How to Remove Stair Rails

Wall-mounted Stair Rails

Stair rails don't last forever.

1. Undo the screws that connect the stair rail to the wall-mounted brackets. Use a screwdriver to accomplish this.

2. Pry the stair rail up off the brackets. If a touch of glue was used to help hold the rail in place, you may have to pry up more forcefully.

3. Carry the rail down or up the stairs to a desirable storage location.

Spindle and Newel Post-mounted Stair Rails

1. Pry out the top, flat filler piece that is in between the first spindle and newel post. Pry it out with a pry bar and claw hammer. This piece may be glued in and so you'll have to hit it fairly hard. Don't worry if you break it because new pieces are inexpensive.

2. Slide each subsequent spindle upward until the wood filler pieces fall out of the underlying groove of the stair rail. Each of these may be tacked in with glue and so prying may be required. Continue detaching the spindles until you get to the bottom newel post.

3. Locate the screws that hold the stair rail to the newel posts. You'll usually see a small wood plug. This plug covers the screw head. The head of the screw will be on the opposite side from the rail. Pop the plugs out with a flathead screwdriver.

4. Undo the screws with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. The rail should now be free from the newel posts. Lift the rail up off the spindles and remove it from the staircase.