Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Hand Rail

Stair Railings: the Gateway to Your Home

 

Are the stair railings or hand railings in your home portraying a beauty of craftsmanship and functionality as they are meant to?

Take a good look when you walk into your home. If you have a stair railing going to another level in your home more times then not it is the first thing people will see when they walk into your home. The craftsmanship of a wood stair railing often tells the story of quality for the finish carpentry work throughout the house. Like it or not sometimes this craftsmanship and quality is compared to the type of person you are by some people the same way as being judged for the tidiness of the house or yard or even the type of car you drive. I would venture to say pride means a lot to the vast majority of us and we like to be judged favorably no matter what it is.

 

Safety First

 

With all the ways people are being sued these days safety of a hand railing is critical. The railing first needs to meet some standards of strictly enforced codes. These codes are set and enforced by OSHA. OSHA stands for: Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.

I recently wrote an e-book on how to build your own handrail and these codes are outlined with formulas and techniques that are easily understood to meet these OSHA codes in the process of building a hand railing.

A few of these important OSHA codes that you could easily check with your stair railing to be sure it is in compliance are the height of the railing and the correct spindle spacing. Let's say for example a railing which is built next to a stair way. OSHA wants the very top of the hand railing to be no lower then 36" and no higher then 38". The way to measure this height is to put the start or end of a tape measure at the very outside point of a stair tread next to the railing and measure exactly straight up from that point. Be sure to be going up exactly straight or plumb and the use of a level is recommended to get an accurate reading of the tape measure for this distance between the stair tread and the top of the railing.

The next code that is critical and should not be over looked and also is strictly enforced is the spacing of the balusters or spindles. This is an important one especially if there would be little kids around. OSHA wants these balusters or spindles spaced at no more then 4" apart. For turned or round spindles that means 4" between the skinniest part of the spindles.

Another safety item would be to make sure the stair railing is sturdy and not wobbly. Unfortunately this is not as easy to fix as one would think. Depending on the situation with a little understanding of how a railing is built and a few strategically placed screws you can get it firm within reason regarding this aspect. The use of the right sized screws and how it is screwed is also important in this situation. Sturdiness is one reason why the use of glues and construction adhesive is used in the process of building a hand railing today.

 

Craftsmanship and Beauty

 

To enhance the beauty of your stair railing there are a few things you can do. A real easy way is to clean the wood with Murphy's oil. Furniture polish will also work well just be sure the wood is sealed and the directions are followed with these products.

Another way is to give the wood another coat of varnish. There are many types and brands of varnish out there and different application methods. It would be highly recommended to do some research or just talk to people who sell or work with products in the painting industry. These people are usually pretty knowledgeable and can help out tremendously for the correct amount to buy and the application method for your particular situation.

Other things you may run into with your hand railings are small gaps at the joints of the railing. An example of this may be where the hand railing meets the newel post or other various joints throughout the railing. These small gaps are a result of a multitude of contributing factors and not necessarily bad craftsmanship. To get a better understanding of these factors I recently wrote an article about understanding wood shrinkage and this explains some of the variables which concern these problems. To fix these little imperfections I recommend a wood filler that matches the stain of the wood. The right color wood filler makes these little imperfections virtually invisible.

In conclusion, stair railings create the flow that leads into your home. Be creative while giving attention to the beauty and safety of your hand railings and your efforts will be appreciated and felt for years to come.

About the Author

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects, visit <a href="http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com/">www.finishcarpentryhelp.com</a> and pick up your free eBook.

AMC100Y Factory Installed Hand Rail: $209 Factory Installed Hand Rail

AMC100 Factory Installed Hand Rail: $209 Factory Installed Hand Rail

AMC100X Factory Installed Hand Rail: $209 Factory Installed Hand Rail

Please Use Hand Rail $19.99 Please Use Hand Rail - Tin Sign

Festool 494847 Domino Hand Rail Fence $68 Domino® Hand Rail Fence - 494847

AMC76Y Majestic Series Hand Rail (Factory Installed): $185 Majestic Series Hand Rail - Factory Installed

AMC76X Majestic Series Hand Rail (Factory Installed): $185 Majestic Series Hand Rail - Factory Installed

AMC76 Majestic Series Brass Hand Rail (Factory $185 Majestic Series Brass Hand Rail Factory Installed

