Wood is the cheapest metal railing material costing $20 to $60 per linear foot installed. Wood is prone to water and pest damage when exposed to the elements, so outdoor use is not recommended. When most people think of a wood railing, they picture an outdated oak staircase railing with turned wooden spindles, but there are much more visually appealing wooden railings available to suit farmhouse, industrial, and even modern homes.

If you want the high-end look of glass or cable railings without the high price, mixing materials is a great way to save money and make an old wooden railing look more up-to-update and contemporary. Adding black metal accents or cable balusters can completely change the look of a wooden railing.

Painting your existing railings costs $20 to $70 per hour for a professional painter. The project typically takes from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the railing details. A railing with more intricate designs will take longer than a simple railing with fewer details. Painting the balusters and railing in contrasting colors like black and white is a great way to make a staircase more dramatic.

Painting railings is a simple project that requires basic DIY skills. However, you may want to hire a professional to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and looks smooth. To ensure the best coverage, prepare the railing by cleaning it thoroughly. For metal railings, be sure to remove any rust with a wire brush and add a coating of rust-resistant primer.

The parts of a staircase are often misnamed or confused when discussing a staircase remodel or replacement project. Here are some definitions that may help as plan your staircase project:

• Stair rail (also called the handrail) – The horizontal bar that you hold onto for support.
• Balusters (also called the spindles) – The evenly spaced vertical posts that support the handrail and provide a safety barrier along the staircase.
• Post (also called a newel post) – The vertical structure at the top and bottom of the stairs that support the handrail and anchor the railing system to the floor.
• Risers – The vertical surfaces between the treads.
• Treads – The horizontal surfaces you step on.
• Nosings – The portion of the tread that overhangs the front of the riser and prevents people from tripping.
• Stringer (also called the sting or stringer board) – The long, sloping board that runs along each side or center of the staircase for vertical support.

Some of the most popular options for where to buy a stair railing include:

• Home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards sell a variety of prefabricated stair railings and pre-packaged railing kits that include several railing components.
• Custom stair railing companies fabricate made-to-order railings in your preferred style, material, and details.
• Local lumberyards often offer in-stock railings in standard sizes as well as custom-milled pieces cut to suit your special requests.

The top railing of the handrail should be 34 to 38 inches above the floor or the nosing line, which is the portion of the treat that overhangs the front of the riser. This standard height is recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the International Building Code (IBC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

An exception to the 34" to 38" rule is for staircases where children will be the primary users, a maximum handrail height of 28 inches is suggested. If the railing includes a second adult handrail, there should be a minimum of 9 inches of clearance between the child and adult handrails.

To clean your wrought iron railings, simply dust regularly with a soft cloth and clean as needed with mild soap and water. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the painted or powder-coated finish. To extend the lifespan of your wrought iron railings, perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Apply a coat of paint or powder coat to protect the wrought iron from rain and snow if used outdoors.
• Inspect the railings regularly to look for signs of rust or corrosion.
• Quickly repair any damage, removing rust with a wire brush.
• Reapply the protective coating every 10 to 15 years, or more often in coastal climates or areas with extreme weather conditions.

Ask your stair railing installer these important questions before starting the project:

• How many years have you been installing stair railings?
• Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Will you complete the installation yourself or hire a subcontractor?
• What material do you recommend for my exterior stair railing?
• Does your quote include removing and disposing of the old railing?
• How long will the railing installation take?
• What warranty do you offer on the materials and labor?
• Will you protect the rest of my home from damage during the staircase project?

Choosing the right stair railing installer will ensure your staircase is safe and looks great. Consider the following suggestions when selecting an installer for your staircase project:

• Compare multiple estimates featuring the same railing material for an accurate cost comparison.
• Hire only a licensed, bonded, and insured railing installer with several years of experience.
• Read the stair contractor's reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Request a written estimate, contract, and warranty information before the project starts.
• Work out a payment plan rather than paying before the project is done.