What You Should Know About Your Staircase’s Handrail

If you are attempting to build your own handrail or to repair your staircase’s existing one, there are a number of things that you should know about this wondrous support before you even think about starting. Not only is the safety of the rail something that should definitely be taken into consideration, there is a certain terminology associated with handrails that it definitely helps to have an understanding of.

There are actually a number of parts that comprise a handrail as we know it, and they can be defined by the following:

• Top rail – This is the name given to the strip of material that runs horizontally to the staircase a few feet off the ground.
• Shoe rail – This is the name given to the strip of materials that runs horizontally to the staircase directly on the steps.
• Balusters – This is the name given to the vertical pieces that fit in between the top and shoe rails. They are there to prevent people from falling sideways off the staircase.
• Fillets – This is the name given to the strips of wood that hold the balusters in place and ensure that they are evenly spaced. They are often used instead of drilling holes into the handrails.
• Newel posts – This is the name given to the posts that feature at either end of the handrail. They are designed to hold the rails in place and often feature decorative tops.
• Rosettes – This is the name given to wooden pieces that are fitted between the handrail and the wall. They are completely optional and are generally used to add a decorative touch.
• Cap – This is the name given to the boards that cover the half-height wall that the handrail may have been fitted to.
• Bull nose – This is the name given to a covering for the step edge, which is sometimes added for safety. It is also completely optional.

When it comes to choosing the various parts of your handrail, it is of the utmost importance that you are consistent with your choices and that they all blend together seamlessly. This will not only ensure that your staircase works, it will also ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing. When building your repairing your handrail, it is also important that you take into account any and all safety regulations, as this will ensure that accidents and injuries are prevented as much as possible.