Solid stair rails prevent falls. The Handy Brosco installs new banisters and stair handrails, adds second rails, and fixes wobbly banisters and loose newel posts in homes, apartments and rental properties across Manhattan, Queens and Nassau County. Every rail is code height and anchored into real structure.
The Handy Brosco installs and repairs banisters and stair handrails across Nassau County, Queens and Manhattan. Call (516) 240-9105, 24/7. We set rails 34–38 inches above the stair nosing, as New York code requires, anchor them into studs, blocking or masonry, and fix loose banisters and newel posts, usually in a single visit. Estimates are free.
Most stair falls happen on stairs with no rail, a rail on the wrong side, or a banister that moves when you grab it. We fix all three. We install new wood, iron and aluminum handrails, add a second rail so you can hold on with either hand, put rails on basement and split-level half-flights that never had one, and re-secure loose banisters so they are rock solid again.
Pair stair rails with grab bar installation for a complete aging-in-place safety upgrade, usually done in the same visit.
Quick reference for homes in New York. These are the measurements we build to on every job.
| Requirement | Typical NY residential standard |
|---|---|
| Handrail height | 34–38 inches above the stair nosing |
| When a handrail is required | Stairs with 4 or more risers (at least one side) |
| Grip size (round rail) | 1¼ to 2 inches in diameter |
| Clearance from wall | At least 1½ inches so fingers fit behind the rail |
| Guard on open sides | Needed where the drop is more than 30 inches |
| Baluster spacing | Small enough that a roughly 4-inch sphere can't pass through |
Based on the New York State Residential Code and NYC Building Code. Structural railing work on new or altered stairs may need a permit; we'll tell you up front if your job does.
We install banisters and stair handrails in every town and neighborhood below. Tap yours for local details.