The handrail coming down the three steps must be firmly mounted to the wall about 32"high off the edge of the steps.
Installation varies. Of course, you get a run of handrail (wood) and two to three wall mounting brackets.

If stairway wall is plaster or sheetrock, locate these to mount the brackets to. Its the best way for integrity.

If the wall is masonry or block, you can basically mount the brackets anywhere.

In this application you'll need a hammerdrill and some Blue Screws. These blue screws are for masonry applications and are available at most big box stores. I'd use 1/4" x 2 - 3/4" lond with a hex head top. Phillips head tend to strip.

Good Luck.

All the best,

The Porch Guy

Here is a link that might be useful: My Album

Better check with your local building department for code requirements.

32" above toe used to work, no longer around here, 34"-36" for graspable handrail.

Al

A handrail and a guard rail are completely different things governed by different building codes. Guardrails protect people from falling off an edge. Handrails help people use stairs and inclines (graspable handrail). Make sure you build each to the correct standard.

Porchguy's advice might work if you've got walls on either side of your three steps off your concrete porch. I'm willing to bet you don't.

A freestanding graspable handrail could be accomplished using galvanized metal pipe and a threaded pipe flange. The bottom pipe flange is screwed to the concrete walkway using Titen screws (http://www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/mechanical/titen/) or similar. The pipe would be returned to the concrete porch where the upper pipe flange would be screwed down (same method)

You could search online for handrail components or build one using stuff at your local hardware store.

Mac

We have 3 steps of PT 2x12 down to the patio, the rise is 5". I used some top rail for a chain link fence and adjustable top rail brackets for the railing. Brackets to hold down are for metal fencing. Painted the whole thing with some leftover sand color oil paint. Looks sharp and grandma really appreciates it.