Articles

Stair Supplies Handrails Stairs Balustrades Balusters Building Stairs Stair Design Newel Posts Circular Stairs Stair Spindles Stair Nosing Stair Manufacturers Custom Staircases Wood Staircases Stair Pictures Stair Rail Parts Contemporary Staircases Staircase Ideas Staircase Suppliers Wood Handrails Spiral Staircases Stair Parts Metal Stair Parts Cherry Stair Parts Hardwood Stair Parts Iron Stair Parts Oak Staircases Home Staircases Stair Treads Oak Stair Parts Boxed Newel Posts Wood Balusters Stair Turnings Oak Stair Treads Discount Stair Parts Creative Stair Parts Stair Part Distributors Buy Stair Parts Maple Stair Parts Hemlock Stair Parts More Resources About Stair Supplies

Stair Supplies

Stair Rail Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

The stair rail assemblage--otherwise known as the balustrade--consists of a number of key parts. These may include handrails, sub rails, base rails, spindles, and caps. The balustrade is held in place by something called a newel post, which acts as an anchor for the handrail system and keeps the spindles and hand rail from shaking when people use the staircase.

If you're putting together a stair rail, one good way to go is to install your balusters into the sub rail first. Utilizing a sub rail not only adds aesthetic cachet to the staircase, but it also makes installation far easier. One way to do this is to nail or screw your spindles into the sub rail. (Be sure to paint or stain the spindles before you connect them to the sub rail, however.)

Taking Good Care of Your Stair Rail

The next step is simply to flip the rail upside down and attach it to the base of the treads. You can then overlay a hand rail after the carpentry is finished. This process helps for two reasons. One, it permits you to decorate or paint the hand rail in a different style from the style of the rest of the balustrade. Two, you run far less risk of damaging the hand rail during the construction.

Bear in mind that stair rails aren't meant to countenance a lot of weight. Even with perfect installation, your stairwell will have some maximum capacity. Especially if you're living in a house with an old wooden staircase, you should test the torsional and tensile strength of your rail to guard against accidents. Smart wood maintenance--such as staining and replacing old boards--can add years of life to your stair rail.

Get all Building Supplies articles via