The Natural, Warm Look of Durable Hardwood Handrails
Commercial handrails come in a wide variety of hardwood materials, including cherry, oak, cedar and hickory to name a few. Nothing compares to the look and feel of real hardwood. While faux woods may be tempting due to their lower cost, we advise selecting authentic hardwood handrails and avoiding plastic materials because hardwood handrailings are naturally more durable and attractive. Also, plant materials such as bamboo should not be used for handrailings as they lack strength and can be quite flexible.
Regardless of which species of hardwood you choose, load requirements necessitate working with the correct diameter. Small diameter wood railings (1-1/2” or less) are not strong enough to meet loading requirements. Instead, hardwood handrailings should be a minimum of 1-3/4” diameter.
With so many hardwood species from which to choose, it’s important to work with a railing fabricator like Livers Bronze that is adept at working with a combination of wood and metal. When choosing a hardwood for handrails, we recommend that you select a type and finish to complement the overall end aesthetic so every element flows. Plan for final finishing to be done in the field to match adjacent woodwork and to take into account possible field changes during the installation process.
