Installing an outdoor handrail costs around $700, on average, but your total could fall anywhere from $275 up to $1,150 based on the length and material.
Adding a railing to a patio, porch, or concrete steps can make the structure more accessible and safer. In fact, any backyard patio or front porch that’s more than 30 inches off the ground requires a railing to adhere to building codes.
The cost to install a new 5-foot-long railing is around $700, but the cost may be higher for longer steps, or an entire patio. Opting for custom wrought-iron, cable, or fiberglass railings can drive costs upward of $1,150 for a 5-foot section, while vinyl or wood railings cost about $275 for the same length. Adding a railing to a 10-foot-long front patio would double that cost.
Installing new railings on a concrete patio, porch, or set of steps costs an average of $80 per foot, but prices can range from $50 to $230 per foot, depending on the material you choose.
Labor adds up to about $30 per foot, so be sure to factor that into your costs if you need a longer railing. If you only need a railing to accompany three to five steps, you’d spend $250 to $1,150 for a 5-foot-long railing.
Railing materials vary in price. Vinyl, PVC, and wood railings are some of the least expensive options, costing as low as $25 per linear foot. Wrought iron is a common choice and inspiration for many deck railings, but is more expensive than many other materials.
| Material | Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $40–$60 |
| Steel | $40–$60 |
| Wrought Iron | $50–$120 |
| Wood | $30–$60 |
| Vinyl | $25–$45 |
| Fiberglass | $150 |
| Composite | $40–$75 |
Aluminum railings for concrete steps cost $40 to $60 per foot. Metal railings are a durable choice, but they can be hot or cold to the touch, depending on the weather. Aluminum is one of the most affordable metal options, but it doesn’t last as long as stainless steel or wrought iron.
Like aluminum, steel railing costs about $40 to $60 per foot. Stainless steel holds up well against the elements, like rain and wind.
Installing wrought iron railing costs $50 to $120 per foot. This material is long-lasting and adds an elevated look, but it is the most expensive metal railing option.
Wood is a reliable and cost-effective choice at $28 per foot, but it may require weather-resistant coatings or paint if you live in a rainy, snowy, or windy location. Without sealant, wood railings can rot and require replacement.
Vinyl and other plastic-based railings are a less expensive option, costing $25 per foot. One major benefit of vinyl railings is that they are durable against rain and wind, although harsh sunlight may cause the color to fade over time. However, vinyl railings aren’t considered as attractive as wood or wrought iron.
Fiberglass stair rails are commonly found in commercial settings rather than residential homes and cost around $150 per foot. This type of railing is lighter than steel without compromising support, and it’s not susceptible to rust like metal railings are.
Cable railings cost $50 to $200 per linear foot and are a popular option for outdoor staircases and decks. Cable railings won’t interrupt views of your charming neighborhood or woodsy backyard while still offering safety and support, but they can be a more costly option.
Composite railing costs between $40 to $75 per linear foot and is an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Composite material is made from a blend of sawdust and plastic polymers to look much like natural wood while requiring much less maintenance.
| Railing Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Labor | $60–$200 per hour |
| Length | $110 per linear foot |
| Type of structure | $100–$250 |
| Weatherproofing | $25–$85 per gallon |
| Custom designs | $900 per linear foot |
| Railing removal | $50–$150 per hour |
| Anchors and tools | $20–$30 |
| Permits | $20–$30 |
Some factors to consider for your railing installation budget include whether you hire a pro, the railing type, and customizations.
You can hire a stair rail installation specialist or general contractor in your area to add new railings for about $30 per foot. Some contractors may prefer to charge hourly rates at $60 to $200 per hour. It may take about eight hours to install a railing measuring up to 10 linear feet.
“If you’re doing this yourself, be sure to learn the stair rail code for your area,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. “There are very specific requirements for everything, including the height of the railing, maximum space between the balusters, and amount of gap between the bottom rail and the top of each step.”
The type of structure will largely dictate how much railing you’ll need to do the job. Expect to pay between $100 and $250 for a railing to run along a set of 3-foot high steps that ascend from a walk to a front door.
Larger structures, such as an elevated front porch with an open side that measures 8 feet long and 5 feet deep, will cost around $1,400 for a railing.
