Just finished a second floor addition – Inspector says that since a bedroom was added, the stair handrail has to be brought up to current code. The stairway is enclosed most of the way (solid walls on both sides), but it is exposed for the last three or so treads.
I’d like to do something either in a brushed nickel finish or maple to match the rest of the woodwork. I’ve priced having something custom fabricated, and I’m getting prices around $70 a linear foot!
Anyone know of a good supplier of pre-fab stairway components in metal or maple? I should tell you, the stairway makes some unusual angles and the house is fairly contemporary.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Replies
Bump
I am looking for an industial style brushed aluminum hand rail system also so have you searched the net?
ANDYSZ2
I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
I have searched the net, and there is a LOT of industrial handrail out there. I like the industrial look sometimes, but not in this application.
Let me know if you find anything.
Bob
Cant you get typical round maple hand rail? You should be able to buy all the eases, goosenecks or whatever is needed to make the whole thing up.
Doubt your going to find a premade piece that will fit your situation.
Doug
Haven't found that stuff locally. Guess I'll just have to spend a half a day at the local supplier going through catalogues. I knew I wasn't going to get custom, but I was hoping for something that didn't require an engineer to build.
Why doesn't Lego make building materials?
thx
bb
"Why doesn't Lego make building materials?"it does it's just that they are very small!!;o)
think... if i was you I'd buy a $400 migwelder... and with $100 worth of material and some industrial paint you could have what you like and a welder for future projects...
I think you might enjoy it
P
Before you get too tied to a particular material, finish or look, don't forget to give the codes a healthy review. They may set limits that end up dictating the material that will lend itself best to your application.
I made my handrail out of 3/4" x 2-1/4" white oak stock, by gluing two 3/4" pieces together to form a slightly rectangular cross section 1-1/2" thick. I then rounded each corner with a 1-1/2" (diam.) round-over bit in a router table. Since the begining cross-section is slightly rectangular, the railing is not round, but shaped like a race-track, I suppose. It gives the rail more body, it has a flat place which facilitates mounting, meets code and looks better than a round rail. But, if you have many turns and twists, it may drive you crazy trying to make any cross section work other than a round (circular) one.
Good luck!
rb-arch