Is it easy to install a stair bannister yourself?

My husband and I are buying a house that has a set of stairs with no bannister on it. It's completely open on one side, so I'd like to install something so as to keep us from falling or sliding off the side. Is it easy to do it yourself? If not, how much would it cost (just approximately) to hire a carpenter to do it?

Thanks for any help you can give!

I don't see how this can be construed as an "easy" project, unless you have lots of woodworking tools and experience. To make it look nice and fit in with the current style of the house, I think it may be more difficult to get it to turn out looking right ( the desireable choice ), than just have a crude installation that will be safe, but not look good.
I have no idea what it would cost for you to have one installed. But I certainly would NOT consider it to be an "easy" install unless you have lots of woodworking experience AND the proper tools. Not from some of the older bannister designs I'm familiar with. Can't hurt to check with the local Home Depot to see if there are smarter and easier alternative installations than the old types. Good luck!

The Gremlin Guy

Building codes stipulate distance of posts and height. Surprised they can sell without it, unless you bought 'as is'. Not an easy DIY project.

Follow the pattern fROM the one you took off.

get a carpenter to do this right

Yes they are easy to do. Go to your local home improvement store. They have all the premade materials and even instructions on how to install. We just put one in.

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