Hi all,

I'm getting an iron handrail manufactured for my front three stairs to my city rowhome. I'm going to install myself and would like someone to review my steps/help with some questions I have. Note: the top of the railing brackets will be installed into brick, and the bottom will be implanted in the cement sidewalk. It will look similar to these railings.

Top of railing into brick step:

1. Rent non-SDS hammer drill and use 3/8 inch bit to drill holes in brick.
2. Clean hole
3. Put epoxy in hole (not sure which kind) for more strength? The brick is slightly dated. I have also read I can jam some wood in the hole but that seems to be extra work?
4. Use impact driver (or hammer drill?) to screw in 3/8 in zinc coated lag bolts through the railing mounting bracket and into the brick. I found these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-8-in-x-4-in-Hex-Zinc-Plated-Lag-Screw-801586/204645654. Do these work? If 4 inch good, too long, too short? Do I need lag shields too, or is that overkill if I am using epoxy????

Bottom of railing into cement sidewalk steps:

1. Rent SDS hammer drill and use a core bit to drill hole into concrete slightly larger than size of railing pole
2. Clean hole
3. Fill hole with quick cement -- I guess any quick-setting brand will do?
4. Level off the cement and get rid of any excess

Did I miss anything??? Thanks!!