In my new house these two rails:
are wobbly and feel unsafe. It seems to me that whatever I do to the existing pieces, they're always going to be rather unsafe—they're low (less than 3 feet high) and will always have a tendency to get wobbly rapidly, due to the one-ended way they're attached and the small area that's contacting the walls. .
I'd like to replace them with something sturdier—ideally something to which I'll then be able to attach a top-of-stairs baby gate.
My first problem is that I've been unable to even search for replacement items, because I'm at a loss for how to describe these top-of-stairs-sawn-off-stairwell-side-rail-ettes. Can anyone tell me what they're called, point me in the right direction to shop for replacements, and/or supply any further advice on how to construct something better in the limited space available?
Best Answer
With the limited space on the right side. Here's a couple ideas that may help you.
Buy or build yourself a pair of stair posts. If you choose to purchase, they come in all sorts of different sizes and designs.
Example
Build a half wall or full wall on both sides. Lots of ideas bouncing around the Internet. Be creative.