Finally installed a much-needed handrail which is both functional and looks good in that spot.
It was assembled on the floor to keep it square but I ended up cutting the end pieces 1/8" short. Doh. To fix the mistake I used a stack of paint-able cardboard as spacers and trimmed around the edge. The screw ends will get a little filler putty. I'm not a good carpenter among other things.
The rail is not parallel to the steep stair angle However, it is a small space and ended up being easier to grab and far more sturdy. Visibly, it also looks correct and only a tape measure reveals the flaw.
