Handrails for Stairs
When building or renovating your home, the handrails you chose for your stairs will be an important decision. Handrails for stars come in a variety of materials and styles to fit every need and décor. Aside from your décor and the kind of use the stairs will be getting, there are also safety considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a look at some popular types of handrails for stairs.
The first thing to consider when choosing handrails for stairs is where the stairs are located. Outdoor stars need handrails that will stand up to harsh weather and extreme temperatures. Wooden handrails are a poor choice in many cases because they tend to crack and rot after being exposed to the weather for awhile. To lengthen the life of wooden stair railings choose a solid, pressure treated hardwood and use a good stain and sealer on them to protect from moisture.
Steel handrails can be both strong and decorative, but it’s crucial that they be painted with a good paint like Rustoleum to repel rust. Any rust that does occur should be sanded off and sealed promptly. A metal railing that is allowed to rust will lose its stability and strength, making it a safety hazard.
Indoors, wood or wrought iron handrails are popular and highly decorative. Indoor handrails are also available in vinyl, aluminum and even stone. Wrought iron handrails are available in intricate designs and are virtually maintenance free.
Handrails for stairs should be able to hold a concentrated load of about 200lbs. Steel and aluminum railings accomplish this easily but many wooden handrails cannot bear such a load. This can be a safety hazard. Remember, the main reason handrails for stairs are so important is to provide stability when going up or down the stairs.
If children will be using the stairs regularly it makes sense to install another set of handrails at their height to provide extra safety. Senior citizens and others who require help with stairs may benefit from extra wide handrails.
For an unusual look that ads a strong level of safety, consider the newest handrail material, LEDs. Some designers are offering stair railings and handrails made out of lighted LED tubes. They add a funky, whimsical touch while the light they give off helps illuminate dark hallways and stairwells, reducing both crime and injury.
When buying handrails for stairs, purchase the highest quality ones you can find and make sure they are installed properly. Wobbly, unstable hand rails are a recipe for disaster.
