Railroad projects are easy to do as long as you have the right tools with you. They can be accomplished in a matter of hours if you follow the proper procedures. Do-it-yourself handrail projects are less physically taxing since you don’t have to bend over when installing them.
Before starting this project, first make sure you have the necessary materials and tools with you. For your handrail, you will need the tubes, end caps, as well as brackets and screws. The tube is the post that serves as the main handrail, the end caps are the cover at the end of the post, while the brackets are what hold the rail to keep it balanced and sturdy.
Just like the rail, handrail brackets also come in different materials, designs, and finishes. They are available in wood, solid brass, cast aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, chrome, and bronze. The finishes can be polished, satin, aged, brushed or oiled, among others.
Compared to metal and metal alloy materials, wood is lighter and easier to work with. It can be shaped in different styles to fit any staircase and complement the interior space of your home.
There are a wide variety of designs for handrail brackets. I have seen unique designs like the horse head, lion head, and elephant head. However, parallel or double brackets are considered the safest to wear. This type has one bracket nailed to the wall and the other side mounted to the handrail.
When choosing brackets, you need to make sure that they fit the shape of your rail and that they come with the nuts and bolts. This step should be taken into account especially if you are not buying a kit but separate pieces. For a straight handrail, you will need up to five brackets, but if the stair is spiral, curved, or has multiple right angle turns, more brackets will be needed.
Handrail brackets are not only used for decorative purposes. They serve to support the handrail so that the entire staircase is durable and safe to use. With corbels, the railing is positioned further from the wall or baluster of the stair, making it more comfortable to hold on to.
When choosing the supports, ideally they should be made of the same material as the rail. They have to complement each other instead of being in contrast. But you can choose a design that is not simple to make your handrail more attractive.
Also, consider the overall style of your stairway before purchasing rail materials. If you are in doubt, you can consult a professional interior designer for advice.
Shopping is the best thing to do for this special home project. You can conveniently do this on the internet by searching the many websites that cater to home accessories and fixtures. They typically have photos of these stands and provide information on their available stock. You can also check at local hardware stores or online if you want.