As the name suggests, handrails are the part you hold on to for support and stability when you are going up or down stairs. The style and layout of your staircase will determine which type of handrail will work best for your stairs. Handrail brackets attach the railings to your wall and as such are a vital part. However, they can also be a decorative feature. Handrail brackets are available in many different styles and materials so you can achieve the look you want for your staircase.

Choosing the correct bracket for your staircase shouldn’t be difficult, but with so many options on the market, it can be a little overwhelming. This is why we’ve broken down everything you need to know about handrail brackets for your staircase.

Below we take a closer look at

• Materials and styles of handrail brackets
• How to install a handrail

Materials and style of handrail brackets

Handrail brackets are a small feature on your staircase that can make a big impact by bringing the overall look of the space together. Finishes range from contemporary-style metals such as chrome and white enamel to more classic choices like brass. The type of material you choose is important as it will determine the amount of maintenance needed, the longevity of the brackets as well as the overall look of the stair railing.

Stainless steel handrail brackets

Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, fire and heat as well as being extremely tough and durable, making it a great long-la

sting option, ideal for commercial spaces and outdoor areas.

Our stainless steel brackets are available in different sizes and finishes, including 76mm Polished Stainless Steel Pattern Handrail Bracket and 65mm Satin Stainless Steel Pattern Handrail Bracket.

Chrome handrail brackets

Chrome is a plated metal with a thin layer of chromium applied to the surface to help prevent corrosion. It has a dazzling, highly reflective surface. Chrome brackets are a great choice for modern stairways as the metal has a sleek finish that pairs particularly well with pale wooden handrails such as oak or pine.

Have a look at our popular chrome handrail brackets, 70mm Satin Chrome Handrail Bracket, 70mm Polished Chrome Handrail Bracket and Marcus Heritage Brass Polished Chrome Handrail Bracket.

 

Brass handrail brackets

 

Brass is a durable metal which can come in a variety of colour finishes to suit your rail. With antibacterial properties, brass could be a great choice for surfaces touched by various people. However, brass will require more maintenance than other metals to keep it looking its best.

At Ironmongery Experts, we stock brass rail brackets in a variety of finishes, including our classic style antique brass Marcus Heritage Brass Antique Brass Handrail Bracket, satin brass Marcus Heritage Brass Satin Brass Handrail Bracket and polished brass Marcus Heritage Brass Polished Brass Handrail Bracket.

 

Aluminium handrail brackets

 

Aluminium brackets have a bright polished finish. It’s an extremely weather-resistant metal that is often anodised to protect the surface. We stock a variety of satin anodised aluminium (SAA) handrail brackets that are ideal for both commercial and industrial properties. 65mm SAA Heavy Pattern Handrail Bracket and 76mm SAA Heavy Pattern Handrail Bracket.

 

Bronze handrail brackets

Bronze is weather-resistant and will require little maintenance plus, will resist corrosion and wear making it a great choice for your handrails. We stock solid brass handrail brackets with a bronze finish, including the Marcus Heritage Brass Matt Bronze Handrail Bracket and Alexander and Wilks 80mm Dark Bronze Handrail Bracket.

 

How To Install A Handrail Bracket

Now you have chosen your handrail brackets, how do you install them? And how many do you need?

Although there are no official guidelines for how far apart handrail brackets need to be, when you’re installing a handrail it’s a good idea to fit the brackets no more than one metre apart.

Fitting enough brackets will ensure your handrail is safe and secure. For a standard 3.6m handrail you’ll need four brackets. One at the top, another at the bottom and two others spaced evenly in between.

You Will Need

• Tape measure
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Tape
• Handrail brackets
• Handrail
• Screws
• Level
• Drill
• Screwdriver

 

You should fit a handrail between 900mm and 1000mm above the pitch line of the stairs. You’ll need to bear this in mind when fitting your handrail brackets.

 

1. With a stud finder, find the studs in the wall and mark them with tape or with a pencil. Handrail brackets should be secured to the studs as drywall anchors are not strong enough.
2. After marking each stud, decide where you will be placing your handrail brackets. Hold them over the marked spot and use a pencil to mark inside the screw holes. Then, use the level to ensure the marks are straight.
3. Once you have the right position and height of the bracket, drill holes where you have made the marks and start to attach your handrail brackets loosely to the wall with one screw.
4. Place the handrail on the brackets to make sure the angle is perfect. Once you are happy, securely fix the brackets to the wall using the rest of the screws.
5. Finally, you get to attach the handrail to the brackets. Drill holes into the handrail for the bracket screws then tighten the screws so the brackets are secured to the rail.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide from Ironmongery Experts. If you have any enquiries regarding ironmongery products, please feel free to give our friendly team a call on 01376 557 561. Alternatively, contact us at info@ironmongeryexperts.co.uk.

Disclaimer

At Ironmongery Experts we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

We try our best to provide clear and correct instructions within our articles, so you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine your capabilities when undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, we strongly recommend that you educate yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. We believe it is in your best interest to complete further research and/or contact the necessary professional body should you have any further concerns.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY you have completed.