Understanding Aluminum Handrail Components

If you’ve ever tripped and grabbed onto a handrail, you know that railings and banisters aren’t just aesthetic – they’re essential. Aluminum railings are some of the most durable, low-maintenance railings on today’s market, and the best part is that you can easily install them yourself. Understanding aluminum handrail components is a key step in installation. Before you install your handrail, review this guide to familiarize yourself with each component to save yourself some time, money, and frustration.

Understanding Aluminum Handrail Components

Component 1: The Aluminum Handrail

When you receive your aluminum handrail components in the mail, the actual rail is pretty hard to miss. Before you order your handrail, make sure to measure from the top landing’s nosing all the way to the floor at the bottom of the stairs. Then, add two feet to determine the exact length of rail you’ll need for your project.

Component 2: End Caps

The end cap in your handrail package will also be fairly easily to recognize. End caps are small components that insert into the handrail, covering the end of the rail to keep out debris and insects. You may use wall returns instead of traditional end caps. Wall returns are end caps that snugly secure the end of your rail to the adjacent wall. Make sure to double-check your railing package when it arrives; you’ll need two returns for any given railing system.

Component 3: Wall Mounts

A wall mount secures the middle of your rail to the wall. It may also be used to support the weight of a longer rail. At Aluminum Handrail Direct, our 72″, 84″, and 96″ rail lengths will have at least one wall mount included, even if you use wall returns to secure the ends of your railing. Our CHR wall mounts can be mounted indoors or outdoors to wood, vinyl, brick, stucco, or concrete, just like our wall returns.

Component 4: Connectors

Do you have an especially long area to cover with your railing? In that case, you’ll use a connector. Handrail connectors are used, as you might expect, to attach lengths of rail together and form a longer railing system. Depending on your railing system, these connectors may be internal or external.

Component 5: Mounting Screws

Of course, you’ll need to securely attach your handrail to the adjacent wall. That’s where mounting screws and anchors come into play. You’ll use mounting screws and anchors to securely attach your wall returns or wall mounts to a wood, brick, vinyl, stucco, or concrete wall.

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Handrails are an essential part of many homes and businesses, and understanding the components in your aluminum handrail package is the first step to proper installation. If your package arrives without one of these key components, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts. Finally, if you need help identifying your different components, give us a call or visit our online store.

Now that you’ve explored aluminum handrail components, are you looking for an expert who can walk you through purchasing and caring for a new aluminum railing? 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 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!