If you're building a basic freestanding handrail from your porch - first tell us if it's concrete steps or if it's wood. That will make a difference on how you attach it.

For wood stairs, you'll need to take 2x4s or 4x4s (stronger)and attach them to the stairs in an upright position - so on the top step and the bottom step and probably one in the middle too - depending on how far the stairs go down. To attach to wooden stairs, you can drill a hole and install with a lag bolt (through the stair riser and the 2x4). If concrete, you'll need to install directly to the concrete with concrete bolts (will need to rent a driver at the store). Then you can simply screw 2x4s or whatever type of boards you want as the rails (top, middle and bottom). Hope it works for you. You can also get a pre-fab steel railing at many hardware stores.

Thank you for such a clear description of doing this job .I have the confidence to do it now , as soon as the weather permits .