making a railing for hardscape steps

[garry_]

we got some hardscape steps and my wife asked to add a railing to them.
the steps are short and narrow out of versalok and caps, my wife wants a railing because the grade on one side is a little steep, she's worried that someone steps off or falls.
I never did this before, can this be something that a beginner can install? Any ideas on what I need to get and how to install it?
I think if I try to attach it to the block, we will lose too much space. these steps are only 3.5' wide
I'm thinking about just putting a steel pipe with a post pounder, then maybe bolting or welding a premade railing in

 

[Alan]

That's manageable and honestly, the easiest and sturdiest way to do this is exactly what you thought, grab two 2" steel posts, make sure they’re long enough to bury at least two feet, and use a manual post pounder to drive them into the ground right next to the steps. Make sure to constantly with a level to keep them perfectly straight. Once those posts are deep and solid—maybe even throw a little quick-set concrete around the top for extra peace of mind—you just bolt your pre-made railing section onto the posts using special adjustable brackets that can handle the stair angle, cap the posts, and you're done! It gives your wife the safety she wants without messing up the hardscape.

 

[c0ntractortim]

I never did this before, can this be something that a beginner can install?

ofc you can do it, maybe you can find the tutorial on YT. go with your instinct to install the posts outside the steps and concrete them in. this is the safest and easiest route that won't compromise the integrity of your hardscape.

 

[stev3njr]

checkout youtube channel like remodelaholic or homeowner repair. they got tutorials on how to add railings on a stairway