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Design Dilemma
ckreaps

need help with inside stair railing

Colleen Kreaps
7 years ago

Really like the look of stainless or brushed nickel rods running horizontal for the inside stair railing, any suggestions how to use these types of materials and do it economically? I would like to mix dark maple wood with the stainless or brushed nickel. Can round maple rods be found, and if so, where? My husband and I , and our contractor are having a tough time coming up with solutions for this one. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ( I wondered if a rod can be wrapped in a very thin layer of stainless? Somewhat like you would wrap something with aluminum foil? Only I would want a smooth look. Not wrinkles. ) Or, can you find hollow stainless or brushed nickel rods that would work for this situation? If so, where would you find them at? Thanks.

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    Heartland Stairways
    7 years ago

    You can do this type of balustrade which is relatively inexpensive compared to Inox or most other horizontal stainless options. You could have the newels (posts), rail, and intermediate wood components done in the dark maple which would offer very nice contrast with the stainless and it is also something most reasonably skilled trim carpenters could likely accomplish for you. This does pass code unless your project happens to be in one of few local jurisdictions that doesn't allow horizontal balustrades. The newels are 3 1/2", the rail is 2 1/4" thick, and the intermediates are 1 3/4". Good luck with your project!

    Comments (6)

    • chiflipper
      7 years ago

      http://www.rockler.com/large-diameter-dowel-rods-3-dia

      You can order 3 inch diameter rods here. Any metal fabricator can "wrap" a piece of wood in brushed SS.

      Colleen Kreaps thanked chiflipper
    • PRO
      Patricia Colwell Consulting
      7 years ago

      Horizontal railings are not to code in many places you should check that out and yes there are maple rods and stainless rods

      Colleen Kreaps thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
    • PRO
      Joseph Corlett, LLC
      7 years ago

      Your guardrail can't be a ladder for children to climb. Anyone can dream up and/or draw anything. The difficulty is great design within the parameters of the building code. That takes talent.

      Colleen Kreaps thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
    • User
      7 years ago

      There are NO restrictions on whether or not a guard rail meant to protect against accidental falls can be climbable in the IRC (US building codes) because they are smart enough to realize that a chair can be placed next to the railing making it easy to climb over regardless of the design of the rail.

      (Yes, even in Florida, Joseph)

      http://floridabuilding2.iccsafe.org/app/book/content/2014_Florida/Residential%20Code/Chapter%203.html

      The rail is there to prevent accidents, NOT stupidity. Canada is the only place ridiculous enough to play big brother to that sort of thing, but they have also mandated lever knobs for all doors, and will soon require padding on all the walls, floors, and ceilings of the rooms, and no projections that you could tie a rope to for hanging yourself ;D

    • PRO
      Patricia Colwell Consulting
      7 years ago

      That railing would not pass code in many places

      Colleen Kreaps thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
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