A handrail plow is basically a channel cut out of the bottom of the handrail and the top of the shoe rail that is the exact width of the stair balusters
Baluster
A baluster— also called spindle or stair stick—is a moulded shaft, square or of lathe-turned form, a form cut from a rectangular or square plank, one of various forms of spindle in woodwork, made of stone or wood and sometimes of metal, standing on a unifying footing, and supporting the coping …
Newel
A newel, also called a central pole or support column, is the central supporting pillar of a staircase. It can also refer to an upright post that supports the handrail of a stair banister. In stairs having straight flights it is the principal post at the foot of the staircase, but the term can also be used for the intermediate posts on landings and at the top of a staircase. Although its primary purpose is structural, newels hav…
Full Answer
What is a handrail plow and do I need one?
A handrail plow is basically a channel cut out of the bottom of the handrail and the top of the shoe rail that is the exact width of the stair balusters (or spindles) being used.
What is a hand plow for balusters?
A plow is a groove that is cut into the bottom of the handrail so that wood balusters with a square top can connect to the railing. When ordering a plow for your handrail, make the width of the plow the same as the width of the square portion of the baluster you’ve selected.
What is a plowed groove on a handrail?
This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail. During installation, these balusters will be attached within this plowed groove to disguise any mounting materials, resulting in a clean, professional-quality finish.
What is a plow and fillet system?
Many straight handrails are available with a plow and fillet system. A handrail plow is basically a channel cut out of the bottom of the handrail and the top of the shoe rail that is the exact width of the stair balusters (or spindles) being used.
What is the plow on a handrail?
Plowed handrail is a standard handrail constructed with a special groove cut into the bottom. This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail.
What is a handrail fillet used for?
Product Description. Fillet is used to hide the gaps between balusters on plowed handrail or shoerail. It will blend right in and create a smooth, finished look for your stairway.
What are the parts of a handrail called?
Parts of a Railing SystemBaluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail. ... Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters. ... Bottom Rail. ... Guardrail. ... Hinge. ... Landing. ... Lattice. ... Newel Posts.More items...•
What is a handrail?
A handrail is an extended rail fixed to posts or walls that creates support and stability while traveling on a walkway, climbing up or down a stairway, walking in a hallway or moving in a bathroom. These fixtures are designed to withstand heavy use and increase mobility and safety in these spaces.
What is a plow and fillet?
Fillet is a thin piece of wood that can be placed in between each baluster to conceal the top of the baluster that feeds into the underside of a plowed handrail. A plow in a handrail means that there is a channel cut out of the underside of the handrail, this plow allows a place for the balusters to be installed.
What is considered a graspable handrail?
Definition: Graspability of a handrail refers to the ability to get a secure hold onto a handrailing whose purpose, after all, is both to guide a walker along a stair or other surface and to prevent or perhaps to interrupt slip trip and fall hazards.
What is the end of a handrail called?
newel postA newel post is the heavy, vertical post at the end or turn of a handrail. As opposed to a baluster, a new post is a structural component of a staircase which is attached directly to the floor or to the end of the stringer.
What is a rail spindle?
Balusters, also known as spindles or pickets, are the series of short, vertical decorative posts that support the top rail in a railing system.
What is the difference between a railing and a banister?
If you need to provide a handrail that's mounted directly to a wall, you're probably going to be installing railing. If you need to install a handrail that can be free-standing and also prevent people from falling off of the side of a stairway, you will be installing a banister.
What are the different types of handrails?
There are two main types of stairway handrail—integrated and wall-mounted. The style and layout of your staircase will determine which type of handrail works best for you.
What is the difference between a hand rail and a guard rail?
While handrails are there to help slow or prevent a fall on a stair or ramp, guards are to help prevent a fall over an open side of a walking surface. Guards are required along the open sides of means of egress paths where there is a vertical drop of at least 30 in. (760 mm).
Is it handrail or hand rail?
Handrails must be present on both sides of stairs and ramps. Handrails must be continuous for the full length of each flight of stairs or ramp, including along switchback or dogleg configurations. The top surface of the handrail must be between 34 and 38 inches above the walking surface.
How do you attach handrails to balusters?
3:274:28Installing Stair Rails - Menards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply glue and slide the rail onto the bolt. And tighten the nut attach the handrail at the top withMoreApply glue and slide the rail onto the bolt. And tighten the nut attach the handrail at the top with finishing. Nails.
How do you fit a spindle on a banister?
0:265:34Stair Baluster Installation with Wooden Spindles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis spindle installation uses shoe rail on the bottom of the spindles. And a handrail with aMoreThis spindle installation uses shoe rail on the bottom of the spindles. And a handrail with a channel underneath. The spindles are spaced apart with Filat strips that fill the gap in the shoe rail.
How far apart are spindles supposed to be?
4-inchU.S. building codes mandate that balusters have no more than a 4-inch gap between them. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters.
How do you install balusters?
5:427:15How To Install Iron Balusters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn top of the baluster as well then slide the baluster. Into the handrail. And drop it into theMoreOn top of the baluster as well then slide the baluster. Into the handrail. And drop it into the bottom hole. Make sure that it is straight and that the shoes are facing the proper.
What is Plowed Handrail?
