Made-to-measure handrails for stairs and balustrades

A staircase balustrade is the complete structure designed to protect against falls from the open side of a staircase. A handrail is the part intended to provide a handhold, while a top rail is the upper finishing element of a balustrade. Depending on the design, a top rail may also serve as a handrail.

A handrail can be fitted to the balustrade or mounted separately on a wall. Different terms are sometimes used for this gripping element. On certain balustrades, the top rail can also serve as a handhold. A staircase balustrade on the open side of a staircase can be combined with a wall-mounted handrail on the other side, while some frameless glass balustrades can be designed without a top rail.

That depends on the width and design of the stairs, how they are used and the applicable building requirements. Handrails on both sides can make it easier to find a secure grip, particularly for users with reduced mobility.

On a wide staircase, reaching a handrail on the opposite side may be difficult. Narrow or curved stairs need to be assessed according to their layout and local requirements. Where children or older people use the stairs regularly, accessible handrails are particularly valuable. In England and Wales, Approved Document K says stairs narrower than 1 m need a handrail on at least one side, and stairs 1 m or wider need handrails on both sides.

The best material depends on whether the handrail will be indoors or outdoors, how much maintenance you want to do and how you want it to feel in your hand. Timber gives a warm, natural grip, while stainless steel and aluminium are easy to care for and more minimalist.

Oak and ash are mainly suited to indoor use, while jatoba is a hardwood for anyone who wants timber in more exposed locations too. Stainless steel handrails are supplied in AISI 304 for indoor use and AISI 316 for outdoor use. Powder-coated aluminium can be matched to the balustrade. Timber needs care as required to keep its finish, while metal mainly needs cleaning.

The height of a handrail depends on local building requirements and the staircase or ramp. It should be positioned where your hand naturally seeks support, be easy to grip and provide support throughout its length. In England and Wales, Approved Document K gives a handrail height of 900–1000 mm.

The handrail should follow the slope of the stairs at a consistent height and normally run without interruption. Measure the height vertically from the front edge of each step to maintain a consistent position along the staircase. In areas used by children or older people, an additional lower handrail may make the stairs easier to use. Follow the installation instructions for your chosen system.

We recommend leaving about 50 mm of clear space between the wall and the handrail. This gives your fingers room to grip the handrail and move along it without hitting the wall or bracket fixings. The clearance helps make the handrail comfortable to use along its full length.

What matters is the clear distance between the outside of the handrail and the wall, not how far the bracket projects. A thicker handrail may therefore need a bracket with greater projection to provide the same grip clearance. Mouldings, panelling and other protruding features can reduce the available space, so check the entire length before choosing a bracket.

A wall-mounted handrail is secured using brackets fixed to a sound part of the wall. The appropriate fixings depend on the wall material and its construction. Once installed, the handrail should be firmly secured and should not move when a load is applied. Choosing the correct fixings is essential.

For timber-framed or plasterboard walls, it is generally best to secure the brackets to studs or suitable reinforcement behind the surface. For concrete walls, use fixings designed for concrete. Mark the handrail position, align the brackets and check that the handrail follows the staircase before tightening the fixings. Longer handrails may require additional brackets to provide adequate support.

A handrail should begin early enough for you to grip it before taking the first step and continue until you can stand securely on level ground. This provides support through the transition between the stairs and the floor, where balance can be lost. Where space allows, extending the handrail beyond the top and bottom of the stairs can help.

Finish the handrail with a rounded end or return it towards the wall to avoid a protruding end, and keep the handrail continuous where possible. In confined spaces, doors and walkways may limit its length. Check the building requirements that apply locally.

The right staircase balustrade depends on whether the staircase is indoors or outdoors, how much light and openness you want to retain, and the style of your home. Common materials include glass, aluminium, stainless steel, timber and wire, sometimes combined. Each creates a different look.

Glass allows light through and creates an open feel. Aluminium is relatively easy to maintain indoors and outdoors, while stainless steel provides a metallic finish that pairs well with glass and timber. Timber is often chosen for handrails because it feels warm to the touch. Wire can create an open appearance, but horizontal wires may be easy for children to climb. Weather resistance and maintenance are especially important outdoors; light, space and style often take priority indoors.