Whether you’re installing a handrail or a large picture frame, one thing is certain: Careful hanging will save you a major headache down the line. While a loosely hung picture frame can lead to a big mess, a loosely hung handrail can be dangerous, especially for individuals with mobility issues. For that reason, we include screw anchors with all of the handrails available in our online store. These handy devices are helpful when hanging light- to semi-heavy objects, allowing you to securely hang items virtually anywhere without looking for a stud in your wall. However, it’s crucial to learn how to use a screw anchor properly before you install your handrail.
Best Method for Cleaning Aluminum Handrails
As a homeowner, you have plenty of maintenance to worry about. Cleaning your handrails shouldn’t be a taxing item on your weekend to-do list. Fortunately, if you have aluminum handrails, you know that they require very little upkeep. These durable, attractive, and affordable railings are virtually maintenance-free – still, life happens, and you might find that your railings are in need of a little TLC after a heavy storm or a particularly devious flock of pigeons. We’ve researched the best method for cleaning aluminum handrails so you can keep your handrails sparkling.
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Handrail Color Suggestions
Handrails aren’t just for safety. With a fresh coat of paint, handrails can also add a level of character and style to your home. Aluminum handrails offer a particularly wide variety of color options thanks to the handrail’s smooth, powder-coated exterior. But how do you choose a handrail color that works for your home? Is your home well suited to calming earth tones, or would you rather pack a punch with bold blacks and whites? Before you choose the next hue for your handrail, take a look at these handrail color suggestions for every home aesthetic.
How to Install a Handrail
Handrails offer both safety and aesthetic appeal. However, for handrails to function well, proper installation is key. Need to install a handrail, but not sure where to start? Aluminum Handrail Direct offers several product guides to walk you through how to install a handrail.
UPDATE: Check out our Handrail Installation Instructions blog post for up-to-date guidance.
Tips for Installing a Handrail
Strong, sturdy handrails don’t just look nice: They can be life-saving devices, preventing dangerous spills down the stairs. And because proper handrail installation is important for aesthetics and safety, it can be intimidating. This is especially true if you’re not accustomed to do-it-yourself home projects. To ensure you install an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and solid handrail in your home, review the tips below.
UPDATE: Check out our Handrail Installation Instructions blog post for up-to-date guidance.
How to Extend a Handrail
In many (if not most) cases, a handrail system won’t perfectly fit the designated section of stairs or ramp. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use the product. You simply need to learn how to extend a handrail to the appropriate length. This can easily be tackled with a DIY project. But if you’re working with a contractor, you may still find it useful to learn so that you can better communicate with your contractor and oversee the project’s success. Scroll down to learn how to extend a handrail.
Handrail Load Requirements
Handrails are a key safety feature of nearly every multi-level structure. Like most safety elements, handrails are regulated by international codes – specifically, the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). These codes dictate important safety features for residential and commercial properties, including handrail load requirements. While straightforward, these codes can be confusing for those not directly involved in the construction industry. Not sure how to move forward when it comes to handrail load requirements? We dove into the most recent IRC and IBC guidelines and outlined the highlights.
A Beginner’s Guide to Metal Railings
A metal railing isn’t a risk; it is a durable, attractive, and timeless product that could be a great addition to your home or business. From reliable aluminum to colorful copper, there are a lot of options – options that can be overwhelming if you’re new to the exterior construction game. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to metal railings to help you choose the right railing for your project and keep it in good condition.
The Proper Handrail Height
From young children to fully grown adults, handrails assist people of all heights and abilities. You might have memories of reaching up high to grasp a handrail as a child, or maybe even attempting to slide down one when your parents weren’t around. Now, years later, as an adult, you might find your hand has been conditioned to automatically reach for a certain spot to find the handrail as you ascend stairs or a ramp. You can thank the International Code Council (ICC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for this, as they set guidelines for the proper handrail height for residential and commercial buildings.
Where to Use Handrails
Wondering where to use handrails? Although this may seem like a daunting task, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have laid out very detailed standards regarding the installation of handrails. Although they’re somewhat easy to overlook, handrails are an important safety consideration that can help make your building more accessible, comfortable, and welcoming.
If you’re exploring how handrails might fit into your new construction or renovation project, you can rely on the expertise of your contractor, architect, or engineer. These experts can help you understand where to use handrails, how to select the right railing product, and other safety considerations you need to keep in mind. To start these conversations with a little knowhow, review the information below.
