I need to repair a stair handrail that has come out of my plaster wall. One end of the rail was not connected to a stud, so has come lose. It is a nice railing, so I would prefer not to buy a new one or cut it to fit. So what I am wondering is, can I cut a hole in the wall and put additional support in to support my already existing handrail?
How to build a support onto a stud in order to support a handrail
plasterrepairstairs
Related Solutions
Most access panels have a lip that covers a good half inch around the perimeter of the opening, so you don't have to make the hole perfect. Pick up your desired panel from the store so you have a reference. It should include a door and a separate part for mounting on the wall:
Start by cutting your hole slightly smaller with a drywall keyhole saw.
Check for any obstructions with this hole and adjust the position accordingly to make your final hole. Use the panel on the wall as a template to mark out the position of the final hole, and then cut that out with either the same saw, a sharp utility knife, and/or a rasp:
You really don't want to disturb the lath with a light fixture. The plaster is fragily 'keyed' into the gaps between the lath. The weight of the light must connect to structure. Ideally, the light fixture should be independent of the plaster.
The plaster must be 'quietly' cut back. I use a continuous rim diamond wheel (4 1/2 inch on an angle grinder) to cut the plaster.
You need to carefully cut back the exposed lath and use a 'feeler' probe to find how far away the joists are, to each side.
You should use the Polyfilla powder for interiors, powered gypsum joint compound (with plaster-of-paris for setting) or an authentic lime based plaster (for best compatibility).
Traditionally plaster involves a brown coat, a scratch coat and a finish coat. Metal lath is useful for making repairs to existing ceilings.
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Best Answer
You can install one or more handrail brackets under the railing and line them up directly with the studs. You should be able to find them at any hardware store:
Alternatively, yes, you can open the wall and install a nailer (2x4 installed horizontally between the studs), but this will require some plaster or drywall patching and painting. I would fix the nailer in place with screws to minimize the vibration that may cause more damage to the surrounding drywall. To avoid opening the wall up too much, I'm guessing you'll end up going in at an angle from the front and bottom of the nailer into the stud. It would be better to go in from the opposite side of the stud, but that would result in a lot more wall to repair (you want any joints to be on a stud).