Common Problems with Wooden Handrails

Are you drawn to the classic look of a wooden handrail? They are pretty, but you may be signing up for much more work than you realize. Once you know the common problems with wooden handrails, you may be ready to check out some alternatives.

Common Problems with Wooden Handrails

Suppose you have your heart set on a particular look for your home. In that case, a wooden handrail may feel like a solid investment. People with wooden handrails love them for their classic, elegant look and the sophistication they bring into a home’s interior design. However, the benefits of wood often end there. What are some of the common problems with wooden handrails?

Good Wood Is Expensive

Any handrail expert can tell you that you get what you pay for with a wooden handrail. Unfortunately, many classic wooden handrails are made of cheaper, softer woods to save money on construction. These handrails look great, but they also fall apart without plenty of maintenance. A handrail made of harder wood will hold up better, but you can expect to pay more. Meanwhile, aluminum handrails are typically much more affordable, and they’ll also require less of a maintenance budget down the line.

Wood Can Warp No Matter What You Do to Protect It

Unfortunately, no matter how much you invest in a wooden handrail, the chances are high that it will eventually fail. Because wood is affected by the moisture in the air, it’s not possible for a homeowner to completely protect it from warping. Repairing a warped wooden handrail is expensive, arduous, and sometimes even impossible. Contrast this performance with an aluminum handrail built to withstand the elements. Compared to wooden handrails, they’re far more durable.

Wooden Handrails Are Difficult to Maintain

Even if your wooden handrail doesn’t end up warping, you can still expect to do a lot of maintenance on it if you want it to stay as beautiful as it was the day it was installed. Because a wooden handrail experiences a lot of day-to-day wear, it won’t keep its beautiful finish for long. Deciding to maintain the look of a wooden handrail is a commitment to years of repainting, re-staining, and meticulous cleaning that removes the grime without damaging the wood. If that doesn’t sound like a good time, an aluminum handrail can give you the maintenance-free experience you’re looking for. All you have to do is wipe it down once a week, and it will maintain its finish and shine.

Wooden Handrails Can Be Risky

Handrails are essential safety equipment for seniors and those with movement issues and other disabilities. If you don’t have movement issues, a handrail failing at an inopportune time might not seem like that big of a deal. However, an unexpected fall can lead to a severe injury or worse for people who rely on handrails for safe movement. If safety is your top priority, an aluminum handrail will meet your needs. They’re sturdy, reliable for years, and require little-to-no maintenance to keep working. You never know when you’ll be grateful for a reliable handrail, so why take the risk?

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A wooden handrail can be beautiful, but if you aren’t ready to put the work into maintaining it, it’s not a good investment for your home or business. If you want to make your life easier, consider investing in an aluminum handrail.

At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we are committed to providing high-quality aluminum handrails that are durable, maintenance-free, affordable, and attractive. If you have questions about aluminum handrails or if you are searching for a handrail system that fits your needs, call us at 417-409-3179 or 888-518-9890 (toll-free) or visit Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today. We offer handrails, wall mounts, mounting screws and anchors, touch-up spray paint, and much more. We look forward to hearing from you!