Handrail installation in Exeter
Professional handrail installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Handrails fitted securely to stairs and corridors. Wall-mounted support rails installed at correct height with solid brackets.
Safe Access You Can Trust
Stairs getting difficult? A proper handrail makes all the difference - but only if it's solid enough to actually lean on. Decorative rails are useless, it needs to be bombproof.
💡 Pro tip: Building regs say handrails must withstand 0.36kN horizontal load (about 36kg of force). In practice, fit it so you could hang from it without it budging.
Why Secure Installation Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Into solid wall - holds full weight | Just plasterboard - useless |
| Correct height - actually helpful | Wrong height - awkward to use |
| Smooth, no snags | Splinters, rough brackets |
| Level with stairs pitch | Horizontal - doesn't follow stairs |
Pricing Guide
| Handrail Length | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Short (2-3m) single flight | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Standard staircase (3-4m) | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Long or complex (5m+) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr. Difficult walls may add time.
Why Choose Us for Handrail installation in Exeter?
Securely mounted to hold full weight
Correct height for safe use
Brackets positioned optimally
Works on any wall type
What to Expect
Step 1: Measure & Mark
Work out correct height, mark bracket positions along staircase pitch.
Step 2: Fix Brackets
Drill into solid wall/studs with heavy-duty fixings, mount brackets securely.
Step 3: Attach Rail & Test
Fix handrail to brackets, test by pulling hard - must be absolutely solid.
🔧 DIY Tips
🔧 Tools needed: Drill, level, detector, appropriate fixings for wall type
📐 Installation:
- Mark 900-1000mm from stair pitch line
- Position brackets max 1m apart
- Check for cables/pipes with detector
- Drill into solid areas only
- Use heavy-duty fixings
- Attach rail, test thoroughly
⚠️ Common mistakes: Wrong height, too few brackets, weak fixings, not following stair pitch
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Old Exeter houses often have lath and plaster walls on stairs. They're hollow behind, need special fixings or long screws to solid backing.
Both sides of stairs? Some stairs need rails both sides (wide stairs, people with mobility issues). Doing both in one visit is more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should a handrail be?
Building regs say 900-1000mm from pitch line of stairs (the imaginary diagonal line through the stair nosings). In practice, about chest/waist height for most people. I can position based on your preference within the safe range.
How many brackets does a handrail need?
Maximum 1 meter apart for domestic stairs. A typical staircase (13 steps) needs 3-4 brackets minimum. More brackets = stronger and more stable. I'll position them to avoid weak points in the wall.
Can you fit handrails to lath and plaster walls?
Yes but it's trickier - there's often a cavity behind the plaster. I use long screws to reach solid backing, or spring toggles if needed. Lath and plaster is common in older Exeter houses, I deal with it regularly.
Do I need to buy the handrail first?
Yes - measure your stairs and buy the right length rail. Wood or metal, whatever suits your house. Send me photos if you're not sure what length you need.
Will it be strong enough for someone who really needs support?
If fitted properly, absolutely. I use heavy-duty fixings into solid wall or studs, test it myself before leaving. Handrails aren't decorative - they're safety equipment.
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Got multiple jobs?
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