However, a railing for a large 10-foot-deep-by-20-foot-long elevated back patio will cost between $2,000 to $4,400, depending on the rail’s material.
You can add coating to wick away moisture or make the railing more resistant to harsh weather. These additions cost $20 to $85 per gallon.
The number and size of the steps can add to the cost since more steps require a longer railing. Standard staircases need approximately 25 feet of railing, while front door steps (depending on the length of your walkway) may need 10 feet or less of railing.
Adding your own unique flair to your stair railings, such as intricate designs in a wrought-iron railing or custom colors for a metal railing, can cost up to $900 per linear foot.
The cost to paint or refinish a deck railing varies based on the size of the deck and the condition of the railing—generally, painting railings costs between $4 and $8 per linear foot. For a more comprehensive refinishing, which includes sanding and staining, the cost typically ranges from $5 to $12 per linear foot. For a 200-square-foot deck with 40 linear feet of railing, you might expect to spend around $160 to $480, depending on the project's specifics.
If you’re replacing an older hand railing, you’ll need to factor in the cost of removing the existing one. Removal can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the material and how the railing is attached. Simpler railings, like those made of wood or lightweight metal, will be on the lower end, while heavier or more intricately installed railings, such as wrought iron or concrete-embedded railings, could push the price higher.
Your new railing will require anchors, fasteners, or connectors to securely attach the railing to the steps, and these items will cost $10 to $20.
You’ll also need a hammer drill with a masonry bit, which costs about $50 to $100. A level, measuring tape, and safety goggles are also handy for this project and cost $20 to $30 total.
In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a building permit for $20 to $30 to install a new railing. Because they are a safety feature, stair rails need to meet certain building codes.
“Be sure to check with your HOA or any other group that regulates appearance,” says Tschudi. “We were restoring a 1859 home and were informed by the historic society that the iron railing on the steps was circa 1950s. It had to be removed and replaced with a period-specific style. Likewise, some HOAs have specific requirements on railing styles.”
You can save about $30 per foot (the cost of labor) by installing a railing yourself. But because railings are for safety purposes, it’s best left to a local stair railing installation specialist. If you don’t anchor the railing properly, it could lead to injuries.
If you have the proper training and decide to DIY, expect to spend about $320 to $380 on tools and materials to get the job done.
For most, handrail installation is best left to the pros, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego a budget. Here are a few ways to make your new handrail more budget-friendly:
Opt for prefabricated railings. Custom railings can get pricey, especially with intricate designs. Prefabricated options come in a wide range of stylish choices at a lower cost.
Choose low-maintenance materials. Vinyl or aluminum might cost more upfront, but they save you money long-term since they require less upkeep compared to wood or wrought iron.
Do your own finishing. If you’re handy, consider painting or staining the railing yourself after it’s installed. This can save you on some labor costs while allowing you to add a personal touch.
Remove an existing railing yourself. For those replacing a railing, tackling the removal of the older railing can save you the added expense of having a pro do it.
Install shorter or fewer railings. If your goal is safety rather than aesthetics, limit the railing length to only the most necessary areas, like stairs or steep walkways.
Complete multiple outdoor projects at once. You may be able to bundle handrail installation with other exterior work, like a deck or patio, to cut down on the number of trips or setup fees.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Wood and metal are popular railing options for concrete structures. Although wood is less expensive, metal will offer more durability in the long run. Wood is more susceptible to the elements, like rain and wind, so it can wear down over time.
As for metal, iron and stainless steel are the strongest and longest-lasting options, which is why they tend to be more popular than aluminum railings. Although if you’re looking to tighten your budget, aluminum is still a good choice. Vinyl is another railing option that stands up well against moisture, but it isn’t as attractive as wood or metal railings. Composite railing offers the look of wood without requiring as much maintenance.
Before installing a railing, first, inspect and repair your deck to make sure there are no hazards and the area is ready to work on. Then you should consider adding some deck lighting to brighten up your outdoor space and improve both visibility and accessibility. If your deck is uncovered, it might be time to throw up an awning for much-needed shade in the summer.
The Americans With Disabilities Act requires wheelchair ramps that ascend more than 6 inches or extend further than 6 feet to have a railing on both sides to prevent falls. The tops of the handrails should be between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp.
The cost to install a wheelchair ramp is between $1,000 to $3,000.
