing Installation Costs
Stair railing installation cost is driven mainly by material (cable and welded steel typically price above painted wood), along with linear footage, number of posts or newels, and whether it's a straight run or includes a landing or turn. Want a planning range before the visit? The stair cost calculator runs on Dave's own pricing rules — but every number it gives is provisional until Dave has measured your stairs on site and approved the scope. A paid site visit produces a firm quote: a real on-site estimate, not a guess over the phone.
How much does stair railing installation cost?
Stair railing installation cost varies widely by material and length. There's no single number that covers a straight wood banister and a full welded steel system. A paid site visit prices your specific run.
Why does cable railing cost more than wood?
Cable railing systems involve more hardware (posts, tensioners, fittings) and more precise fabrication to keep the cable runs tight and even. That labor and hardware is what puts cable above standard painted wood on cost.
Why Portland Homeowners Choose Our Stair Railing Installation
Railings are where clients most often want to mix materials — a wood cap rail on a steel or cable system, say — and that's exactly where most competitors split into two separate trades. Stumptown fabricates wood and welded steel under one roof, licensed under CCB #218207, so a mixed-material railing is one project instead of two contractors.
What Homeowners Ask About Railings
Can you match a railing to my existing stairs?
In most cases, yes. Matching wood species, finish, or an existing metal style is part of the design conversation before fabrication starts.
Do you build ADA-compliant handrails for commercial spaces?
ADA-compliant handrails for commercial spaces are part of our commercial scope. See commercial stairs for the full ADA and IBC detail.
How long does railing installation take?
A straightforward retrofit typically takes less time than a full staircase project. Dave will give you a specific timeline once material and design are set at your site visit.
Can I get a handrail installed without replacing the whole railing system?
Handrail installation on its own, without replacing balusters or posts, is a common and straightforward request. If you're searching for handrail installation near you specifically, that standalone scope is exactly what this page covers.
Do I need a permit to replace or add a railing?
In most cases, yes. Replacing or adding a railing typically requires a permit and has to meet current height and safety code. Our Oregon stair code guide covers the full requirements.
Do you work on both indoor stair railings and deck/porch railings?
Both indoor stair railings and deck or porch railings fall within our scope, fabricated with the same wood and welded-steel capability.