Hi, all
Don’t post much but I have a question- I’m designing a circular deck with about 17′ radius. Fairly straightforward, except for the handrail itself. Can this material be bent or formed on a curve without breaking or distorting? Any experience shared is much appreciated.
Nick
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I'd either glue up laminate strips or join segmented pieces.
I'm actually thinking about the stock composite handrail product that you can buy off the shelf as part of the railing package.
Nick
Depending on brand, that stuff is wax/wood/glue or plastic. I think therefore steam bending is out of the question. Unless you have enough of the plastic kind to experiment.
Segments or glueups will work, just need to change the adhesive.
Some composites are extremely flexible, allowing then to be formed as long as supports can hold the form. I recall reading that someone heated a product, such as Trex, which allowed the forming. Wide composite boards are often used as deck skirting without additional preparation. Just bend to the radius and fasten well. Don't know, specifically, about thicker railing components.
You'll note that composites will expand or contract depending upon ambient temperature so it's possible that a good hot day would generate the heat needed to form your railing.
Looks like I've found an answer buried in the Trex website. An installation guide shows a detail of a heating tube made of sonotube, into which the trex boards or railing is placed. The material has to be heated to an internal temp of 140d min. and then bent using a jig. Each piece has to cool for 4-6 hours. They claim it will retain its shape. I noted that this is for 5/4 decking bent on the flat, and for the 'designer' series handrail.
Nick