Top Reasons Wood Stair Rails are an Excellent Option

Stair rails are necessary for multi-level homes, determining the safety and accessibility of a building’s interior and exterior.

Stair rails are an often-neglected aspect of a home’s interior design. However, a stair rail is an essential part of a stair system designed to act as a protective barrier to prevent trips and falls and work as a support for climbing up and down the staircases. In addition, stair rails are necessary for multi-level homes, determining the safety and accessibility of a building’s interior and exterior.

Factors to consider choosing the best wood stair rail material

Choosing the appropriate stair rail material is crucial to achieving the desired beauty, strength, and aesthetics. Homeowners have several options, including wood, iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and glass panels.

Wood is one of the oldest and the most traditional materials used for handrails. Yellow pine, walnut, red oak, white oak, mahogany, cypress, and maples are the best wood types for stair railings. The use of wood stair rails is more common in homes and residential buildings. While they are usually used indoors, it is not uncommon to see wood stair rails on decks, patios, and other outdoor structures after proper treatment for protection from the elements.

Here are a few reasons that make wooden handrails the best choice for the home:

The classic and timeless appeal

One of the biggest reasons that make wood an attractive option for stair rails is the natural beauty it adds to the surrounding environment. When carved and installed professionally, it offers a unique and classy touch. In addition, it is easier to paint and stain the wood to meet the aesthetic requirements of any interior or exterior space. While wood is desirable and affordable, homeowners should only choose quality wood.

Durability

A high-quality wood stair rail will last for several years. This is because manufacturers build them to meet the highest quality industry standards. As a result, their durability is unmatched by other materials. In addition, strongly-constructed stair rails made from premium wood stand the test of time when properly treated.

Ease of customization

Another reason that makes wood an excellent choice for stair rails is the endless customization options. Homeowners can customize them as they like, from connecting the balusters with a wood block and keeping long-standing balusters and supporting them with a 4-6 inches hand rest to using different designs to carve the wooden panels. Match the wood stair rail to the surroundings where it will be installed to create the perfect look. Get the railing hand-crafted by the manufacturer for a rustic look, carve it to achieve a traditional appearance, or sand and finish it for contemporary appeal.

Easy maintenance and cleaning

Interior wood stair rails are easy to clean and maintain. However, outdoor wood stair railing will need regular upkeep. Ensure to keep them structurally sound, and use special coatings to protect them from outdoor elements like rain, heat, and snow, and avoid rotting, splitting, and warping.

Safety and comfort

Wood stair rails can bear more weight and offer safety, comfort, and stability, especially to the elderly. In addition, it makes traversing up and down the stairs easy and safe.

Choose the best wood stair rail for the home

Stylish and elegant wood stair rails impact the overall home appearance and create an outstanding ambiance. A professional can help choose the correct wood for your stair rail project and ensure its proper installation.

The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.