France Rail Pass $234 Unlimited Rail Travel in France with a France Rail Pass

German Rail Pass $261 Unlimited Rail Travel in Germany with a German Rail Pass

People Climb to the Top of a Mountain with the Help of a Hand Rail $39.99 Paul Chesley People Climb to the Top of a Mountain with the Help of a Hand Rail - Photographic Print

Fly - Rail Baggage to Switzerland $33 Fly Rail Baggage: Oversea Luggage Delivery to any Swiss Train Station

AR-15 Hand guard Rail Rifle Length with Weaver $17.95 Product Features: AR-15/M16 Weaver Style Rail Fits Standard Hand Guard (Rifle Length) Includes Mounting Hardware Weight: 4.7 Oz. - Length: 11.2 Inches

Hand Rail/2-Rail - Hand Rail/Kickplate/2-Rail $50.35 [5357501] 10.3 LB

Hand Rail/3-Rail - Hand Rail/Kickplate/3-Rail $61.08 [5357502] 10.3 LB

Byron Originals 6130330 Hand Rail Kit Concept 1 and Embrace $156.46 An optional Hand Rail System can be mounted to the right side left side or both sides (for both sides you must order two Hand Rail kits). Hand Rail is constructed of heavy gauge aluminum clear anodized for years of service in high humidity environments.

Seca 644 Multifunctional Hand-Rail Scale $2139 Comfort and safety are the main features of the 644 Handrail Scale by Seca. This 660 lb. capacity scale has a generous platform area and large-diameter railing to provide even heavy patients to be weighed comfortably. The low level of the platform of the Seca 644 hand rail scale makes it easy to get onto and the curved railing provides a secure hand-hold. With it's locking castors and swiveling control/display panel, the Seca 644 hand rail scale provides the medical staff with a high degree of flexibility. The 644 can be transformed into a complete measuring and weighing station.

Studs on Stairs Hand Rail at St. Dunstan's Hospital, for Blind Patients $99.99 Hart Preston Studs on Stairs Hand Rail at St. Dunstan's Hospital, for Blind Patients - Premium Photographic Print

Clinton Standard Step Stool with Hand Rail, 2/cs $80.08 Features of the Clinton Standard Step Stool with Hand Rail:* All welded steel base and top (no screws or rivets).* Rubber tread top for safety.* Reinforced rubber feet.* 1" steel tube with X-frame top support.* Durable chrome finish.* 7/8" diameter handrail 36" high.* 350 lbs capacity.* Length: 14.25".* Height: 9".* Width: 11.25".

Clinton Standard Step Stool with Hand Rail, Each $40.11 Features of the Clinton Standard Step Stool with Hand Rail:* All welded steel base and top (no screws or rivets).* Rubber tread top for safety.* Reinforced rubber feet.* 1" steel tube with X-frame top support.* Durable chrome finish.* 7/8" diameter handrail 36" high.* 350 lbs capacity.* Length: 14.25".* Height: 9".* Width: 11.25".

Bianco Hand Towel Rail - Polished $48 Simplicity rules in a modern bath! Bar with polished finish metal. Crisp, contemporary white wedge-shaped plastic hardware.

Bianco Hand Towel Rail - Matte $48 Simplicity rules in a modern bath! Bar with matte finish metal. Crisp, contemporary white wedge-shaped plastic hardware.

Utility Gear Rail System $99.99 Kolpin Utility Gear Rail System Kolpin helps you get more utility out of your utility vehicle! The innovative design of the Kolpin Utility Gear Rail System helps you to customize your utility vehicle or compact tractor for any task or adventure. Mount your gear quickly and easily without taking up that valuable bed space, or mount to the roll bar of your compact tractor to haul tools and fuel with you into the field. Whether on the trail, working outdoors or hunting, the Utility Gear Rail System lets you take your gear with you. The Utility Gear Rail System can be used with all Kolpin Bracket accessories such as the Fuel Packs, Gear Grips, Baskets, Gun Boots and more. It's also compatible with the Kolpin patent pending Gear Lock and Load plates which make switching out your gear a snap. The extra strong C-clamps slide easily onto the gear rail and the versatile brackets can be positioned at any point so you can add multiple clamps and brackets to mount multiple accessories onto the gear rail at the same time. The possibilities are only limited by your own imagination! Features: Accommodates Kolpin Gear Grips, Gun Grips II, Fuel and Water Packs, Gear Lock & Load, Gun Boot IV, 5.0 and 6.0 models, Boottector Bracket, and ATV/UTV Basket. Quickly and easily attaches to UTV or compact tractor roll bar with the solid, injection molded mounts that accommodate different size tubing from 1.25" to 2" Sturdy and durable rail is made of heavy-duty, 7 ga. extruded aluminum, anodized black Cut-to-fit design accommodates any utility vehicle application Includes rail, one versatile Gear Rail Bracket and all mounting hardware **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Above Ground Pool Stairs With Hand Rail $437.5 These new safety stairs for above-ground pools feature anti-slip treads molded permanently into the top of each step. They can't pull or peel off.The stairs are rotationally molded in a single piece of durable polyethylene so they're virtually immune to chlorine, acids, alkalis, biocides, salts and other chemicals and they won't fade in sunlight. They're rugged. Keep them in the pool even after it's closed for the season or drain the water from inside for easy movement and storage. They come with a heavy-duty, powder coated handrail extruded from durable aluminum to safely accommodate several adult swimmers simultaneously along with a rail flange for mounting to above ground pool decks.

