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Need good source for modern WALL HANDRAIL - for stairs

8 years ago

I have a staircase that has a wall on either side. It's an entry stairwell, so to meet code it has to have a handrail. There's currently a blocky wood rail but it looks very dated, and my place has been updated in a very contemporary style.

I have no idea where to look for a modern hand rail to replace the wood one. Any suggestions? I'm thinking steel, or something like that...? There were some interesting things on Etsy, but ideally, I'd like a place that can install, too, because I want it done well.

Are there any retail sources for this type of thing? Or, who should I ask? Or should I shop online (this scares me, it's a heavy item and I'd also like to be able to look/feel the item before I buy it).

Any thoughts?

Featured Answer

olychick

8 years ago

I'd look up local ornamental iron shops, as well as welding shops and see what they can do for you. I'd find some examples of what you like and if they don't do what you prefer, they may have ideas about who to contact.

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Comments (9)

Annie Deighnaugh
8 years ago
You could go with a metal tubing ... chrome, brass, whatever.
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Hi, I have a couple of thoughts for you. I fabricate gates and small railings on the side, so I do have some experience in the matter. First off, yes, most fabricators order the pickets and other components from one of a few places and assemble/weld to suit. Two of the main places to find these components are Architectural Iron Designs, Inc. (www.archirondesign.com) and Kind Architectural Metals (www.kingmetals.com); check out their websites to see some of these components for yourself. The only other possibility is if you are hiring a blacksmith to custom make each picket, but I doubt you are unless you plan on spending a lot of $$$. Secondly, on the powdercoating subject it's a form of finish that is applied as a powder and then baked on. It comes in most colors and finishes (gloss, seim, matte) and is extremely durable. It will hold up much better to the elements than paint. Here in NC it costs *about* $10 per foot to have a standard (36" or 42" high) railing powdercoated. Usually about 2-3 times more expensive than paint, but well worth it. With paint it is impossible to get in every crevice and especially around the welds......if you have any rain or humidity you will see rust within a month based on what I've seen. Your fabricator should be able to take care of having it powdercoated, just tell him the color/finish you want. Hope this helps, David
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Honestly, people were just hardier in days of yore. My very scary, steep, hardwood floor staircase in my 1913 bungalow had no signs of ever having a handrail. I installed one for ME, no kids involved. I had a handyman put up one that looked just like Marie's above. When I moved from that house, I took it off to get my furniture down. Pretty simple actually. To be honest I would not use a velvet or other rope. I need something to really grab onto if I slip on the hardwood floors; not something that could rip or pull away. Oh, I also found that investing in non-slip socks is a must!
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I really like that!! You may be right that it is better done in a new build, but it's certainly a question I can run by one of our contractors. Even if we can't do it, you really nailed the look I was hoping for : )) Here is the best I've seen on Houzz, but it's difficult to choose online. https://tinyurl.com/SandedBronzeSquareHandRail
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The post I mentioned would not be at the bottom tread so the design of a continuous handrail would have to bypass the post to get to a newel at the bottom tread and there would need to be a guard at the new opening whether it be solid, balusters, etc. At first glance it seems a potentially messy solution. Perhaps the handrail could be at the other side and the guard could terminate at the post. The bottom tread should have had returns at each side. Its looks like a abasement stair in the entryway.
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sabigabatini
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm now leaning toward using a light colored or stained wood rail with metal brackets, like this:
gardener123
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Lucite, with bracket finish options. I've not ordered from them, but I'm thinking about getting the towel bars. It doesn't look too difficult to install. A handyman can do it.
sabigabatini thanked gardener123
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
8 years ago
If you live anywhere near Black Dawgs salvage from the TV show Salvage Dawgs I would definitely have them create one. They do amazing work. They do work by order and ship too. Black Dawgs
sabigabatini thanked ravencajun Zone 8b TX
sabigabatini
Original Author
8 years ago
Gardener123, funny, I saw those lucite rails too, on Etsy. While they look really nice in the picture, somehow I don't think it would work in my condo - they're just a little too commercial or retail looking...or something...maybe I'm not articulating it well, but something about them makes me think they'd look wrong!

Ravencajun, I'm pretty close to deciding to build a simple one from a pine or hemlock wood rod, along with iron or brushed metal casings/wall brackets. But I will check out Black Dawgs anyway, thx! I have no idea where they're located though, will find out soon enough.
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
8 years ago
I really like the look of the wood railing with the metal brackets you posted, Duchamp. Might have to use that idea myself someday!
katlan
8 years ago
Salvage Dawgs would be awesome, but I think it would be a whole lot more than a pretty penny. Salvage Dawgs is the name of their show, their business is Black Dog Salvage. Here's their address and phone number....

Black Dog Salvage

Saved to your Map

View on Map

4.75 Google reviews

Architectural Salvage Store

Address: 902 13th St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Phone:(540) 343-6200
fwcor
8 years ago
For stainless, try buyrailings.com. We bought an entire set up with metal posts and cable, along with metal handrails, but you can purchase the handrails without the rest. Its great contemporary look.
sabigabatini thanked fwcor

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