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Garden Accoutrements

Hand rails for steep stairs -- need suggestions!

18 years ago

I've been lurking here (and in the Hypertufa forum) for ages. We recently purchased a "new" home.....it's a 50+ year old small cabin on a lake in NE Washington. It has concrete stairs leading down to the dock and, as my husband is still recovering from a stroke, I'd like to add a hand rail. Really appreciate any suggestions on what to make it out of. I know I could use wood 4 X 4 posts and 1X4 rails. I've also been toying with using PVC filled with cement for the posts and maybe even pvc for the hand rail if I could figure out how to strengthen it. Also been toying with soaking old rope in cement and winding it around the PVC. Strength, looks and cost are my concerns (in that order).

Looking forward to actually DOING some projects rather than just dreaming about them! Appreciate your suggestions.

Sandy

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Comments (2)

rain1950
18 years ago
You can strengthen PVC pipe by using the spray foam insulation. Dill holes about every 12" and shot the foam in.
billie_ann
18 years ago
Sandy, What posts you use will depend on the soil. If it's rocky you may have a problem putting in wood or pvc. You may have to drive in metal posts. If the sides of the concrete steps are exposed you may be able to bolt posts to the sides. Heavy rope can be strung between your posts for a handrail.
Looking forward to seeing your first posts in the Hypertufa forum. Billie
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