Solorailrade; Four Foot Rail $61.9 WAC Solorailrade; is a low voltage bendable single circuit track system. Straight rail is ordered as a four or eight foot section to be bent in the field as needed or used as a straight section. The rail is field cuttable and bendable by hand or with a bending tool. Mounting: Mounts to flat, suspended, or sloped ceilings. Use 2 supports per 4 foot section and at least 3 per 8 foot section. Total number of supports used in an application depends on the shape of the track layout. Systems with very unique shapes may require the use of additional supports. Features: Each rail also includes two matching polycarbonate end caps. Can be suspended from ceiling with cable or rigid standoffs. Can use electronic (Surface or Remote) or magnetic (Surface or Remote) styles of transformers. Available for use with 12V or 24V transformers. Available in Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Dark Bronze finishes.

Solorailrade; Eight Foot Rail $115.9 WAC Solorailrade; is a low voltage bendable single circuit track system. Straight rail is ordered as a four or eight foot section to be bent in the field as needed or used as a straight section. The rail is field cuttable and bendable by hand or with a bending tool. Mounting: Mounts to flat, suspended, or sloped ceilings. Use 2 supports per 4 foot section and at least 3 per 8 foot section. Total number of supports used in an application depends on the shape of the track layout. Systems with very unique shapes may require the use of additional supports. Features: Each rail also includes two matching polycarbonate end caps. Can be suspended from ceiling with cable or rigid standoffs. Can use electronic (Surface or Remote) or magnetic (Surface or Remote) styles of transformers. Available for use with 12V or 24V transformers. Available in Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Dark Bronze finishes.

Tactical RIS 7.125 Hand Guard Rail System For Airsoft Guns $51.74 Tactical RIS airsoft hand-guard for the Olympic Arms MIL-4, 7.125 and is also compatible with Tokyo Marui and other airsoft brands. Features: 7.12 RIS Rail System Works with most High end airsoft guns Includes: 7.125 RIS Rail System Requires: Compatible Rifle (Click one of the links below to see related RC products): Model: Airsoft Gear Type: Airsoft Accessories

Stander Ez Adjust Bed Rail $139.99 Features and Benefits: Bed Rail/Hand Rail-Adjustable length allows for use as both a bed rail to prevent falling out of bed or as a hand rail to assist in getting out of bed Adjustable-Bed rail easily adjusts from 26" to 34" to 42" after it has been placed on the bed Collapsible-Rail folds down to side of bed to allow user to get out of bed or provide space for making bed Reversible-Can be placed on either side of the bed Dual Safety Strap-Secures bed rail to bed frame Specifications: Width of Rail: Locks in place at 26", 34" & 42" after installed on bed Height of Rail: 23" high from the base of mattress Gap Between Rails: 3" Made for Bed Type:Attaches to any home or hospital bed with included Safety Strap Weight of Product: 15 lbs Weight Capacity: 300 lbs Package Dimensions: 28" x 21" x 1.5" Assembly: Installs in minutes with 4 bolts and Alan Wrench (Included) Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Bedding & Accessories , Bed Rails , Bed Rails

Standers EZ Adjust Bed Rail $112.39 * Bed Rail/Hand Rail-Adjustable length allows for use as both a bed rail to prevent falling out of bed or as a hand rail to assist in getting out of bed.* Adjustable-Bed rail easily adjusts from 26"?Eto 34"?Eto 42"?Eafter it has been placed on the bed.* Collapsible-Rail folds down to side of bed to allow user to get out of bed or provide space for making bed.* Reversible-Can be placed on either side of the bed.* Dual Safety Strap-Secures bed rail to bed frame.Specifications:* Width of Rail: Locks in place at 26"?E 34"?E& 42"?Eafter installed on bed.* Height of Rail: 23"?Ehigh from the base of mattress.* Gap Between Rails: 3"?E* Made for Bed Type:Attaches to any home or hospital bed with included Safety Strap.* Weight of Product: 15 lbs.* Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.* Package Dimensions: 28" x 21"?Ex 1.5".* Assembly: Installs in minutes with 4 bolts and Alan Wrench (Included).