Plowed handrail is a standard handrail constructed with a special groove cut into the bottom. This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail. During installation, these balusters will be attached within this plowed groove to disguise any mounting materials, resulting in a clean, professional-quality finish.
What is a shoerail?
Plowed Shoerail. Shoerail is used to secure the bottom of your balusters to the floor or rake of the stairs. A shoerail may need a plow if it is accommodating square-based wood balusters, so that the baluster can sit down into the shoerail itself.
What size are balusters?
Square top and bottom wood balusters come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1” – 1 ¾”. Each part of your order will match the width of the wood baluster top and base you select. For example, if you are ordering wood balusters with a 1 ½” square top, be sure to have your handrail and shoerail plowed to match at 1 ½”.
Do you need a plowed handrail for stairway?
When you decide on a handrail style, you may feel the urge to order it right away…. But wait! Be sure you have also selected the type of balusters you need. Depending on the style of balusters you choose, you may require a “plowed” handrail for proper installation.
What is a handrail?
What are Handrails? Handrails are supported by newels, balusters, or posts, and are often held onto as someone ascends or descends a staircase. While handrails are typically clutched with the hand, they also serve additional safety purposes.
What is straight handrail?
Straight Handrails have ends that are simply left as they are cut. They can be used as the guard rail for a railing system or a graspable railing that supports you and your guests. In addition, straight handrail is often attached to box or turned newels on a stairway. Returned End Wall Mounted Handrail.
Why are handrails oversized?
Handrails are oversized to be cut down on site because no walls are perfectly straight, and it’s always better to have more than you need than not enough. We oversize our handrails by approximately 3 inches. However, the oversized amount is not standardized. If you need a 7’ 2” handrail, we suggest ordering a 8’ piece, as the handrail might arrive precisely at 7’. Mitered ends and quarter turned ends are also slightly oversized so that they can be cut down to fit the slant of your wall.
How long is a handrail?
Freight and molding restrictions prevent us from creating handrails longer than 20’. For some profiles, we are able to manufacture handrails in shorter lengths than 3’. Due to the molding process involved in creating smaller handrails, the shorter railing would cost the same as a 3’ handrail.
What is a 45 degree handrail?
For a handrail with gently curved ends that rest against your wall, select a Quarter Turn Handrail. The 45 Degree Mitered Handrails have ends that turn on an angle, providing a sharp, clean finish. All of our Wall Mounted Handrails come with their specific ends attached and can be “Pre-Finished” so that they’re ready to install upon arrival.
How wide is a 100 wood baluster?
For example, the Imported 100 Wood Baluster is 1 ¼” square, so it would require a handrail with a 1 ¼” plow.
What is a profile handrail?
The profile refers to a wood handrail’s shape. Handrails can be rounded, curved, thin, thick, or rectangular. Profile options are nearly endless. We offer wood and metal handrails in dozens of shapes, sizes, and materials in the hopes that you can find one that meets both your code needs and your design preferences.
What is a straight handrail?
A handrail plow is basically a channel cut out of the bottom of the handrail and the top of the shoe rail that is the exact width of the stair balusters (or spindles) being used.
Where are wood fillets placed in a plow?
The fillet fills in the plow in between the balusters in the handrail and shoe rail and covers the nail holes.
What is a square top baluster?
Square top wood balusters are generally installed using a plowed handrail with fillet system. Plowed handrail installation with fillet and square top wood balusters is a relatively easy method that makes assembly simple with a little skill and the right stair installation tools.
Can you use a shoe rail with a plow?
Or a shoe rail with a plow can also be used and the newel post, handrail, and shoe rail are set first and then the balusters are secured in place with fillet in between. As I mentioned this is a fairly easy method of balustrade installation that creates a very strong and durable system.
What is a Handrail?
A handrail is an extended rail, fixed to posts or walls, that creates support and stability while traveling on a walkway, climbing up or down a stairway, walking in a hallway, or moving in a bathroom.
What is a handrail in a retirement home?
Whether used for a residential or commercial application, on a staircase or in a hallway, in a retirement home or elementary school, handrails create support and stability for anyone traveling from one place to another.
Why install a handrail on a staircase?
Installing a handrail on a staircase, in a hallway or bathroom, or on a ramp provides the support necessary to navigate slippery conditions and slopes while looking beautiful and allowing us to move safely throughout the day.
What is the maximum cross section size for a functional handrail?
A functional handrail, one that is compliant with ADA regulations, should ideally be circular with a diameter between 1-¼” and 2”. If the profile is non-circular, the maximum cross-section dimension allowed is 2-¼” and the perimeter measurement must be between 4” and 6-¼”.
What is the diameter of a handrail?
A cylindrical handrail with a diameter between 1-¼” and 2” provides the maximum grip strength, reducing and preventing falls on stairways and ramps. In addition, a power grip allows those with mobility impairment to use their arm and upper body strength to assist their lower body when climbing or descending.
What is the minimum width of a handrail?
If they have a perimeter greater than 6-¼” they must include a graspable finger recess on both sides, and the minimum width of the handrail above the recess must be between 1-½” and 2-¾”.
How far should a handrail be from the wall?
To comply with regulations, which requires that a hand must be able to pass unobstructed over the entire length of the handrail, they must ensure that the distance between the adjacent wall and the gripping surface of the handrail is a minimum of 1-½” (38mm).