Acorn ACABG 31/4Diameter Hand Rail Bracket Black $37.36 This black cast iron hand rail support looks great in your traditionally styled home. 31/4 Diameter. 41/2 High. Function: Accessory. Height: 4.5. Material: Iron. Projection: 3.75. Theme: Country / Rustic Traditional / Classic. Width: 3.25 .

Safe Sleeper Bed Rail Deluxe $29.48 Extra tall bed rail for added safety. The patented anchor strap positions the bed rail firmly against the mattress and will adjust to fit from twin to king. Two-hand release design folds bed rail down and out of the way when not in use. Quick and easy assembly with no tools required. ASTM Compliant and JPMA Certified! Material: METAL Age: Child Color Mapping: White Gender: Unisex

5 Tier Chrome Over Door Towel Rail. $19.99 Keep towels at close hand with this stylish chrome plated towel rail offering 5-tier convenience.Chrome plated.Brackets included.Size H57.2, W22cm.

Hookery Angled Deck Rail Hook with Clamp for 2x4 Rail $41.99 Use to hang bird feeders plants wind chimes bug lights lanterns and any other hanging ornaments. Finish: Black powder coat. Wrought Iron In A Black Powder Coat Finish. This Angled Deck Rail Hook is one of many top quality items in our Poles and Baffles department. Angled Deck Rail Hook with Clamp for 2x4 or 2x6 Rail. Item comes in black powder coat finish. Hand made heavy duty wrought iron. Dimension: 30 H x 3.25 W x 3.25 L. Room: Living Room. Color Class: White.

Hookery Angled Deck Rail Hook $31.44 Use to hang bird feeders plants wind chimes bug lights lanterns and any other hanging ornaments. Finish: Black powder coat. Wrought Iron In A Black Powder Coat Finish. This Angled Deck Rail Hook is one of many top quality items in our Poles and Baffles department. Angled Deck Rail Hook with Clamp for 2x4 or 2x6 Rail. Item comes in black powder coat finish. Hand made heavy duty wrought iron. Dimension: 30" H x 3.25" W x 3.25" L. Room: Living Room. Color Class: White. Type: Feeders

Seaweed Surf Co AA23 12X18 Aluminum Sign Please Use Hand Rail $35.88 Features Please Use Hand Rail. 12 x 18 Heavy gauge aluminum sign. Satisfaction ensured. Manufactured to the highest quality available.

Clinton Economy Step Stool with Hand Rail, Silver Texture, 2/bx $66.5 Features of the Clinton Economy Step Stool with Hand Rail:* All welded steel base and top (no screws or rivets).* Rubber tread top for safety.* Reinforced rubber feet.* 1" steel tube with X-frame top support.* Silver texture powder-coated finish.* 7/8" diameter handrail 36" high.* 350 lbs. capacity.* Length: 14.25".* Height: 9".* Width: 11.25".

Seca 223 Telescopic Measuring Rod for Hand Rail Scale $253.34 Features of the Seca 223 Telescopic Measuring Rod:This easy to fit Measuring Rod, (fittings included), converts the Hand Rail Scale Seca 644 into a real multifunction scale.The determined height can be entered directly into the control unit of the Seca 644, so that the relevant data is captured and can be used to determine the BMI.Measuring Range: 6 - 230 cm / 2 - 90".Graduations: 1 mm / 1/8".Dimensions: 120 x 1322 x 32 mm / 4.7 x 52 x 1.3.Weight: 1.3 kg / 3 lbs.

Clinton Economy Step Stool with Hand Rail, Silver Texture, Each $40.72 Features of the Clinton Economy Step Stool with Hand Rail:* All welded steel base and top (no screws or rivets).* Rubber tread top for safety.* Reinforced rubber feet.* 1" steel tube with X-frame top support.* Silver texture powder-coated finish.* 7/8" diameter handrail 36" high.* 350 lbs. capacity.* Length: 14.25".* Height: 9".* Width: 11.25".